Delve into the world of privacy with Naomi Brockwell as she uncovers hidden surveillance, advocates for privacy tools like Signal and ProtonMail, and calls for a cultural shift towards respecting privacy. Learn how to opt-out of data collection and explore the importance of privacy choices in a digital age.
Transitioning to privacy-focused browsers like Brave and search engines like Start Page can enhance online privacy without sacrificing quality.
Switching to encrypted messaging platforms such as Signal can significantly boost privacy while setting clear boundaries on data sharing preferences.
Utilizing secure communication tools like ProtonMail and Signal offers end-to-end encryption and increased data protection, improving personal data security.
Deep dives
Switching to Privacy-focused Browsers and Search Engines
A recommended change for enhancing privacy is to switch to privacy-focused browsers like Brave that offer improved privacy protection and minimal switching costs. Similarly, opting for privacy-enhanced search engines such as Start Page can further enhance online privacy without significant trade-offs in search results quality.
Transitioning to Encrypted Messaging Platforms like Signal
Transitioning to encrypted messaging platforms such as Signal can significantly improve privacy without introducing major inconvenience. While encouraging others to join may initially pose some challenges, drawing firm boundaries on data privacy preferences and valuing communication on more secure platforms can drive positive privacy changes.
Migrating to Secure Communication Tools with a Mindful Approach
Making the shift to secure communication tools and services, such as prioritizing end-to-end encryption for calendars and contacts, can boost data protection. The ease of migrating comprehensive data histories to encrypted platforms underscores the feasibility of enhancing privacy with minimal disruption to personal information management.
Importance of Privacy and Encrypted Technology
Using privacy-focused tools like ProtonMail and Signal can significantly enhance privacy by encrypting communication and protecting personal data. These tools offer end-to-end encryption and secure storage, ensuring a higher level of privacy and data protection. Making simple switches to privacy-respecting services can bring about a substantial improvement in personal data security and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Empowering Individuals to Prioritize Privacy and Influence Change
Individuals can play a crucial role in advocating for privacy by asking questions, choosing privacy-respecting products, and normalizing privacy-conscious behaviors. By exercising consumer choice and supporting privacy-friendly services, individuals can create a market demand for enhanced privacy protections. Additionally, influencing corporate culture and advocating for privacy features in technology can contribute to a broader societal shift towards valuing data privacy and security.
Our privacy has never been more threatened. While some of us are vaguely aware of this, most of the rampant data collection and sharing is completely opaque. And the consequences are more dire than most of us realize. We can't afford to be complacent. We need to push back, to ask questions, and make better choices. Privacy-respecting apps and services do exist today. Making a deliberate and overt decision to use them will force the market (and our elected representatives) to take notice. My guest Naomi Brockwell from NBTV will make a compelling case for privacy and reclaiming control of our data, including several top notch tips for doing so.
Interview Notes
Naomi Brockwell’s NBTV: https://www.nbtv.media/
A World Without Privacy: https://www.nbtv.media/episodes/a-world-without-privacy
A Beginner’s Introduction to Privacy: https://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Introduction-Privacy-Naomi-Brockwell-ebook/dp/B0BQHS8MFS
Who can access your car remotely? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff9pmaSdZV8
Naomi Brockwell on All Things Secured: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0WjIWBQEBM
Michael Bazzell’s Extreme Privacy resources: https://inteltechniques.com/links.html
Try Proton! https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/its-time-to-try-proton/
Try Signal! https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/how-to-switch-to-signal/
Further Info
Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter
Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons
Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch
Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons
Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/
Table of Contents
Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show.
0:02:58: How did you become a privacy evangelist?
0:06:51: What are some of the most mind-blowing ways we leak personal data?
0:09:56: What were some of Orwell's most prescient predictions in 1984?
0:15:49: How is surveillance different in real life from 1984?
0:22:23: How does data collection skew the power balance between citizens and authorities?
0:26:36: How do you counter the "I have nothing to hide" argument?
0:29:55: Why is it so important to normalize the use of privacy tools?
0:33:46: What changes do you recommend and what are the impacts for making them?
0:45:48: If you've given away tons of personal data already, is it too late?
0:50:07: What can we do to push vendors to respect our privacy more?
0:57:49: What's the future of privacy look like?
1:00:15: Post-interview notes
1:06:11: Looking ahead
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