Online Privacy Is Under Threat In The UK And US. Policy Expert Freddie New Advises How To Protect Yourself
In today’s digital age, maintaining online privacy has become increasingly challenging due to laws and court rulings that infringe upon our ability to communicate and transact anonymously. However, according to Bitcoin policy advocate Freddie New, there are steps we can take to protect our privacy in the face of these obstacles.
Background on Recent Privacy Concerns
Recent developments in both the UK and US have raised concerns about online privacy. The UK’s Online Safety Act, which came into effect on July 25, now requires internet users to provide identifying information before accessing certain websites in order to protect children from harmful content. In the US, the founders of Samourai Wallet and Tornado Cash, Bitcoin and Ethereum mixing services respectively, have faced legal action for operating unlicensed money transmitting businesses. These events have underscored the challenges facing online privacy.
Steps to Enhance Online Privacy
Freddie New suggests several measures to enhance online privacy:
1. Use a VPN: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) allow you to browse the internet anonymously by masking your IP address. Popular VPNs like Mullvad, Obscura, and Proton VPN can help protect your identity online.
2. Use a fully-encrypted email service: Services like Proton Mail, Mailfence, and Hushmail encrypt your emails, ensuring that only you and the recipient can access the contents.
3. Set up a Nostr key pair: Nostr clients like Primal and Iris offer a secure way to connect to the bitcoin circular economy without disclosing personal information.
4. Learn how progressive web apps (PWA) work: PWAs allow you to access apps through a web browser, bypassing the need for Google Play or the App Store, which often require personal information.
5. Learn how to use APKs: Android Package Kits (APKs) enable you to download apps to your Android device without using the Google Play store, enhancing privacy.
6. Get a bitcoin hardware wallet: Hardware wallets like Trezor and COLDCARD offer a more private way to transact bitcoin compared to custodial apps.
Taking Action for Better Privacy
While the prospect of enhancing online privacy may seem daunting, Freddie New recommends starting with one or two actions to gradually improve your privacy. As he emphasizes, achieving perfect privacy is unlikely in the digital age, but any effort to enhance privacy is a step in the right direction.
By following these recommendations, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your online privacy and protect your personal information from prying eyes. Remember, every small effort towards enhancing privacy contributes to a more secure online experience.
