Brave debate aside, at least the Brave iOS app blocks ads on big sites like Youtube while still allowing multiple tabs to be open. It even plays audio in the background for YT without premium. It’s better than nothing and it’s more customizable than you’d think. That being said, is any browser truly private?

After reading about Snowden leaks and what world governments are capable of technologically, I’ve come to the same conclusion that privacy is now an illusion. Sure, one browser might send less data to corporations, but the government can see whatever they want on anyone’s computer with an internet connection. The answer is to take a step back technologically. Interact with people in person. Read books at the library. Shop locally instead of online or at big box stores. Buy thrifted DVDs. The further you remove yourself, the more private you will be.

If I use a USB device, does that mean I’m using an IBM/Microsoft product? No, it’s an open source standard. Same applies to Brave, Chromium is a standard open source starting point to build browsers on- the only tie to Google is the developer of the original backbone for the program.

How do they make ad revenue when there are no ads, and the ones that show when you first install can be deconfigured?

Why should I trust Mozilla over Brave? Just because Mozilla is a nonprofit subsidiary doesn’t mean that they don’t have an incentive to make money for their profit handling corporate division, the Mozilla Corporation. I tried playing around with Firefox and not having the option to directly add a less-used search engine than the ones given without extensions was pretty sketchy to me. All of the complaints people have about Brave like ads and the weird crypto thing are very configurable in the settings, and I have a lot less compatibility issues compared to Firefox. Also, the source linked claiming all of this is a sketchy Neocities site that anyone could have made that doesn’t even prove why Brave isn’t private. I get that people are loyal to their favorite browsers but this is silly. If you really want to be private, use the Tor network, but all browsers and extensions need to track you in some degree to function.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozilla_Corporation

It has tor built in if you’re concerned about that

I’ve requested it from amazon three times in the last three months and haven’t heard anything back

Snail mail? Make sure to use a security envelope to prevent someone from reading your mail by spraying computer duster (when sprayed upside down it reveals the inside of a normal envelope, then evaporates). You can also put a few grains of kool-aid powder in the envelope seal to indicate if the envelope was forced open with steam.

I suggest you avoid short-form video apps entirely. There is a correlation between reduced interest in learning/ADHD and Short form video formats 1 2 3. When you use sites like Lemmy and actively read, you are at least becoming a better reader and critical thinker. Short form video shows you fast-paced content tailored to you that’s designed to keep you addicted and entranced. From what I’ve seen firsthand, once people start using these platforms they have a hard time stopping.

Stop trying to push your crappy crypto

Buy RFID/NFC shields for all your tap cards in your wallet, these can be used to track your presence

I use https://temp-mail.org/en/ when signing up for one time stuff

https://temp-mail.org/en/

Planting trees does not equal caring for young trees as they grow. By their standards I could throw a handful of walnuts out the window and claim I planted several trees.

I work at a Thai restaurant. Pro tip: get phat kee mao/drunken noodles instead if you like heat