What steps do you feel like are before a VPN? (lemmy.world)

submitted 6 months ago by ericbomb@lemmy.world to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

30 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Context: my gf mentioned getting a vpn for privacy, and I tried to explain that it "does" help, but it's more like type of windows on a house. It certainly can be part of the package, but it's no where near the foundation.

So i tried to explain the best that i could That if she was worried about online privacy the first step wasn't to mask traffic, but to not submit personal data to anything online like FB, not use Google services that package everything on you together to sell to advertisers, and to limit phone apps to essentials.

But I'm curious on what other steps you guys would consider the "foundation" of online privacy that should be prioritized before a vpn. Any thoughts? Or am I way off base?

Note: this is in context of vpn for privacy. Using vpn to avoid Geo blocking and censorship I see as incredibly valid for those that need it.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[-] jet@hackertalks.com 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

Have a web browser that isn't logged into any services for general web browsing. Mullvad browser is a good choice. Make it your default browser for any links that get randomly clicked.

The benefit here is your not carrying around a bunch of active cookies for the sites you log into. It makes logging into a site a deliberate choice. No history builds up of random links, browsing, searching.

A browsing only web browser plus a VPN is a really good start at cleaning up your digital footprint by making it more intentional.

I recommend mullvad VPN, and mullvad browser.. but any combination is fine.

https://www.privacyguides.org/en/basics/why-privacy-matters/ Privacy guides is a excellent resource with writeups, FAQs, and ... Guides to help you in your journey

this post was submitted on 16 Apr 2024

43 points (95.7% liked)

Privacy

31601 readers

384 users here now

A place to discuss privacy and freedom in the digital world.

Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.

In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.

Some Rules

Posting a link to a website containing tracking isn't great, if contents of the website are behind a paywall maybe copy them into the post
Don't promote proprietary software
Try to keep things on topic
If you have a question, please try searching for previous discussions, maybe it has already been answered
Reposts are fine, but should have at least a couple of weeks in between so that the post can reach a new audience
Be nice :)

Related communities

Chat rooms

[Matrix/Element]Dead
Discord

much thanks to @gary_host_laptop for the logo design :)

founded 5 years ago

MODERATORS