Context: my gf mentioned getting a vpn for privacy, and I tried to explain that it “does” help, but it’s more like type of windows on a house. It certainly can be part of the package, but it’s no where near the foundation.

So i tried to explain the best that i could That if she was worried about online privacy the first step wasn’t to mask traffic, but to not submit personal data to anything online like FB, not use Google services that package everything on you together to sell to advertisers, and to limit phone apps to essentials.

But I’m curious on what other steps you guys would consider the “foundation” of online privacy that should be prioritized before a vpn. Any thoughts? Or am I way off base?

Note: this is in context of vpn for privacy. Using vpn to avoid Geo blocking and censorship I see as incredibly valid for those that need it.

  • foremanguy@lemmy.ml
    4·
    7 months ago

    You have first to be the most degoogled you can, you have to abandoned the most of the big companies services as google, Facebook… Delete Instagram, do not use WhatsApp and Messenger, watch YouTube through Piped or Individious, uninstall bloatware on your phone (maybe install a custom rom, like /e/ os, a go-to for privacy). Be aware of what you post and your personal identity. The only case when VPNs are the first thing to do is when you have to spoof your IP because of restrictions or any others…