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.

  • @jetAEnglish
    2•2 months ago

    Have a web browser that isn’t logged into any services for general web browsing. Mullvad browser is a good choice. Make it your default browser for any links that get randomly clicked.

    The benefit here is your not carrying around a bunch of active cookies for the sites you log into. It makes logging into a site a deliberate choice. No history builds up of random links, browsing, searching.

    A browsing only web browser plus a VPN is a really good start at cleaning up your digital footprint by making it more intentional.

    I recommend mullvad VPN, and mullvad browser… but any combination is fine.

    https://www.privacyguides.org/en/basics/why-privacy-matters/ Privacy guides is a excellent resource with writeups, FAQs, and … Guides to help you in your journey