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Your First Steps with Ethikal

Now that you've created your account and connected your wallet, let's explore the key features of Ethikal and get you started on your privacy-first journey.

Dashboard Overview​

When you log in, you'll see your personal dashboard with several key sections:

Privacy Score​

Your privacy score indicates how well you're protecting your data:

  • Score Range: 0-100
  • Green (80-100): Excellent privacy protection
  • Yellow (50-79): Good, with room for improvement
  • Red (0-49): Needs attention

How to Improve Your Score:

  • Install the browser extension
  • Block more tracking attempts
  • Review and adjust privacy settings
  • Limit data sharing with advertisers

Data Value Overview​

See the monetary value of your data:

  • Today's Value: How much your data was worth in auctions today
  • This Week: Weekly data value trends
  • This Month: Monthly totals
  • All Time: Cumulative value of your data

Recent Activity​

Monitor what's happening with your data:

  • Tracking attempts blocked
  • Auctions where your data was used
  • NFTs you've minted
  • Privacy score changes

Essential First Steps​

1. Install the Browser Extension​

The browser extension is crucial for tracking and controlling data collection:

  1. Navigate to Privacy > Browser Extension
  2. Click Install Extension
  3. Follow the installation prompts
  4. The extension will appear in your browser toolbar

See Browser Extension Guide for detailed instructions.

2. Configure Privacy Settings​

Set your privacy preferences:

  1. Go to Account Settings > Privacy
  2. Choose your privacy level:
    • Maximum: Block all tracking (highest privacy)
    • Balanced: Block most tracking, allow some functionality
    • Minimal: Basic protection only
  3. Customize specific settings:
    • Cookie preferences
    • Tracking scripts
    • Third-party data sharing

3. Explore Data Tracking​

Start monitoring what data is being collected:

  1. Visit Data Value > Overview
  2. Browse to different websites
  3. Watch as the extension detects tracking attempts
  4. Review the data being collected
  5. See auction values in real-time

See Data Tracking Guide for more details.

4. View Your First Auction Data​

Understand how your data creates value:

  1. Navigate to Data Value > Auction Data
  2. Review recent advertising auctions
  3. See which advertisers bid on your data
  4. Understand the value breakdown
  5. Track your earnings

See Auction Data Guide for more information.

Understanding Key Concepts​

What is Data Value?​

Data value represents the monetary worth of your personal data in the advertising ecosystem:

  • Advertisers bid in auctions to show you ads
  • These bids are based on your demographic and behavioral data
  • Ethikal tracks these auctions and shows you the true value
  • You can earn a portion of this value by participating

What are Privacy NFTs?​

Privacy NFTs are unique digital tokens that:

  • Represent your privacy preferences
  • Can be traded or transferred
  • Prove your privacy settings cryptographically
  • Create a permanent record of your data rights choices

How Does Tracking Work?​

The Ethikal browser extension:

  1. Monitors websites you visit
  2. Detects tracking scripts and cookies
  3. Records what data they attempt to collect
  4. Blocks tracking based on your settings
  5. Reports findings to your dashboard

Common Tasks​

Check Your Privacy Score​

  1. Log in to your dashboard
  2. View the Privacy Score widget
  3. Click for detailed breakdown
  4. See improvement suggestions

View Data Collection​

  1. Navigate to Privacy > Data Tracking
  2. See real-time tracking attempts
  3. Filter by date, website, or data type
  4. Review what was blocked vs. allowed

Review Auction History​

  1. Go to Data Value > Auction Data
  2. Browse your auction history
  3. Filter by date or advertiser
  4. See value trends over time

Manage Privacy Settings​

  1. Go to Account Settings > Privacy
  2. Adjust your privacy level
  3. Customize specific trackers
  4. Save your changes

Check Notifications​

  1. Click the notification bell icon
  2. Review recent alerts
  3. See important privacy updates
  4. Manage notification preferences

Tips for New Users​

Maximize Your Privacy​

  • Set privacy level to "Maximum" initially
  • Install the browser extension on all browsers you use
  • Regularly review what data is being collected
  • Adjust settings based on your comfort level

Maximize Your Earnings​

  • Allow some data collection (with consent)
  • Participate in advertiser programs
  • Keep your profile information current
  • Engage with the platform regularly

Stay Informed​

  • Check your dashboard daily
  • Review weekly privacy reports
  • Read update notifications
  • Join the community discussions

Next Steps​

Explore Advanced Features​

Once you're comfortable with the basics:

  1. Set Up Advanced Privacy Rules
  2. Deep Dive into Analytics
  3. Configure OAuth Providers

Join the Community​

  • Follow us on social media
  • Join our Discord server
  • Participate in governance votes
  • Share feedback and suggestions

Get Help When Needed​

Quick Reference​

Keyboard Shortcuts​

  • Ctrl/Cmd + P: Open privacy quick settings
  • Ctrl/Cmd + D: View dashboard
  • Ctrl/Cmd + N: Check notifications
  • Ctrl/Cmd + S: Open account settings
  • Dashboard: /dashboard
  • Privacy Settings: /account/privacy
  • Data Value: /data-value
  • Help Center: /help

Feedback Welcome​

We're constantly improving Ethikal based on user feedback. If you have:

  • Suggestions for new features
  • Ideas for improvement
  • Bug reports
  • General feedback

Please visit Account > Feedback or email us at feedback@ethikal.com

Congratulations!​

You've completed the essential first steps with Ethikal. You're now ready to take control of your data privacy and start earning from your data's value.

Happy browsing with privacy!