Don't just focus on your privacy and online security. Where you can help your family and friends. An elderly associate had their FB account taken over today and their mobile phone number was sim swapped leaving thrm unable to restore their account and vulnerable to all manner of criminality. Trying to work through that stuff with a non tech savvy person can be challenging but the risk of not locking down their accounts properly with MFA and a simple sim lock with their telco is costing them now.
There's no denying that pre installed and mainstream apps are convenient. Privacy is a pain in the backside. It can be cumbersome and inconvenient. It depends on you the individual to make a decision on your threat model. You'll find the middle ground. Just start by tidying up your online presence, even just a little bit.
It's pretty crazy that you can spend $1000+ dollars on a phone and even then the product, Android, Meta and other apps you use can be surveiling you for marketing purposes. Opt out where you can. Consider linux and maybe a dumb phone or grapheneOS. Protect your data where you can. #SurveillanceCapitalism
When did you first realize that social media and the big brand tech companies were out to monetize you as their product? For me it was probably only really the last 3 - 5 years. I never really thought of the motivations of a company to let you use a product for free. I didn't realize I was the product and my data was their incentive. #surveillancecapitalism #privacy
Privacy is a constantly evolving journey. Start by looking through your inbox and unsubscribing from that marketing list you don't read anymore. Delete (not deactivate) the old accounts. It's not a bad start. Reduce the risk of you being breached. Every little bit helps.
If you're privacy minded you might appreciate ProtonMail. Right now Proton Mail has big discounts on their subscription services for Black Friday. Encrypted drives, unlimited email alias addresses (on some plans), proton authenticator and password keeper to name a few. Integrate your Gmail, Outlook and other privacy invasive services with ease (and phase them out) I'm not affiliated but i know value when i see it. Pay in BTC if you need to.
Proton
Proton Black Friday deals: All plans and discounts | Proton
Explore all of Proton’s Black Friday 2025 deals and discounts. Save up to 70% on Proton VPN, Proton Mail, Proton Pass, Proton Drive, Lumo, and more.
 #Privacy #ProtonMail