The increase in online services and digital channels has led to a large accumulation of user data, thus compromising data privacy. Researchers in the field of cybersecurity are seeking guidelines and solutions to protect user privacy as data processing by service providers becomes more extensive. Ensuring user privacy is the key to data protection, and providing users with the means to control their data remains the most effective method. To address the current complexity and proliferation of privacy settings, the authors developed the Unified Privacy and Permission Management Framework. This is a user-centric approach that simplifies the decision-making process and enhances the usability of privacy controls. It is built upon empirical insights and open-ended questions to understand users’ knowledge, perceptions and behaviours. The framework empowers users by presenting a streamlined, intuitive interface that facilitates informed decision-making and provides meta-level settings. This paper provides an example of how it can be applied in real-world scenarios to enhance user experience. The framework enables informed decision-making by providing a simple and intuitive interface that simplifies the complexity of privacy settings. Through this scenario, we illustrate the significant benefits users can experience, highlighting the framework’s potential to transform privacy management in the era of smart devices.