cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/20406932

I may go for short term work in either South Korea or Saudi for a few months. Does anybody have any idea, how safe it is to use a VPN as a foreigner in these countries? Worse case scenario, can I use a VPN in a Azure VM and scp torrent downloaded files or something?

Hi guys wanted to know how can i use mull browser in higher refresh rate than 60hz? I know it will make me standout and more prone to fingerprinting and it's fine for my use case

When it comes to Intel Management Engine, I actually think it's not a threat if you neutralize it. I mean to just set the HAP bit on it. Because if that isn't enough then that means all computers in the world which use Intel CPU can be accessed by NSA but if NSA had this much power then it seems obvious that they aren't using it and why wouldn't they use it?

There's a github project to neutralize/disbale Intel ME: https://github.com/corna/me_cleaner Disable is overwriting intel ME as much as possible with zeros, leaving only a little remaining to be able to boot the computer. The newer the intel chips are, the less likely it is to be able to disable it. But all chip sets can be neutralized which means to set the HAP bit which is an official feature. In theory we can't actually trust the HAP bit to really disable intel ME permanently. It's more like asking Intel to do what they have promised because it's proprietary. But I think it really does permanently disable it because otherwise NSA would be abusing this power.

That's why I think the newer laptop models are better because it's probably not necessary to disable, it's enough to just neutralize withthe HAP bit. And with a newer modern laptop they can have open source Embedded Controller firmware which is better than proprietary Embedded Controller firmware.

I'm interested to hear what you think as well.

This is straightforward with browser addons like uBlock Origin where you can add and choose blocklists, but I did searches for doing so system wide and using a VPN but didn't find clear answers. I could use a DNS service that provides blocklists but isn't it best practice to leave DNS to the VPN provider? I looked up blocklists and VPNs but didn't find relevant results.

On Android, I didn't find any apps that let you filter blocklists and using your own VPN other than Rethink, but the blocklists feature requires using Rethink's DNS.

So what's the best way to filter ads and trackers on both 3rd party apps and on OS's like Android (specific Samsung phones) while still using a VPN?

UK Banks: HSBC, Lloyds, Starling, Monzo, etc.

Update I have come to a decision. Thank you to all who contributed suggestions. Please feel free to keep the discussion going to help others.

Nextcloud now supports federation including activity pub!

It's me again with another question for recommendation 🙈 This time I am searching for a new Email-Provider:

Currently I am using mailbox.org (privacy-friendly provider based in Germany). Since my subscription is comming to an end there, I tought about switching to proton mail-plus. What I like about them is, that they have an easy way of creating alias-emails and also support the option to use your own domain.

But maybe you gals and guys have another great provider which offers good features for a good price.

Also: I dont need Cloud-Storage or anything like that, so just mail is fine.

Thx in regards :)

Replacing a dishwasher. Most of the mid-range options now come with fucking Wi-Fi. Found a model I liked, no info in manual and support from Samsung was of course, useless since it wasn't already in the manual and wanted to keep talking about their exciting "smart things" app. gag.

I saw a youtube video of a guy disconnecting wifi cable on a fridge. I'm fine doing that if I have to open up the board but it'll probably be smaller than the fridge and who knows if it'll be helpfully labled like the one in the video was. Internet searching showed me there may be oven keypress combinations to turn wi-fi radio on/off. Anyone have anything similar/advice for Samsung appliances, specifically dishwashers?

Hi everyone! For... I guess over a year now? I've been observing and trying out lots of software recommended by the privacy community and internet as a whole. With that time, I've been able to slowly put together a list of all the software I personally believe to be the best for their own various reasons. I finally have enough to be able to share it with all of you!

I'm also looking for feedback. I haven't tried all the software on that list, and I'm sure there's software I've never heard of that needs added. I'm looking for your feedback on what you think should be added, removed, or changed. That includes the list itself, if you think there are any design improvements.

Do note: Any software marked with a ⭐️ I am not looking for feedback on. This is software that I firmly believe is the best of the best in its category, and likely will not be changed. However, if there is a major issue with the software that you can provide direct proof of, then there is a chance it will be changed in the next release. There are no grantees.

The sections marked with ℹ️ are lacking, and can use your help! Some software there may not be the best one, or may have many software or sections missing. I am absolutely looking for help and feedback here, and would love your help!

My goal with this project is to help people find the best software from many standpoints, and to prove that there really are good open source alternatives for almost anything! I hope this helps someone, and I look forward to your feedback!

Thank you all for reading and taking the time to look through my list!

Edit: This project has moved to GitLab!

EDIT: Thank you all for your help, I guess I'll have to keep changing location, filling captcha and occasionally allow an exception. Keeping ones internet activity even remotely private requires effort, even with good tools.

Hi,

After reading time and again about how Mullvad VPN is the best VPN out there, I decided to give it a try and got myself an account & credit for a month worth of trial.

However after a couple days of use on my mobile (I also use Mullvad Browser), I'm getting bounced from many mainstream website.

Is this normal? Any settings I should adjust?

Cheers

I've had a Galaxy S22+ for 2 years and still want to use it. When I look up how to maximize privacy on Android, many results say to install custom ROMs which I can't since its a US model and the bootloader is locked. I just want to minimize tracking and sharing of personal information. I could use a firewall app like RethinkDNS to block trackers, but could I completely block tracking from Google and Samsung? Are there any lists of packages to uninstall to improve privacy? (I've used ADB to remove a bunch of bloatware. Ex: pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.arzone)

I'm trying to achieve a specific setup where I want to proxy a single app (lets say, GIMP) through a WireGuard/OpenVPN connection, while routing all other traffic through the Mullvad VPN app. The issue is that the VPN provider doesn't support SOCKS5 or any other proxy protocols(Not Mullvad VPN).

I've attempted to set up a WireGuard connection that only allows GIMP to pass through, but I'm not sure if I'm on the right track and don't know how to do it. Has anyone successfully achieved this setup on Linux? If so, I'd love to hear about your approach.

Specifically, I'm looking for a way to proxy GIMP through WireGuard/OpenVPN while keeping all other traffic routed through the Mullvad VPN app. Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I have been using kodi but it just so limited and clunky. Android TV is better but that is a major challenge since Android TV is very tied to Google with not much existing outside of Google.

What I am looking for is a device that can work with mostly Jellyfin. I don't use any streaming services. It would need to work flawlessly with a remote and I am looking for something that maintains itself mostly.

This is absolutely ridiculous. Imagine some fuckers just coming into your room while you're with your SO making love or something.

Genuinely curious as to how these types of giveaways work and what the company gains from them. Is it the additional data you give them to enter the giveaway? Also does anyone own one of these cameras, are they actually worth redeeming in this case?

Hi :) I know that Telegram is not save and not a good messenger if you are a privacy-geek. Sadly some parts of my family still think so. I brougth up the arguments, that they are cooperating with Russia, that they or closed-source on the server-side and that e2ee is not on by default and only available for 1-on-1 chats.

My question now is, if you gals and guys might have some other arguments or sources I could use.

I don't want to convince anyone to switch away from Telegram (because I am no missionary :D) I just want people to understand the risks of using Telegram.

Basically the title but I have a few requirements I’d love to meet.

I have a “Smart Soundbar” that I actually quite like the audio of, as well as serving as an HDMI hub and switch, with a decent remote ect. Basically I like the hardware quite a bit and it is generally high quality, particularly the audio quality, it’s from a reputable home audio company, blah blah blah.

I got it as part of some promo with my ISP so it has their slightly customized version of Android TV on it. I’ve already gotten side loading apps working, I have my YouTube client and VPN running, Jellyfin, all that. Now I just want to get rid of all the google apps and ISP tweaks. I would also love to maintain some sort of casting option akin to chromecast or AirPlay. Is there an Android app that turns a device into an AirPlay receiver? I have one for Linux.

I realize the “best” option is to not connect the thing to the Internet, but that defeats the purpose of having access to say the Netflix app with my VPN running. Or giving relatives a “Netflix” like experience with my Jellyfin server running offsite.

Just looking for any advice on maintaining functionality of the high quality speaker and generally good Android TV interface while clawing back some privacy. I’d be willing to flash it with something totally different though if anyone know how to do that.

"Article 5 eV, a civil rights group helping to maintain the Tor network, has reported that German police raided the private address where the non-profit was registered.

The authorities came knocking at the Essen-based office on August 16th, 2024, the group said, with armed officers spending nearly two hours in the office. Article 5 eV facilitates Tor network by operating its exit nodes.

“There are obviously still people working in German law enforcement today, who think that harassing a node-operator NGO would somehow lead to the de-anonymization of individual Tor users. At least that is what they claim in the paperwork,” Gero Kühn, the leader of the group, said..."

I am looking for any methods to add privacy to Siri. I do not use apple products but it appears their voice assistant is the most privacy friendly option of the mainstream brands. How can I privatize/anonymize the smallest apple device with siri for daily use. Such as an iPod or iPhone jailbroke or not, or homepod device. I do not have the time to do a lengthy setup. I need plug and go for the most part as I am overworked already. I am using this for voice reminders, to do lists, the basic stuff, asking questions. Thanks.

Edit: Besides locking it in a sound proof danger box, using a voice changer as input, hard wiring on its own little danger spot on the network, fake account, pi hole, and VPN. Any realistic ideas?