In the previous post we considered alternatives to the Big Tech (Apple and Google) enabled hardware and today we are going to present some alternative software…

I am not a tech expert and I appreciate anyone who can explain the privacy software problems in a clear language, their strengths and weaknesses. So far, the best explanations I have found are at the channel of Rob Braxman, the Internet Privacy Guy. Here is how he describes himself:

I'm the Internet Privacy Guy. I'm a public interest technologist. I'm here to educate. You are losing your Internet privacy and Internet security every day if you don't fight for it. Your data is collected with endless permanent data mining. Learn about a TOR router, a VPN , antivirus, spyware, firewalls, IP address, wifi triangulation, data privacy regulation, backups and tech tools, and evading mass surveillance from NSA, CIA, FBI. Learn how to be anonymous on the Internet so you are not profiled. Learn to speak freely with pseudo anonymity. Learn more about the dangers of the internet and the dangers of social media, dangers of email.

I like alternative communication technology like Amateur Radio and data communications using Analog. I’m a licensed HAM operator.

In his latest video he compares the best open source messaging platforms with Zuckerberg’s data collection and spying monster Whatsapp:

Duration: 28:54

Correction on Video: Apparently Signal has a desktop app, though it requires the Phone app first. Still recommended!

[00:00] Intro
[05:59] Signal
[08:06] Briar (P2P) – android only
[10:22] Matrix (Element App)
[13:24] XMPP (former Jabber)
[16:51] Threema
[18:39] Session (blockchain)
[21:01] Whatsapp (counterexample – intentional data collection)
[22:53] Standouts: 1. XMPP
[25:20] Standouts: 2. Signal
[26:20] Standouts: 3. Briar (for super secrecy)

I was as a user interested in Telegram, and here is his take on Signal, Whatsapp, Telegram, Protonmail and Tutanota, from September 2020:

Duration: 16:52

The best way of protecting your data is – leaving centralized platforms. Stop feeding the monster will starve it for sure. Don’t forget that intelligence services still has enough technological gadgets to follow an individual, but without centralized ‘social platforms’ they can’t do global surveillance. And even individual surveillance out of the ‘system’ may be too expensive, and requires too many people – which means that in such case, three-letter services would only have sources enough to track really dangerous people, ie. terrorists they didn’t train themselves!