I don't mention this much, but one of the things my work tangentially focuses on is privacy.
As I'm sure most know, there are complex methods for protecting your privacy such as using a VPN or a TOR browser, etc. But when it's said that "they're watching everything," it's actually pretty accurate. Who "they" are is really the only thing that changes. In truth there are several theys, from tech companies to information brokers to advertisers and media buyers to governments. Most apps focus on blocking or obfuscating your traffic, but here are two that take a different approach, which is informing you who's watching.
The first is Brave, which is a browser that tells you about many of the ads and trackers that a website tries to follow you with. It then allows you to block all of these, let a few through on sites you want to support, or get rewards your viewing particular ads.
The second is fairly new and is called Blacklight. This site allows you to search for all the trackers affiliated with a website before you go to visit it.
I should disclose I'm not affiliated in any way with either of these projects, but have been following the development of both for awhile and can cosign. I am interested in what folks think of the being informed and able to block/not enter versus pure blocking approach. Of course, if you're in Europe, you're getting a ton of information just to navigate page to page, which can be clunky in its own right, but is useful for opting out.
As I'm sure most know, there are complex methods for protecting your privacy such as using a VPN or a TOR browser, etc. But when it's said that "they're watching everything," it's actually pretty accurate. Who "they" are is really the only thing that changes. In truth there are several theys, from tech companies to information brokers to advertisers and media buyers to governments. Most apps focus on blocking or obfuscating your traffic, but here are two that take a different approach, which is informing you who's watching.
The first is Brave, which is a browser that tells you about many of the ads and trackers that a website tries to follow you with. It then allows you to block all of these, let a few through on sites you want to support, or get rewards your viewing particular ads.
Secure, Fast, & Private Web Browser with Adblocker | Brave
The Brave browser is a fast, private and secure web browser for PC, Mac and mobile. Download now to enjoy a faster ad-free browsing experience that saves data and battery life by blocking tracking software.
brave.com
The second is fairly new and is called Blacklight. This site allows you to search for all the trackers affiliated with a website before you go to visit it.
I should disclose I'm not affiliated in any way with either of these projects, but have been following the development of both for awhile and can cosign. I am interested in what folks think of the being informed and able to block/not enter versus pure blocking approach. Of course, if you're in Europe, you're getting a ton of information just to navigate page to page, which can be clunky in its own right, but is useful for opting out.
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