This post is a quick overview of what I personally do for increased privacy in my life, focusing on my Phone. I am not connected to any of the companies or software below.
Nothing Phone (1) – I was very unsure where to go from my last phone, and the fact that Nothing used a lot of recycled materials in their phone was a huge selling point for me.
- Operating System: Android 13 – Custom ROM: Lineage OS
What is a Custom ROM? Well, since Android is an Open-Source project, you can create your own version of it. That would be a custom ROM.
Why do I use a Custom ROM? I flash the Operating System of my device to replace the stock Android with a customized version of it. The customization can vary drastically, but putting a custom ROM allows me the freedom to get rid of the stock Google Apps and replace them with something like the MicroG project or if I really wanted to not use the Google Store or Google Apps. Using MicroG removes a lot of the built-in tracking, and data-gathering that Google does but lets me use the Google Play Store.
Yes! There are alternatives to Google Play Store on Android! F-Droid is a great alternative, but you can also side-load .APK files to your hearts content if you are willing to role the dice.
Apps I use:
- Communication, Voice, Video Calling / Instant Messager: Signal
- Web Browser: Firefox Nightly
- Social Media: Instagram and LinkedIn. They rank an E’s on ToS:TLDR
- VPN: Wireguard to my Home Firewall when connecting to other Wi-Fi besides the home network.
B.A. Applied Communication, Leadership and Culture. Dip. Computer Networking Technology.
I advocate for Digital Policy, Human Rights and Ethical Practices.
Owner of Meet Modern and HubLink.
Creator of HardlyNerding, TimeForPrivacy, WhyStream, OTTRPG and BehindTheDungeons.