Carl Dong, the founder of Obscura, shares his insights on revolutionizing VPN technology. He tackles the limitations of traditional VPNs by introducing a two-party hop system that minimizes trust. The discussion highlights how these innovations enhance user privacy and counteract internet censorship. Carl also touches on the collaboration with Mulvad and the role of cryptocurrencies in VPN payments. With a focus on community engagement, he emphasizes the importance of evolving privacy solutions in our digital age.

The podcast delves into pressing privacy issues surrounding AI technology. Marks from OpenSecret shares insights on enhancing privacy in digital wallets and the potential of local AI models. The conversation highlights the vital role of secure computing and the importance of open-source practices for user trust. Listeners learn about innovative projects aimed at giving users control over their data and improving the usability of crypto wallets. The discussion emphasizes a future where privacy is prioritized in every digital interaction.

Two years after our first episode on SimpleX, we’re back with an update on all they’ve been working on, including a new approach to chat relays with Dan from Flux.More about our guestsEvgeny’s guest profile – https://optoutpod.com/guests/evgeny-poberezkin/Dan’s guest profile – https://optoutpod.com/guests/dan-keller/More about SimpleXWebsite – https://simplex.chat/Quantum-resistant encryption blog post – https://simplex.chat/blog/20240314-simplex-chat-v5-6-quantum-resistance-signal-double-ratchet-algorithm.html“Privacy-preserving content moderation” blog post – https://simplex.chat/blog/20250114-simplex-network-large-groups-privacy-preserving-content-moderation.htmlNetwork operator monetization plans – https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplex-chat/blob/stable/docs/rfcs/2024-04-26-commercial-model.mdRun your own SimpleX SMP server – https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplexmqMore about FluxWebsite – https://runonflux.comFlux’s new AI product – https://ai.runonflux.com/Supporting Opt OutDonations – https://optoutpod.com/donateLeave a review on your favorite podcast platform, if possible!Share it with your friends, family, and other communities!Support the show

Zach Herbert, co-founder and CEO of Foundation, shares insights on transforming digital security with open-source solutions. He dives into the evolution of Bitcoin tools, particularly the Passport Prime hardware wallet, designed for user-friendliness and enhanced security. The conversation critiques traditional systems like Ledger's, highlighting the challenges many users face. Zach emphasizes the importance of simplifying security measures and discusses the future of open platforms, aiming to empower individuals in managing their cryptocurrency securely.

Vlad Prelovac, founder of Kagi, discusses a revolutionary search engine aimed at enhancing user privacy and experience. He explains how Kagi's paid model shifts the focus from ads to user needs, allowing for a more tailored search experience. The conversation highlights their commitment to data protection through features like no-logging policies and cryptocurrency payments. Vlad also introduces Orion, a privacy-centric browser for Apple, emphasizing its potential to redefine web browsing while aiming for expansion beyond macOS.

In this discussion, Jameson Lopp, a Bitcoin researcher and Chief Security Officer at CASA, delves into the concept of ossification in Bitcoin. He argues against premature ossification, advocating for enhanced building blocks to foster innovation. The conversation highlights challenges Bitcoin faces, including scalability and centralization, while emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility in securing assets. Lopp also addresses the risks of quantum computing and the need for proactive measures to safeguard Bitcoin's future as a tool for freedom.

Andy Yen, the founder and CEO of Proton, dives deep into the launch of Proton Wallet and its unique focus on enhancing Bitcoin's privacy. He discusses the complexities of integrating privacy features while navigating legal challenges, highlighting the balance between innovation and user experience. Andy also addresses why Proton doesn't accept Monero, shedding light on the legal hurdles and reputational concerns surrounding it. The conversation emphasizes community feedback in shaping future developments, ensuring that privacy remains at the forefront of cryptocurrency solutions.

Heard of SimpleX chat and curious what it's all about? This episode, we're sitting down with Evgeny, the founder of SimpleX Chat to talk about SimpleX, privacy, data sovereignty, and the future of computing.More about Evgeny:Evgeny's guest profile -- https://optoutpod.com/guests/evgeny-poberezkin/More about SimpleX:Website: https://simplex.chat/Chat protocol: https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplex-chat/blob/stable/docs/protocol/simplex-chat.mdWhitepaper, including threat modeling: https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplexmq/blob/stable/protocol/overview-tjr.mdRun your own SimpleX SMP server: https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplexmqOpt Out's Sponsors:Cake Wallet, an easy to use Monero mobile wallet -- https://optoutpod.com/sponsors/#cake-walletLocalMonero, an excellent and privacy-preserving way to buy and sell Monero -- https://optoutpod.com/sponsors/#localmoneroIVPN, an ethical, no-nonsense, non-logging VPN provider -- https://optoutpod.com/sponsors/#ivpnSupporting Opt Out:Donations -- https://optoutpod.com/about/#donationsLeave a review on your favorite podcast platform, if possible!Share it with your friends, family, and other communities!Support the show

This episode, we're sitting down with Eric Sirion and Matt Odell to chat about FediMints, a fascinating and unusual new proposal that seeks to ease onboarding and privacy on Bitcoin with important trade-offs.More about Eric Sirion and Matt Odell:Eric Sirion's guest profile -- https://optoutpod.com/guests/eric-sirion/Matt Odell's guest profile -- https://optoutpod.com/guests/odell/More about FediMints:Website -- https://fedimint.org/Github Organization -- https://github.com/fedimintFediMints Telegram room -- https://t.me/+-AsKtcH4Geo2ZTU0Citadel Dispatch episode feat. FediMints -- https://citadeldispatch.com/cd45/Opt Out's Sponsors:Cake Wallet, an easy to use Monero mobile wallet -- https://optoutpod.com/sponsors/#cake-walletLocalMonero, an excellent and privacy-preserving way to buy and sell Monero -- https://optoutpod.com/sponsors/#localmoneroIVPN, an ethical, no-nonsense, non-logging VPN provider -- https://optoutpod.com/sponsors/#ivpnSupporting Opt Out:Donations -- https://optoutpod.com/about/#donationsLeave a review on your favorite podcast platform, if possible!Share it with your friends, family, and other communities!Support the show

Welcome to the first ever live Q&A on Opt Out! We covered a ton of topics ranging from personal privacy, self-hosting, Bitcoin, Monero, privacy-preserving donations, future plans for the podcast, and much more.Thank you to all those who joined live, and please let me know if you have any questions or want to dive more deeply into any of the topics we touched on here!Mentioned resources:https://sethforprivacy.com/posts/how-monero-uniquely-enables-circular-economies/https://localmonero.co/knowledge/remote-nodes-privacyhttps://sethforprivacy.com/posts/proposed-bitcoin-privacy-improvements/https://sethforprivacy.com/posts/privacy-first-steps/https://sethforprivacy.com/about/#my-community-resourceshttps://optoutpod.com/episodes/s1e08-sean-obrien/Opt Out's Sponsors:Cake Wallet, an easy to use Monero mobile wallet -- https://optoutpod.com/sponsors/#cake-walletLocalMonero, an excellent and privacy-preserving way to buy and sell Monero -- https://optoutpod.com/sponsors/#localmoneroIVPN, an ethical, no-nonsense, non-logging VPN provider -- https://optoutpod.com/sponsors/#ivpnSupporting Opt Out:Donations -- https://optoutpod.com/about/#donationsLeave a review on your favorite podcast platform, if possible!Share it with your friends, family, and other communities!Support the show