The digital landscape presents unique challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals, who may face heightened risks of doxxing, outing, and other forms of online harassment. Recognizing this, **EFF** and **The Trevor Project** have teamed up to provide practical guidance, emphasizing that even small adjustments can significantly improve online safety. "The Trevor Project's mission is to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) young people," says Tommy from **The Trevor Project**. "Our vision is to create a world where all LGBTQ+ young people see a bright future for themselves." While the scope of online threats can feel overwhelming, the core message is clear: taking control of the information you share across services and platforms is the most impactful step you can take today. ### Protect Your Personal Information Exercise caution when sharing sensitive details such as your full name, address, school, phone number, and personal photos. These can inadvertently expose identifying information you wish to keep private. Consider using an avatar instead of a personal profile picture if it enhances your comfort level. Be discreet when discussing work or educational affiliations. If you do share personal photos, avoid accompanying them with information that identifies your location or frequent whereabouts. Crucially, ensure that **EXIF data** (which can contain location information) is turned off. A simple method to achieve this is to take a screenshot of the photo and share the screenshot instead of the original. Additionally, refrain from posting pictures with easily identifiable backgrounds, such as your front door or porch. ### Understand the Importance of Login Information When creating accounts, you often have the option to use your phone number or a third-party account (e.g., **Facebook**, **Google**, or **Apple**). While these external accounts can simplify login management, they may also facilitate data sharing with the apps you access. Evaluate whether this trade-off aligns with your privacy preferences. Prioritize using strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever it's offered. ### Review Permissions with Social Media Apps Regularly review and adjust the permissions granted to apps, particularly concerning access to your location and camera roll. Location data is especially critical. While some apps may require basic location information to function, you can often deny access to your device's "precise location" or manually enter a city or zip code. ### Consider What You Share When Speaking with Others Online Be mindful of the information you disclose in online posts and conversations. Avoid sharing sensitive financial details and always trust your intuition if something feels amiss. Periodically review your profile's privacy settings to ensure you remain comfortable with the information you've chosen to share. Effective privacy management starts with a thorough understanding of your personal situation and a community-oriented approach. For deeper insights, explore **EFF's** blog post on "Building a Community Privacy Plan" and **The Trevor Project's** "Guide to Online Safety for LGBTQ+ Young People."