A new year always brings that clean-slate feeling. We set goals, clear clutter, and promise ourselves to live with a bit more intention. But what about our digital lives? After a year of nonstop apps, subscriptions, and data-sharing, it’s easy to feel like our privacy slipped through the cracks.

So let’s talk about what a privacy reset can look like for 2026, not as a tech checklist, but as a mindset.

Rethink What “Control” Really Means

Most people think privacy means locking everything down. In reality, it’s more about knowing what you share, with whom, and why. Total isolation isn’t the goal; informed connection is.

Start by asking small, simple questions:

When you approach privacy this way, you move from fear to confidence. You’re not hiding, you’re choosing.

Watch the New Frontiers of Data in 2026

The following year will bring plenty of innovation, and with it, new privacy challenges. Artificial intelligence is learning from how we speak, write, and even move. Smart homes are becoming increasingly “smarter,” and wearable technology is starting to measure emotions, not just steps.

That might sound intimidating, but there’s good news: awareness is growing. More countries are introducing stronger privacy rules, and more companies are realizing that respecting user data builds trust, not friction. Even tech giants are starting to compete on privacy features rather than just convenience.

In 2026, we’ll probably see three significant shifts:¹²

1. AI transparency will become a talking point. People will expect to know how their data trains or informs the algorithms they use.
2. Personal data dashboards, where you can actually see and control what’s stored about you, will become more common.
3. Privacy as a brand value will finally stick. Customers will reward companies that are honest about data use.

Give Yourself a Gentle Digital Audit

You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Start small:

• Clean up old logins and unsubscribe from services you no longer use.
• Review app permissions, especially those that track your location or microphone.
• Check your social media privacy settings.
• Consider using password managers and privacy-focused browsers for enhanced security and protection.

Think of it like tidying your room after a long year. You’re not throwing away everything, just keeping what serves you and letting go of the rest.

Make Privacy a Habit, Not a Resolution

Most New Year’s resolutions fade by February because they feel like chores. Privacy doesn’t have to. You can weave it into daily life with simple habits:

• Pause before signing up for something new.
• Be curious about where your data goes.
• Talk about privacy with friends and family; it’s easier to keep good habits when everyone’s aware.

Privacy isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. The goal is to feel calm and confident about the digital spaces you live in.

The Year Ahead

If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that our data tells stories about what we value, who we trust, and how we live. The start of 2026 is your chance to make sure you’re the one writing that story.

So before you rush into the new year, take a breath. Review, reset, and reconnect on your terms. That’s what real digital wellbeing looks like.

If you’d like to discuss privacy — or have questions about this post or your organization’s privacy practices — contact tiffany.soomdat@tueoris.com

— Tiffany A. Soomdat, MSL, CIPP/US • Senior Consultant @ Tueoris LLC

1. Pew Research Center. (2025, April 3). How the U.S. public and AI experts view artificial intelligence. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/04/03/how-the-us-public-and-ai-experts-view-artificial-intelligence/ ↩︎
2. European Data Protection Board. (2025). AI Privacy Risks & Mitigations – Large Language Models (LLMs). https://www.edpb.europa.eu/system/files/2025-04/ai-privacy-risks-and-mitigations-in-llms.pdf ↩︎