Privacy as Liberty: Why Everyday Users Must Understand and Manage Their Digital Footprint

The digital economy is largely driven by the exchange of personal data, yet Vijay Simha, founder of Guhyata, believes that many users remain unaware of the extent to which information is collected and sold. Apps and online devices are increasingly gathering user data, from location and contacts to call history and calendar events, often operating in the shadows of the internet.

Guhyata, a privacy-focused company, addresses this challenge through PrivacySentry, a mobile application designed as a “guard” to manage privacy on devices and help users understand, protect, and manage their personal information. The tool, Simha emphasizes, provides actionable insights about what applications access, how permissions on a device are used, and whether apps have been involved in data breaches. The Guhyata app aims to present information in a digestible format to empower users to make informed choices without judgment or fear.

Simha acknowledges that mobile applications provide numerous conveniences, yet he argues that they also collect a surprising amount of data. “Even a dating app might track location and messaging patterns, or a food delivery app can monitor ordering habits,” he explains. In his view, such practices are contributing to a growing trust gap as users may not know what data is being gathered or how it could be used.

As various social media platforms, healthcare apps, and search engines increasingly face data privacy lawsuits, that uncertainty and ambiguity only get exacerbated. Simha points to a case involving a banking app using access to user contacts to pursue repayment of a loan, highlighting how permission can extend beyond initial expectations. According to him, such incidents underscore the importance of visibility and control over digital interactions.

PrivacySentry provides three primary insights. First, it establishes a comparison of app permissions and calculates a privacy score, giving users context for understanding access levels. Second, it tracks which applications actively access sensitive information, including location, microphone, and contacts, whether in foreground or background. Third, the tool alerts users to apps that have been reported in data breaches, highlighting potential risks.

Such tools find greater relevance as consumer awareness of digital privacy remains low. Recent surveys report that 79% of Americans are unclear about data privacy and security policies. Simha also highlights that as smart home devices, wearable technology, and connected appliances expand, this knowledge gap may only keep increasing, emphasizing the importance of proactive privacy management.

PrivacySentry also offers features to support family digital literacy. The upcoming family version will provide insight into app permissions for children or elderly relatives, while a “circle of trust” function allows trusted contacts to share recommended privacy practices. By embedding these features, digital privacy becomes a collective responsibility rather than an individual burden.

The platform currently operates on Android, with plans to extend functionality to iOS in the near term. Users can access a free edition offering essential privacy insights, with a subscription model available for deeper analysis. This approach aims to ensure that personal data is not monetized by the service itself, emphasizing that privacy has intrinsic value and should be treated as a vital aspect of personal sovereignty.

“Digital privacy cannot be treated as an afterthought. Understanding what information is collected, how it is used, and where risks may exist is essential to maintaining control in an increasingly connected world,” he says. “And educating users about these realities is the first step in reclaiming agency over personal data and protecting digital lives.”

Lastly, Vijay Simha emphasizes the philosophy underlying Guhyata’s work. He says, “Privacy is your liberty. Awareness is the only way to protect it, and tools that inform and empower users can allow individuals to navigate the digital world on their own terms, without fear or compromise.”