Privacy Chapter 11 — Privacy Across Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android & Linux
- Pallav Avatarit
- Nov 11, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 25, 2025
Choosing the right operating system (OS) is crucial for protecting your privacy. Let’s break down how the major OS options fare when it comes to keeping your data private and secure.
Windows
Windows 11 has become the most privacy-intrusive OS in 2025. With new AI features rolling out, Microsoft is collecting even more data to power these tools. This includes everything from your search history to your location and even your voice interactions. Microsoft keeps adding new cloud-based features to Windows 11, often enabling them by default without asking for user consent. The latest addition, as of May 2024, is a built-in keylogger called Recall, which is part of their AI features. This tool records every keystroke on your device and takes regular screenshots of your screen. The data is stored insecurely in a local database that decrypts when your device is on, making it an easy target for hackers. Unfortunately, it does not redact sensitive information such as copied passwords or financial data. This feature is currently available only on certain newer devices, but it highlights how little Microsoft prioritises your security and privacy.
To make matters worse, Microsoft has started putting ads in Windows 11, despite it being a paid product. Soon, Windows might become the most privacy-intrusive OS on the planet, continuously monitoring and collecting data from users.
Apple (macOS, iOS, iPadOS)
On 10th June 2024, Apple unveiled Apple AI (called Apple Intelligence) which integrates key AI features while keeping the major operations on-device rather than in the cloud, making it a safer option for privacy. Even when Apple does send the heavier requests to the cloud, it has built a private cloud system for better privacy (even the requests sent to the Apple partnered OpenAI's ChatGPT will be kept relatively private as long as you do not connect your ChatGPT account). While yet to be audited independently, Apple gets a plus point just for trying, unlike Google and Microsoft.
iOS and iPadOS are generally more secure than Android. Apple’s tight control over its ecosystem makes it harder for malware to infiltrate the devices. Historically, it has been more difficult to hack iOS than Android, thanks to its robust security measures and regular updates.
macOS, while based on Unix, is still closed source. It’s better than Windows in terms of privacy, but not perfect. Apple does collect some data, but it’s generally less intrusive compared to Windows. However, being a closed-source system, it still has some transparency issues.
Android
Android is a Google product, and as we know, Google’s business model relies heavily on data collection. This means that Android devices collect a lot of data on users. While Google has made strides in improving security and privacy features, the sheer amount of data collection and the prevalence of malware on the platform make it less secure than iOS. Moreover, Android’s fragmentation means not all devices receive timely security updates, leaving many users vulnerable. Read more about Android privacy here.
If you want a secure Mobile Operating System, try GrapheneOS
Linux
The best OS for privacy is Linux. Here’s why:
- Open Source: Being open source, anyone can inspect the code to ensure there are no backdoors or privacy-invasive features.
- No Bloatware: Linux distributions typically don’t come with pre-installed bloatware or spyware.
- Customisation: You have complete control over your OS, allowing you to configure it to your exact privacy needs.
- Community Driven: Many Linux distributions are developed by communities dedicated to privacy and security, like Tails and Qubes OS.
Keeping Your OS Secure
Regardless of which OS you use, here are some tips to keep your system secure:
- Windows: Turn off telemetry and data collection features, use a reputable antivirus, and regularly update your system. Consider using privacy-focused tools like O&O ShutUp10 to manage Windows settings. For more information to secure your Windows, read here or watch this video.
- macOS: Use the built-in security features like FileVault for disk encryption, enable the firewall, and regularly update your system. For more information to secure your MacOS, read here or watch this video.
- iOS/iPadOS: Keep your device updated, use strong passcodes, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious about the apps you install. For more information on how to keep your iPhones and iPads secure, watch this video.
- Android: Use devices that receive regular security updates, install apps only from trusted sources, and use privacy-focused settings and apps. For more information on how to keep your Android phones secure, watch this video.
- Linux: Regularly update your system, use a firewall, and consider security-focused distributions if privacy is a major concern. For more information on how to keep your Linux systems secure, watch this video.
In conclusion, while switching to a more privacy-focused OS like Linux or using Apple’s ecosystem can significantly improve your privacy, it’s essential to take steps to secure any OS you use. Understanding the privacy implications of your OS and taking proactive measures will help you maintain control over your personal data.
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