100 Privacy Tips (Part 1 of 4)

Privacy is pretty much dead these days.  And not just for the rich and famous but for every single person on the planet who probably has a pile of their data sitting on a computer in a data center being parsed, packaged, and sold to whoever will buy it (advertisers most likely, but even the feds will gladly pay for data on people so they can avoid the pesky fourth amendment).  

That being said, there are still many ways to keep a bit of privacy in your life but remember none of these tips are 100% foolproof so any app/service/person who says "do this and you will have 100% privacy" is lying.  Even being out in the middle of the wilderness seemingly alone doesn't mean your activities are completely private (see also the Gabby Petito murder that was solved when someone driving by the remote murder site happened to catch the boyfriend's vehicle on their dash cam).  Here are some ways to make your everyday life a bit more private and secure:

1. De-google a pixel phone using graphene (and never use it to log into google services).
2. And use an anonymous SIM card in your phone. 
   
3. Replace the Windows OS on your computer with Linux.
4. Choose apps/websites/browsers with your privacy in mind.
5. Use VPNs and/or a secure router when accessing the internet.
   
6. Use an encrypted USB flash drive to store your files and/or back up your files.
7. Own property through a trust and/or LLC (seek legal guidance for setting this up).
8. Use an electric bike to avoid vehicle tracking technologies.
9. Live in a remote area to avoid (most) community and residential surveillance cameras.
10. Set up your own library of books gleaned from garage sales and thrift stores (not Amazon, not e-books).
11. Set up your own DVD library gleaned from garage sales and thrift stores (not Amazon, not streaming services).
12. Set up your own CD/record music library gleaned from garage sales and thrift stores (not Amazon, not Spotify).
13. Use an over-the-air antenna instead of using cable or streaming services.
14. Use a "dumb" TV instead of a "smart" TV.
    
15. Use a regular vacuum instead of a "smart" vacuum.
16. Never use voice assistant devices in your home.
17. Pay cash for as many things as possible.
18. If you must use a credit card, consider using a virtual credit card.
19. Consider using a virtual mailbox address for privacy.
20. And if you must use Amazon, pick up your purchases at a Hub locker instead of having home delivery.
21. Instead of a fitness tracker, use an old fashioned pedometer.
22. Instead of a smart watch, use an old fashioned watch.
23. Instead of streaming radio, use an old fashioned radio.
24. Delete social media (yes, this includes Facebook).
25. Do not use Apple devices.