I imagine most of you might know at least the basics of keeping your privacy and preventing tracking, since you're on here instead of Reddit.
But I thought it would be sure to expand on it a bit just in case after the US elections. These are easier to use solutions for people who don't know or can't for whatever reason run their own home server, email, etc.
- don't use Google products (at least, unaltered ones). Don't use Chrome, don't use Search, don't use Android*. The government will use Google to buy profiles of their enemies and possibly do even worse. Use a Fairphone with /e/is or install /e/ on a Samsung, or get a *Pixel and install GrapheneOS. /e/ does at least have an easy to use installer for certain phones (https://doc.e.foundation/easy-installer).
For email, Proton is easy to sign up for and outside of the USA. For messaging, I recommend going with something that won't use a phone number, like encrypted XMPP (removed Matrix from recommendation due to possible encryption issues). For keeping social networks I recommend taking a look at this as well (https://circles-project.github.io/). You can also keep apps updated easily using something like Obtanium. For browser, I'd avoid Firefox too if possible and maybe go with something a bit more hardened, like Librewolf or Mullvad. Also use a VPN. Proton has one, and so does AdGuard for phones, both being easy to install and use.
I'd avoid Apple phones because they can still be tracked easily, but it's still better than an unaltered Android phone.
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don't use Windows. Use any Linux distro, but not Windows. If you absolutely must use Windows, look into using Rufus to stop the telemetry, and using a non-consumer version of Windows (massgrave.dev/windows_ltsc_links) or look into ReactOS (although in Alpha, apparently still runs many popular Windows applications).
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turn off any smart features your TV has, and don't use Netflix etc. Eventually they'll target media habits as well if they can. Although I sell a device that uses Plasma Bigscreen to legitimately run things that use DRM in Europe, I'm making a package that'll run on an Odroid C4 that instead includes programs like Lidarr, Radarr, etc and release the package publicly so people can install it easily themselves.
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block trackers on the router level. Easiest way of doing this for someone not too technology inclined is to just get a Gl.inet router and activate/install the AdGuard Home plugin on it.
These are just some basic quick tips. Stay safe. You still have some months to prepare at least.
I actually disagree that media habits will be collected or targeted. It's easy to defeat at least the overt tracking at least on Netflix using uMatrix or uBlock Origin; and I've done it myself.
Primarily; I just refuse to be intimidated by the extremists. It's fine to take reasonable steps to protect yourself; but don't completely force yourself into any kind of isolation because you feel it protects you; that's exactly what THEY want.
You should be reasonably safe, and fine, using a major streaming service; as the fee to use them can easily be paid by privacy respecting means. (AKA scratch-cards purchased with either cash or crypto currency)
If you are worried about privacy; it's totally OK to take steps to protect that; but you should be aware that it's possible to get so wound up in protecting your privacy that you can do more harm for yourself than good. Privacy fatigue is a real issue; and that can be a problem as well. Use your best judgement.
I mean, in non technical terms, I basically stated to cosplay as a pirate if you catch my drift. No need to not shun media in the meantime.
Media habits are already collected, and targeted. They just aren't used by fascists yet.
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/10/streaming-industry-has-unprecedented-surveillance-manipulation-capabilities/
You also can't use uBlock on a smart tv.
Netflix streams aren't privacy encrypted. Doesn't matter how to pay, it can still be very easily linked to you via your internet provider. And Netflix would still have a profile built around that account.
I don't shun media; I practice moderation instead. I find it is better to be aware of my surroundings in all things so I can keep myself safe if needs be.
I'm aware of this; but I'm also a pretty savvy Networking / IT person. It's easy to foil a large portion of their tracking apparatus with DNS level blocking; and even easier to use a rPi or pfSense box to do so.
I clearly don't share or agree with your fears that the fascists will use them anytime soon. It's too likely that doing so will galvanize resistance against them swiftly.
I don't own a "Smart" TV. No TV-like device ever gets networked around here either; and it's going to be returned as "Defective" if it does refuse to work without a network connection. I watch via a PC with a well configured instance of uBlock Origin in Firefox. (+ several other privacy add-ons to prevent other shenanigans and ensure isolation).
They don't need to be. TLS is used; so any man-in-the-middle is likely not capable of knowing what you're watching. Only Netflix knows what you're watching. If you're concerned about their terms of service; or how they purport to use your data as outlined in their terms of service; then by all means make your post about that.
Your IP address is known by every website you visit; it is not a magic document number for you or your household. Your ISP isn't going to provide your data to the government without a valid subpoena; and those typically aren't issued easily. Any active change in law passed that is affecting trans people, you'd actually hear about.
You seem to have a few misconceptions or fears. Those fears are not invalid; but I am trying to suggest ways you can protect your privacy; while avoiding doing things like throwing all streaming media away and letting fears or misconceptions drive someone to absolute privacy fatigue and depression.
Is Piracy better? Undeniably so! If you have the technical know-how and wherewithal to pirate your media; it's a solid way to find content usually.
However, not all people choose piracy for their own reasons. That might mean one instead maintains a few low-cost streaming subscriptions on hand. It is possible to still enjoy these services; and pay for them in ways that keep one's privacy reasonably intact.