To take action : 10–20 min · Depending on your devices and accounts
Who can actually see your posts?
Choose what you share and who can see it.
PatchYourself · Last editorial revision : · Sources
Fictional example: an everyday situation
Zoe shares holiday photos with friends but discovers some old posts are public. She checks her profile’s audience and recent posts before changing settings.
The problem
A post can reveal a location, routine or relationship. Several small details together may help identify someone or make a scam more convincing.
A private setting reduces the intended audience, but recipients can copy or share contents. Settings may also differ between posts, stories, old photos and profile details.
What to do now
Step 1: View your profile differently
Use the public-profile preview if offered. Check your biography, contact details, friend list and a few old posts. Avoid publishing account-recovery information or precise real-time locations.
Step 2: Choose the audience
In privacy settings, choose a default audience and check existing content separately. Review who can tag you, contact you or see your activity.
Step 3: Review connected access
Check apps and services linked to the account. Revoke those you no longer use after understanding their purpose. Review active sessions and recovery details too.
Step 4: Discuss shared photos
Ask people before publishing their photos. For children, limit details that reveal their location and discuss sharing in an age-appropriate way. The printable handout can help start a conversation.
Go further
Public information and targeted attacks
OSINT uses publicly accessible information. It can support legitimate research or preparation for manipulation. You cannot control everything others publish, but can limit what you add and report problematic content.
Review again
Revisit settings after changing accounts, apps or personal circumstances. A privacy tool does not replace decisions about audience and content.
Sources and verification
References used for this revision. Menus and offers can change; consult the provider’s help for your version.