Apps for privacy…
Other than yours truly, there are a few other recommendations for websites and alternatives to check out. It’s only if you happened to be interested though, but I’m sure you are. If not, then allow me to interest you in some healthy choices. This will all help give you a fancy glare as you walk down blogger lane. It’s not necessarily the most lucrative marketing technique and safe way of blogging for oneself, but it’s fine; that’s not necessarily what I’m after. Below I’m going to list some of the best alternative apps and websites for privacy.
Long is as long does. Ah, and make sure to cover your privates, private. Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Pirate.
Options are out there, and it barely has anything to do with me, and everything to do with you. These are alternatives you’ll probably find anyway, including the site that helped me with this list. If you want to give someone else a chance, I’m all for it. I want to give you an idea of what’s out there, and you never know, it can always be useful. If you’re looking for great alternatives to popular apps and websites that enhance privacy, you’ve come to the right place.
Where can I find you online…?
The world is more connected now, and with this come some drawbacks. (The US senate has privately tried to extend the Patriot Act so more illegal spying on Americans can take place.) The CIA and FBI can illegally search and seizure your online search history without a search warrant. You can be illegally placed and held on a watch list if suspected of anything; this isn’t good. If you defy the governance of the United States, you can also be held libel for any transgression. If you want this to stop this madness, spreading the word and voting are your ways to make change.
I dare you to go online without protection! At least I won’t get wet!
Even filing a petition or protesting helps, so get on your feet and take action. You may be one to claim that it doesn’t matter and have nothing to hide, but it’s about more. In today’s world, there is little room for error, and with this, mistakes are made. You must question who’d do this stuff and why. Everyone should try to protect those who do care. Even if you don’t, you may end up finding a reason to. It’s your right to privacy, and this lack of privacy can come at a grave price. People are always running malicious scams, and you can always be caught in the crossfire. Like they say, “You don’t want to go out without protection,” and this pertains to a lot. The same applies to being online.
How dare you see my secret stash of porn…
Since the advent of online society, we’ve also had it’s fair share of downsides. The surveillance age is among us, and with this, so do come the trolls. If you’re looking to preserve and save your privacy, you’d be best interested in alternatives to aid you. Data mining is common among online websites, and this is specifically there to pander advertisements. Behemoth websites such as YouTube, Facebook and Google are notorious for this kind of spying.
Social Media Sucks!
If you’re looking to save yourself from a breach of privacy, the best thing you can do is protect yourself. If you do protect your self, you have to do be sure it’s correct. Not only will you get more privacy, you’ll get a much better experience with many of these alternatives. You can find these online or anywhere, but it’s nice to have a place to see them all. If you want the best alternatives to popular apps and websites for privacy, read below. Anyway, let’s move on from this long introduction and get to the list.
Best alternative apps and websites for privacy…
DuckDuckGo (Google Alternative)
duckduckgo.com
There are many issues with Google’s dominance of the search engine market. Everything you do and how you do it is collected by the Google engine. While they have released some features to allow people to limit the data they collect, it isn’t enough. Are you concerned that the queries you search today could resurface in years to come? Are you just opposed to the mass harvesting of data? If you’re a paranoid kook, there’s a healthy alternative in the market for you.
Duck, Duck, Duck, Duck, Duck, Duck, Duck, Duck, Goose!
If you’re looking for a safe alternative to Google, you can give DuckDuckGo a go! Unlike Google, DuckDuckGo doesn’t store data. This data storing is always skewing search results, so in lieu of this, you can avoid the hapless data retrieving of the Google death machine. Their dominance is the sole search engine online needs to come to an end. The power is only beginning to get to the heads of the heads at Google. While the searches may not be as thorough, you’ll be helping yourself and others in the long run using it.
Librem (Android and iPhone Alternative)
puri.sm/products/librem-5/
Aside it’s insane listed price point ($2000 on their website), Librem phones (the latest being the Librem 5 smart phone) come with all protections you need to avoid privacy breaches. Be it ads, virus, online stalking and so on, you’ll be good to go. The Linux based OS on the phone offers the best in encryption without data mining, and it even offers kill switch options.
You’re going to have to pay for your privacy by giving me your phone number!
Purism a full on electronics company, so the company also sells laptops, and desktops, etc. If you ask anyone who knows about security and privacy, they’ll mention Purism and their brand of phones. Most reviewers think it still needs work, but it’s a worthwhile consideration in the market now. If you can’t afford it, maybe give it a look later on when everything is better equipped and more affordable.
Epic Privacy Browser (Firefox, Chrome and Safari Alternatives)
https://www.epicbrowser.com/
The epic powerhouse Google knows no bounds, and this includes not only the Google search engine. Google Chrome (released in 2008) has shared nearly 50% of the web browser marketplace; it’s still 20% over it’s second place competitor: Safari. It won’t be beating the Internet Explorer (96%) numbers of times before, but it’s still numero uno. If you want to stop giving Google even more information via every additional application they release — stop!
Okay, so what epic trek are we going to be partaking?
It’s best to consider alternatives like this. Google, with the addition of Chrome, has been able to harvest data to individualize and archive every unique user’s data. However, with the increased privacy of Epic Privacy Browser comes a lack of the fun extensions and add-ons. You know, those things that typically help your online experience. Yeah, they won’t be there, so have it in your minds going in. Be prepared for a stripped down experience being the cost of having your privacy.
Minds (Facebook Alternative)
https://www.minds.com/
You’re looking for a Facebook style alternative? You need not look further than Minds. If you give Minds a check, you see that it’s a near blatant “ripoff” of Facebook. The major difference between the two company websites is Minds‘ commitment to safety, security and privacy. Their protection of data and promotion of free speech is what sets Minds apart from other social media platforms.
Mind over matter, and be to mind your own dang bidness!
The website also allows you to use tokens to boost posts and hide them if so desired. In this “sense,” Minds allows users to collect online currency, exchange it for cryptocurrency, and then translate it to real money. Although many right wing extremists have flocked to the site for reasons of free speech, it remains non-partisan. It does seem adamant on eliminate extreme posts, so don’t mind your own business now!
IDrive (Cloud Storage Alternative) – Best Alternative Apps and Websites for Privacy
https://www.idrive.com
If you’re more concerned about privacy than price, IDrive is a good privacy guided alternative over other cloud storage services. You won’t get the 15GB offered free by Google, but what you get does preserve your privacy as intended. You’ll only be getting 5GB initially, and you’ll have to pay an additional $50 annually for 5TB.
Do I drive you crazy? I bet you I do, and with plenty of space to spare.
It boasts all the features you’d expect, e.g., back up, archiving encryption and security. While the Google cloud combs over all of metadata to promote specific advertisements to you, this will not. If you want a cloud service that doesn’t have bots scrounging through your data, this is a great alternative.
ProtonMail (Gmail and Yahoo Alternative)
https://protonmail.com
If you like your email fully encrypted end-to-end, this is it! The Switzerland (known for their privacy) based ProtonMail is the way to go. Like any other email provider, it offers free-to-use and subscription-based services. Not only will you receive full zero-access encryption between two ProtonMail users, you have security. Know this, no one else will be able to access your mail, period. Additional security measures include manual picture loading (via links and otherwise) and otherwise. You’ll also receive message password creation to non-users, and expiration dates for your messages.
Email, ProtonMail, and what’s next? NewMail? NeutronMail?
The features don’t end there, and they’ll keep your protected! It’ll let you know if something is not right with a link before asking if you want to open it. The free version includes only 150 emails daily, but the cheapest option (which is pretty cheap) offers up to 1000. Unless it’s professional, you should be fine with the free version. If you wish to choose from or create custom domains, there are several packages for that as well.
PixelFed (Instagram Alternative)
https://pixelfed.org
Although Instagram isn’t the worst when it comes to data harvesting, they’re still not safe. It’s still better to consider healthier options for you and your online experience. The creators of Mastodon (listed below) created an open source alternative called PixelFed.
Yeah, well, I have 1920×1080, so how many does this get me? Will it be enough?
Unlike Instagram, which still harvests data without new features be implemented for users. (At least there’s nothing stopping them from doing so.) Alternatives like PixelFed for sure won’t send your information to advertisers. Since it’s decentralized, it operates through a process like a series of mini-sites. This means there’s no central HQ trying to make money. The downsides being that instances may be poorly managed and disappear without warning.
Mastodon and Gab (Twitter Alternatives) – Best Alternative Apps and Websites for Privacy
https://mastodon.online/about
https://gab.com
The basic principle of Mastodon is simple: decentralization. Large sites such as Facebook and Twitter attempt to maintain control and consistency by centralizing and harmonizing their moderation. Mastodon’s unique selling point is that it isn’t looking to control you as much. It essentially allows users to create and moderate their own sites. Of the many issues surrounding the internet and how we should use it, the most prominent is social media. In response to the apparent inability/unwillingness to address many sizable issues in any significant way, things have changed. Many newer and smaller sites have started to rise over the years, and one of the websites being Mastodon.
History lesson of the day folks: it is also a very large and prehistoric elephant. Hey, it’s a two in one.
Mastodon ended up finding itself facing a bit of an identity crisis when another social media site came aboard. The site’s name was Gab, and it migrated onto its servers. While both aim to promote free speech, Mastodon relies on decentralized moderation. However, Gab operates on a principle of almost zero censorship. This advantage has given it a sizable number of users with fairly “out-there” views. Mastodon has been vocal about its opposition to Gab, but can’t actually stop Gab from using the service. However, it could easily be argued that Mastodon’s approach to moderation is working exactly as intended. Anyone who doesn’t want to interact with Gab or its users can simply block them entirely.
Wickr (SnapChat Alternative) – Best Alternative Apps and Websites for Privacy
https://wickr.com
Often referred to as the “alternative to Snapchat,” Wickr is an instant-messaging and video conferencing app available on Android and iOS. It comes with fully functional desktop versions as well. By now, you should be able to guess at least some of the basic features. Features include end-to-end encryption and messages that expire after a certain time or self-destruct when read. The self-described “most secure video-conferencing and collaboration platform” has some additional security measures in place. These include wiping all metadata from any files sent, and confirming the identity of the person you are speaking to. This is done by using keys they claim would take “trillions of years” to crack.
Don’t burn at the stake! Oh, sorry, I meant to say that you shouldn’t burn the steak.
Initially designed with high-profile business professionals in mind, Wickr has become extremely popular with those who prefer a low-profile. Drug dealers all over the world have started using the app as an anonymous way to find customers. Although many frustrated internet users claim the app is so private, it’s open for scamming. Many claim that these “dealers” will simply take your money and run.
Signal (WhatsApp Alternative) – Best Alternative Apps and Websites for Privacy
https://www.signal.org
In terms of respecting user privacy, WhatsApp generally has one of the better reputations. They are particularly well-known for their end-to-end encryption. (This means that calls or messages can’t be intercepted by a third-party when going from one user to another.) Although, even with encrypted messages, many have their doubts about the data WhatsApp collects and how it is used. Such is the case since the platform was bought by Facebook, whose reputation regarding privacy is less than stellar.
Earth to moron! I’ll send an SOS, and make sure to Signalater… .
Signal is a messaging app created using the exact same encryption technology used in WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. However, it comes with additional features to boot. Features included screenshot blocking, self-destructing messages, a non-learning keyboard, and the option of adding a password to access your files. All data on Signal is stored locally and end-to-end encrypted. It is also generally regarded as one of the most secure messaging platforms. This is why it has become so popular with likes of both journalists and protesters.
Best alternative apps and websites for privacy…
NordVPN (Extra)
NordVPN isn’t so much an alternative as it is a necessity, especially if you want your privacy. There are alternatives to it, but it’s certainly the mainstay, and I’m sure you’ve heard about it by now. For a cheap price, you can have all your internet deeds protected from the outside world. If you don’t want your privacy leaked or your data mined, this is the IP protection you need. Breaching encrypted safety and data harvesting are the new things online, and hackers are everywhere too. If you want to avoid the malicious intent of others, look no further than this product, because it will help.
There you have it: some safe and great alternatives to check out. If you’re looking for the latest in news, you’ve got a place to go. Yeah, if you’re looking for the next interesting article to read on the next great experiment or discovery — you’re covered. If you want the best and safest way to search online, look no further. Also, always be sure to wear protection, online and off. There are no shortage of options, just do your research and get what best suits you.
I kept looking and found more…
Even if it’s a matter of time before the alternatives follow suit, we have the time to find out. At least for now, you won’t be feeding the giant data seeking corporations skewing everything you see online. Everyone needs a chance, and with the advent of the online age, you’ve got everything at your disposal. If you’re willing to tread just a little outside the box for just a moment, you get something for it. If you stay there, you’ll likely find something catching on that’ll work for you, period.
Apps for privacy…
Duck, Duck, Go… ose!Damn Libs, libraries and Librem. I prefer to stay in the dark.Epic Privacy Browser is actually epic, but you have to search in it first.Minds over matter, friends.How about IDrive you home, and you’ll protect me?ProtonMail? How small is it really?Did you eat? Yes? PixelFed you? Good!Mastadon and Gab are great, just don’t let them eat you.Wickr man, man, and fight the man, man.I sense a signal, and the signal is Signal?- I’m safe and protected! *She said it*
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