# Techlore
> Someone's been making decisions about your digital life without asking. Techlore is your home for taking back your privacy, security, and digital rights.
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. Use `/llms-full.txt` for consolidated page and post context.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).

## Pages
- [About Techlore](https://techlore.tech/about.md) - Techlore is led by Henry Fisher. Over a decade helping people take back control of their digital lives, without making it a second job.
- [SPA Tools Changelog](https://techlore.tech/changelog.md) - SPA Tools are Techlore's free, open ecosystem of digital rights resources including the SPA Tools, SPA Quiz, and the VPN Finder. Track changes to the tools in this changelog.
- [Community Content Ideas](https://techlore.tech/community-content-ideas.md) - This is where our community decides what content matters most. Techlorians (our members) submit ideas below that we add to the idea tracker below.
- [Techlore Community Rules](https://techlore.tech/community-rules.md) - Techlore’s communities are designed to be constructive places. We want to accommodate community members at every step of their journey, regardless of their experience. To that end, we expect everybody across all Techlore platforms—like YouTube & PeerTube, GitHub, and Signal—to follow these rules.
- [Contact Techlore](https://techlore.tech/contact.md) - Have a question, concern, or partnership idea? Let us know!
- [How to Follow Techlore (Your Way)](https://techlore.tech/follow-techlore.md) - There are many ways to follow along, whichever fits how you already live online.
- [Shop Our Friends, Support Techlore](https://techlore.tech/friends.md) - Explore Techlore's affiliate partners. Safeguard your digital life while directly supporting our independent mission.
- [Go Incognito: A Guide to Security, Privacy and Anonymity](https://techlore.tech/go-incognito-course.md) - The complete course for taking back your security, privacy, and anonymity—without needing to be an expert.
- [Home Hero](https://techlore.tech/home-hero.md) - Own your digital life. Someone's been making decisions about your digital life. It's time you made them instead.
- [Homepage Story](https://techlore.tech/homepage-story.md) - Where to start Join tens of millions who've already taken back control. ↗ 1 See it Take the SPA Quiz ↗ 2 Close the gaps Find SPA Tools ↗ 3 Level up Take Go Incognito ↗ 4 Stay ahead Surveillance Report For over a decade, Henry's work has appeared in CyberNews UK VPN bans CyberNews Location privacy D…
- [Techlore Podcasts](https://techlore.tech/podcasts.md) - Someone's been making decisions about your digital life without asking. Every week on Surveillance Report I break down what they did and what to do about it. On Techlore Talks, I sit down with the people fighting back.
- [Techlore Privacy Policy](https://techlore.tech/privacy-policy.md) - Techlore, Inc. is committed to protecting the privacy of users. Like everything we do, we've designed this policy to be simple and accessible to all. Unless otherwise indicated, it is applicable to any website that references this policy. "Service" refers to our services which can be accessed on ou…
- [Support Techlore](https://techlore.tech/support.md) - Contribute to Techlore's Fight for Digital Rights
- [Sponsor & Affiliate Protocols](https://techlore.tech/techlore-protocols.md) - We rely on sponsorships and affiliates to fund our work, but we do it differently. Here's how we ensure these partnerships don't compromise our editorial integrity.
- [Techlore Criteria](https://techlore.tech/techlore-resources-criteria.md) - The following criteria gives visitors an idea of how we select services in our resources. The criteria is not perfect, but rather designed to share what we generally look for. 1 - Open Source 🌐 Open source isn't everything, but it adds a large layer of transparency & oversight; open source service…
- [Welcome Techlorian 👋](https://techlore.tech/techlorian.md) - You're now a Techlorian—thank you for supporting independent digital rights advocacy!
- [Welcome Bronze Techlorian 👋](https://techlore.tech/welcome-bronze-techlorian.md) - You're now a Bronze Techlorian—thank you for supporting independent digital rights advocacy!
- [Welcome Diamond Techlorian 👋](https://techlore.tech/welcome-diamond-techlorian.md) - You're now a Diamond Techlorian—thank you for supporting independent digital rights advocacy!
- [Welcome Gold Techlorian 👋](https://techlore.tech/welcome-gold-techlorian.md) - You're now a Gold Techlorian—thank you for supporting independent digital rights advocacy!
- [Welcome Silver Techlorian 👋](https://techlore.tech/welcome-silver-techlorian.md) - You're now a Silver Techlorian—thank you for supporting independent digital rights advocacy!

## Posts
- [Five Years Later, Why We're Scrapping Our Nextcloud Series](https://techlore.tech/five-years-later-why-were-scrapping-our-nextcloud-series.md) - In November 2021 I promised a Nextcloud series. Today, after five years, two restarts, and a few lessons already in the can, I'm scrapping it. Here's what went wrong, why none of it is Nextcloud's fault, and why knowing when to drop something is a skill I wish I'd learned sooner.
- [KeePass for Apple Devices: Syncing, Security, and Cross-Platform Gaps (Strongbox Interview)](https://techlore.tech/keepass-for-apple-devices-syncing-security-and-cross-platform-gaps-strongbox-interview.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [OpenAI's Hacking Story Got Worse, Plus Iran In US Water Systems & A Felony For Wiping A Phone](https://techlore.tech/openais-hacking-story-got-worse-plus-iran-in-us-water-systems-a-felony-for-wiping-a-phone.md) - OpenAI's rogue AI hacked more than Hugging Face, and Anthropic's did the same. Less Terminator, more big-tech negligence with faster tools.
- [Meet Firefox Nova: A First Look at the New Design](https://techlore.tech/meet-firefox-nova-a-first-look-at-the-new-design.md) - Firefox just shipped its biggest redesign in six years, and it's already live in Nightly. I put regular Firefox side-by-side with the new Nova UI to show you what's changed: rounded tabs, a reworked settings menu, Kit, the return of Compact Mode, and a few hidden gems most people are going to miss.…
- [How to Protect Yourself From Chat Control: Quick Fixes, Simple Swaps, and Advanced Alternatives](https://techlore.tech/how-to-protect-yourself-from-chat-control.md) - A parent sends a photo of their sick child to a doctor, and ends up under police investigation... welcome to 1984. Initiatives like Chat Control and other advancements around the world aim to make this the permanent state of the internet. This video breaks down how photo and message scanning actual…
- [France Bans Under-15s From Social Media, a Hidden Device Leaves US Cars Hackable, and Courts Force Apple and Google Open](https://techlore.tech/france-bans-under-15s-from-social-media-a-hidden-device-leaves-us-cars-hackable-and-courts-force-apple-and-google-open.md) - France just became the first country in Europe to ban under-15s from social media. The UK and California moved the opposite direction, hackable US cars, and more!
- [Containers and Profiles Are Now Standard in Both Brave and Firefox](https://techlore.tech/containers-and-profiles-are-now-standard-in-both-brave-and-firefox.md) - Brave just shipped Containers, and Firefox just made them native, so the profiles-vs-containers debate that split these two browsers is finally over. This video demos both features side by side in Brave 1.92 and Firefox 153, and breaks down when to use browser profiles vs container tabs for multi-a…
- [How to Check If Your Phone Number or Email Has Been in a Data Breach](https://techlore.tech/how-to-check-if-your-phone-number-or-email-has-been-in-a-data-breach.md) - Your phone number and email are in more breach databases than you think. Here's how to check exactly where you've been exposed using free tools, what to actually do about it, and how to stop it from being a recurring worry.
- [Action Required: Migrate Your Digest RSS Feed](https://techlore.tech/action-required-migrate-your-digest-rss-feed.md) - We're updating our weekly newsletter to fall under the Surveillance Report umbrella.
- [Stalkerware, Pegasus, Surveillance Reform, and How to Spot a Scam with David Ruiz from Malwarebytes](https://techlore.tech/stalkerware-pegasus-surveillance-reform-and-how-to-spot-a-scam-with-david-ruiz-from-malwarebytes.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [EU Passes Chat Control Anyway, Plus Microsoft's Secure Boot Mess & the Flock Resistance](https://techlore.tech/eu-passes-chat-control-anyway-plus-microsofts-secure-boot-mess-the-flock-resistance.md) - The EU Parliament originally rejected mass message scanning, then passed it anyway. Plus Microsoft's decade-old Secure Boot flaw, the age verification wave, and LAPD drops Flock.
- [Bank Freezes, Decentralization, and Financial Privacy with Cake Wallet's Founder & CEO Vik Sharma](https://techlore.tech/bank-freezes-decentralization-and-financial-privacy-with-cake-wallets-founder-ceo-vik-sharma.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [Password Manager Tier List 2026: Bitwarden, 1Password, KeePass, Proton Pass, LastPass, and More](https://techlore.tech/password-manager-tier-list-2026-bitwarden-1password-keepass-proton-pass-lastpass-and-more.md) - Your password manager is the most sensitive piece of software in your tech stack. It holds everything - your email, banking, work credentials, health records, crypto, and more. Here's how 12 of the most popular ones actually stack up. Watch on Techlore.TV for an ad-free, surveillance-free viewing e…
- [Apple Quietly Downgrades Hide My Email, Plus Chrome Kills uBlock Origin & Google's IP Tracking](https://techlore.tech/apple-quietly-downgrades-hide-my-email-plus-chrome-kills-ublock-origin-googles-ip-tracking.md) - Apple's Hide My Email aliases are moving to a subdomain that sites can easily block. Plus Chrome ends uBlock Origin, Google eyes your IP, and the Arch AUR mess.
- [Apple Maps Is Getting Ads, So What Should You Use Instead?](https://techlore.tech/apple-maps-is-getting-ads-so-what-should-you-use-instead.md) - After years of recommending Apple Maps as a private Google Maps alternative, that recommendation just got more complicated – Apple Maps is getting ads. Here are three alternatives worth knowing about. Watch on Techlore.TV for an ad-free, surveillance-free viewing experience
- [Cryptee Launches End-to-End Encrypted Photo Sharing: Legal Risks, Preventing Abuse, and Their Solution](https://techlore.tech/cryptee-launches-end-to-end-encrypted-photo-sharing-legal-risks-preventing-abuse-and-their-solution.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [Permission Not Required: The Open Source iOS App that Makes the Invisible Visible (Loupe Review)](https://techlore.tech/permission-not-required-the-open-source-ios-app-that-makes-the-invisible-visible-loupe-review.md) - App tracking is mostly invisible, but now there's a free & open source iOS app that changes that. Loupe shows you what any app on your iPhone can quietly collect without asking for a single permission. This video walks through what it reveals, why it matters, and what you can do about it. Watch on…
- [VPN Tier List 2026: Mullvad, IVPN, Obscura, Nord, Surfshark, and More](https://techlore.tech/vpn-tier-list-2026.md) - Your VPN sees every site you visit, every app you use, and every search you make. Choosing the wrong one means trading your ISP's surveillance for something potentially worse. Here's our 3rd tier list of 2026! Watch on Techlore.TV for an ad-free, surveillance-free viewing experience
- [Meta Hid Face-Recognition Code on 50M Phones, The UK's Device-Scanning Ultimatum & A Burner Phone Ban](https://techlore.tech/meta-hid-face-recognition-code-on-50m-phones-the-uks-device-scanning-ultimatum-a-burner-phone-ban.md) - Meta secretly shipped facial-recognition code to 50M+ phones then quietly deleted it, the UK moves to scan every device, and two states split hard on privacy.
- [How to Tell if an App Is Actually Secure (Most Aren't)](https://techlore.tech/how-to-tell-if-an-app-is-actually-secure-most-arent.md) - Most apps claiming to be "private and secure" are using language that sounds meaningful but commits to almost nothing. I broke this down after watching a Shark Tank segment on Qeepsake, a baby journal app that calls itself "absolutely private and secure" because it has an SSL certificate. That's th…
- [Firefox VPN Explained: 50GB Free, No Logging, and How it Compares to Mozilla VPN](https://techlore.tech/firefox-vpn-explained-50gb-free-no-logging-and-how-it-compares-to-mozilla-vpn.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [Dashlane Confirms Hackers Stole Password Vaults, Pentagon Location Tracking, and Hackers Trick Meta's AI](https://techlore.tech/dashlane-confirms-hackers-stole-password-vaults-pentagon-location-tracking-and-hackers-trick-metas-ai.md) - Dashlane confirms hackers stole around 20 encrypted password vaults, and it's being quiet about how. Plus US troops tracked via location data, Europe ditching US tech, and a wild Meta AI hijack.
- [The Truth About Phone Carrier Tracking (It's Worse Than You Think)](https://techlore.tech/the-truth-about-phone-carrier-tracking-its-worse-than-you-think.md) - Your cell carrier knows your name, your location, who you called, when you called them, how long you talked, and more. What's worse, this data sits on their servers for years. VPNs and Signal help, but they don't touch the infrastructure layer. Here's what you can actually do, and how Cape is tryin…
- [How to Verify Signal Safety Numbers](https://techlore.tech/how-to-verify-signal-safety-numbers.md) - Signal's Safety Numbers let you cryptographically confirm that your conversation hasn't been tampered with, but it can be confusing to navigate. Here's a guide to verifying Signal Safety Numbers.
- [How the Tor Network Works and When to Use It](https://techlore.tech/how-the-tor-network-works-and-when-to-use-it.md) - Tor is one of the strongest anonymity tools available to people, and a tool worth understanding even if you rarely need it.
- [iOS vs. Android vs. Custom ROMs: Mobile OS Privacy and Security Compared](https://techlore.tech/ios-vs-android-vs-custom-roms-mobile-os-privacy-and-security-compared.md) - Your mobile OS determines what data is collected before you install a single app. Here's how iOS, stock Android, and custom ROMs like GrapheneOS compare.
- [Threat Modeling: How to Know What You Actually Need to Protect](https://techlore.tech/threat-modeling-how-to-know-what-you-actually-need-to-protect.md) - A practical framework for figuring out what you're actually protecting, who you're protecting it from, and how much effort that genuinely warrants.
- [Security vs. Privacy vs. Anonymity: What's the Difference?](https://techlore.tech/security-vs-privacy-vs-anonymity-whats-the-difference.md) - Security, privacy, and anonymity solve different problems. Confusing them leads to the wrong tools. Here's how each one works and why the distinction matters.
- [What Is Metadata and What Does It Reveal About You?](https://techlore.tech/what-is-metadata-and-what-does-it-reveal-about-you.md) - Metadata is data about your data—who you called, when, how long, from where. It's often more revealing than content, and encryption doesn't protect it.
- [Open-Source Software and Privacy: What FOSS Is and Why It Matters](https://techlore.tech/open-source-software-and-privacy-what-foss-is-and-why-it-matters.md) - Open-source software can be audited by anyone—which matters when you're trusting a tool with your data. Here's what FOSS means and what it guarantees.
- [How Encryption Works: End-to-End, At Rest, and Client-Side Explained](https://techlore.tech/how-encryption-works-end-to-end-at-rest-and-client-side-explained.md) - Encryption is the foundation of every privacy tool, but not all encryption is equal. E2EE, client-side, and at-rest encryption solve different problems.
- [Digital Minimalism: Why Fewer Accounts and Apps Protect You More](https://techlore.tech/digital-minimalism-why-fewer-accounts-and-apps-protect-you-more.md) - Every account you don't create is data that can't be breached. Digital minimalism is about being deliberate with digital relationships, not going off-grid.
- [How to Remove Yourself from Data Brokers and People-Search Sites](https://techlore.tech/how-to-remove-yourself-from-data-brokers-and-people-search-sites.md) - Data brokers collect and sell your personal data without your consent. Here's how to opt out effectively and why removal requires ongoing maintenance.
- [What Is Browser Fingerprinting and How Do You Stop It?](https://techlore.tech/what-is-browser-fingerprinting-and-how-do-you-stop-it.md) - Browser fingerprinting tracks you without cookies—even clearing history won't help. Here's how it works and which browsers actually resist it.
- [Best Browsers for Privacy: What to Use and How to Configure It](https://techlore.tech/best-browsers-for-privacy-what-to-use-and-how-to-configure-it.md) - Most browsers are configured to collect data, not protect it. Here's how Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and others compare on privacy, and why Manifest V3 matters.
- [VPNs: What They Do and What They Don't](https://techlore.tech/vpns-what-they-do-and-what-they-dont.md) - A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP from sites you visit, shifting trust to your provider rather than eliminating it. Here's what it actually covers.
- [Two-Factor Authentication: Which 2FA Method Actually Protects You?](https://techlore.tech/two-factor-authentication-which-2fa-method-actually-protects-you.md) - Not all 2FA is equally secure. SMS codes, TOTP apps, and hardware keys offer very different levels of protection. Here's what each one actually defends against.
- [Private Search Engines: How to Search Without Being Tracked](https://techlore.tech/private-search-engines-how-to-search-without-being-tracked.md) - Every search query is a window into your life, and the default search engine you're using is almost certainly logging, profiling, and monetizing every one of them.
- [Password Managers: How They Work and Why You Probably Need One](https://techlore.tech/password-managers-how-they-work-and-why-you-pneed-one.md) - A password manager generates unique passwords for every account and stores them encrypted. Here's how they work and which one is worth using.
- [What Are Passkeys and How Do They Replace Passwords?](https://techlore.tech/what-are-passkeys-and-how-do-they-replace-passwords.md) - Passkeys replace passwords with cryptographic key pairs that never leave your device, eliminating phishing and credential breaches by design.
- [Encrypted Messaging: Which Apps Are Actually Private?](https://techlore.tech/encrypted-messaging-which-apps-are-actually-private.md) - Most messaging apps aren't private by default. Here's how end-to-end encryption works, what it does and doesn't protect, and which apps actually deliver it.
- [Encrypted DNS: Why Your DNS Provider Matters for Privacy](https://techlore.tech/encrypted-dns-why-your-dns-provider-matters-for-privacy.md) - Every website you visit starts with a DNS query—and by default, that query goes to your ISP unencrypted. Here's how encrypted DNS closes that gap.
- [Email Aliasing: How to Stop Handing Out Your Real Email Address](https://techlore.tech/email-aliasing-how-to-stop-handing-out-your-real-email-address.md) - An email alias forwards mail to your real inbox without exposing your address. Every breach is contained to one alias, and spam sources become obvious.
- [DuckDuckGo's Director of Product on Ads, Google, and the Ecosystem They're Actually Building](https://techlore.tech/duckduckgos-director-of-product.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [A Vulnerability Hit Our PeerTube: Here's What Happened & What It Teaches About Self-Hosting](https://techlore.tech/a-vulnerability-hit-our-peertube-heres-what-happened-what-it-teaches-about-self-hosting.md) - A vulnerability hit our self-hosted PeerTube in May. Here's exactly what happened, what was (and wasn't) at risk, and what it can teach about self-hosting.
- [California Exempts Open Source From Age Verification, Plus School Bus Surveillance Getting Out of Control](https://techlore.tech/california-exempts-open-source-from-age-verification-plus-school-bus-surveillance-getting-out-of-control.md) - A rare win against age verification with California exempting open source! Plus AI cameras on school buses, a push to ban police license plate tracking, and more.
- [Google Replaced Search With AI. Here Are 6 Alternatives.](https://techlore.tech/google-replaced-search-with-ai-here-are-6-alternatives.md) - Google I/O this year made something very clear: Google Search isn't really for you anymore. AI agents that buy things on your behalf, Gemini reading your Gmail and Calendar to "personalize" your results, and AI Overviews pushing real links further down the page with every update...it all points in…
- [A Brutal Week for Microsoft Security, Signal Threatens to Leave Canada, And Bitwarden Quietly Shifts Policies](https://techlore.tech/a-brutal-week-for-microsoft-security-signal-threatens-to-leave-canada-and-bitwarden-quietly-shifts-policies.md) - A brutal week of Microsoft vulnerabilities, an npm supply chain attack on 600+ packages, Signal vs Canada, Meta's AI age detection, and Bitwarden worries.
- [TRMNL: A Screen That Doesn't Want Your Attention](https://techlore.tech/trmnl-a-screen-that-doesnt-want-your-attention.md) - E-ink displays that promise ambient, distraction-free information sound great in theory. TRMNL delivers on the concept, with open firmware & open hardware, but the reality of living with it is more nuanced. Here are my thoughts! Watch on Techlore.TV for an ad-free, surveillance-free viewing experie…
- [Naomi Brockwell on Digital Privacy Legislation, the Third Party Doctrine, and Fighting the Surveillance State with The Surveillance Accountability Act](https://techlore.tech/naomi-brockwell-on-digital-privacy-legislation-the-third-party-doctrine-and-fighting-the-surveillance-state-with-the-surveillance-accountability-act-2.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [Why Even Smart People Think Privacy Is Dead](https://techlore.tech/why-even-smart-people-think-privacy-is-dead.md) - "Privacy is dead, lol." "You're naive to still care." If you've seen those comments under every privacy story, you've witnessed an engineered hopelessness (digital resignation) with a clear designer and a measurable cost. In this video, I break down who built it, why it's a lie, and the simple, fre…
- [Three Linux Exploits, ICE's 20M-Person Database, and Android's Good/Bad Week | May 13](https://techlore.tech/three-linux-exploits-palantir-20m-person-database-and-androids-good-bad-week-surveimay-13.md) - Linux's vulnerability saga hits a third entry, ICE agents are walking around with a Palantir database of 20 million people, and Android delivers both a refused-to-patch VPN leak and a useful new intrusion logging tool for high-risk users.
- [iPhone-to-Android texts are finally encrypted. Here's what that actually means.](https://techlore.tech/iphone-to-android-texts-are-finally-encrypted-heres-what-that-actually-means.md) - iOS 26.5 just brought end-to-end encryption to iPhone-to-Android texts for the first time ever. Here's what it actually protects, who can use it, and what the headlines aren't telling you.
- [Google Is Silently Sabotaging Custom ROMs](https://techlore.tech/google-is-silently-sabotaging-custom-roms.md) - Google's new reCAPTCHA can require Google Play Services to pass, meaning a de-Googled phone will fail the "are you human?" check. Combined with mandatory developer verification and AOSP going private, the pattern over the last year is impossible to ignore. Here's what I think it means for Android,…
- [The New Utah Law That Breaks Every VPN in America](https://techlore.tech/the-new-utah-law-that-breaks-every-vpn-in-america.md) - Utah just passed SB73, the first law in the US to take direct aim at VPNs, and it already went into effect May 6th. The law requires adult content sites to verify the age of every Utah user even if they're using a VPN (aka...everyone!) which experts say is technically impossible to comply with with…
- [CopyFail Explained, Utah's New VPN Law, and Microsoft Edge Keeping Passwords in Plaintext](https://techlore.tech/copyfail-explained-utahs-new-vpn-law-and-microsoft-edge-keeping-passwords-in-plaintext.md) - Techlore Surveillance Report: Weekly News for Your Digital Freedom
- [If Android Locks Down Like iPhone, What's the Point? | TL Responds](https://techlore.tech/if-android-locks-down-like-iphone-whats-the-point-tl-responds.md) - You left your comments, I answered...from the Signal vs. Session debate to Android's dangerous lockdown trend, browser wars, VPN bans, and why "there's nothing I can do" is the most dangerous thing you can say about digital rights. Watch on Techlore.TV for an ad-free, surveillance-free viewing expe…
- [Your Deleted Signal Messages Were Never Really Gone, But Apple's Latest Update Fixed That | April 27](https://techlore.tech/your-deleted-signal-messages-were-never-really-gone-but-apples-latest-update-fixed-that-april-27.md) - Apple patched a bug hiding in your notifications, Australia's teen social media ban shows enforcement is harder than legislation, and Firefox gets a privacy upgrade it didn't tell anyone about.
- [Is Firefox AI Private? Mozilla's VP of Product on AI Opt-Out Controls, Smart Window, and Having a Seat at the Table](https://techlore.tech/is-firefox-ai-private.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [Helium Browser Review: Is This Minimal, Privacy-Focused Chromium Browser Worth Switching To?](https://techlore.tech/helium-browser-review-a-truly-minimal-privacy-focused-chromium-browser.md) - Helium Browser promises a privacy-respecting Chromium experience with no cryptocurrency, no AI, and no bloat. Here's what I think after testing it head-to-head against Brave.
- [Password Manager Security Explained: Argon2, PBKDF2, and Open Source with Bitwarden](https://techlore.tech/password-manager-security-explained-with-bitwarden.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [Brave Origin Review: Is the New $60 Paid Browser Worth It?](https://techlore.tech/brave-origin-review-is-the-new-60-paid-browser-worth-it.md) - Brave just launched Brave Origin. A paid, stripped-down browser with no AI, no crypto wallet, and no telemetry. I paid $60 to test it so you know what to expect.
- [EU and US Age Verification Explained: What the 'Parent's Decide Act' and EU Apps Actually Mean for Privacy & Freedom](https://techlore.tech/eu-and-us-age-verification-explained-what-the-new-laws-and-apps-actually-mean-for-your-privacy-free.md) - This week, the US introduced a federal bill to put age verification directly into your operating system, and the EU launched an app to do the same thing using cryptography. Let's break down exactly what each one does and why both have long-term implications that go far beyond protecting kids.
- [Tuta Drive First Look: The Encrypted Platform That Does What Google and Apple Won't](https://techlore.tech/tuta-drive-first-look-the-encrypted-platform-that-does-what-google-and-apple-wont.md) - Tuta just launched their encrypted cloud storage in closed beta, completing a compelling zero-knowledge workspace with email, calendar, contacts, and drive. Here's my first look at what's there, what's missing, and why this is bigger than just another cloud provider.
- [Age Verification Laws and Free Software: A Legal Expert Tells Us What's Actually at Stake](https://techlore.tech/age-verification-laws-and-free-software-fsfe-interview-techlore-talks.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [How the FBI Read Signal Messages Without Breaking Signal | April 14, 2026](https://techlore.tech/how-the-fbi-read-signal-messages-without-breaking-signal-april-14-2026.md) - A court case revealed that deleted Signal messages can survive somewhere Signal has no control over: your phone's notification database.
- [Firefox's Free Built-In VPN: First Impressions, Live Tests, and What You're Actually Getting](https://techlore.tech/firefox-free-built-in-vpn-first-impressions-live-tests-and-what-youre-actually-getting.md) - This one I didn't see coming...Mozilla just shipped a free VPN built directly into Firefox. No app, no subscription, just 50 gigabytes a month of IP protection baked into the browser right out of the box. The setup is straightforward. It requires a Mozilla account, which I assume is required to pre…
- [How Organic Maps Built an Open Source, Offline-First Maps App That Doesn't Track You](https://techlore.tech/how-organic-maps-built-an-open-source-offline-first-maps-app-that-doesnt-track-you.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [VPNs Could Expose You to NSA Spying, North Korea's Open-Source Hijack, Android Malware Hits 2.3 Million Devices via Google Play, and the EU Ending Chat Control](https://techlore.tech/vpns-could-expose-you-to-nsa-spying-north-koreas-open-source-hijack-android-malware-hits-2-3-million-devices-via-google-play-and-the-eu-ending-chat-control.md) - Techlore Surveillance Report: Weekly News for Your Digital Freedom
- [Microsoft's Silent Lockout: Why WireGuard, VeraCrypt & Windscribe Can No Longer Update Windows Users](https://techlore.tech/microsofts-silent-lockout-why-wireguard-veracrypt-windscribe-can-no-longer-update-windows-users.md) - In more news not on my 2026 bingo card...Microsoft silently suspended the developer accounts for WireGuard, VeraCrypt, and Windscribe—three of the most important open source security tools that are consistently recommended to our audience. and none of these developers were notified. Not an email, n…
- [Why Meta's Smart Glasses Are Called "Pervert Glasses" And Why That Should Scare You](https://techlore.tech/why-metas-smart-glasses-are-called-pervert-glasses-and-why-that-should-scare-you.md) - I came across a solid piece by a journalist, not a privacy advocate, not a tech skeptic, just a regular person who decided to spend a day wearing Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses. After using them, she reported back that these glasses didn't just make her feel like a creep, they made her think like one…
- [VPNs, NSA Spying, and the Surveillance Double Standard Nobody Wants to Address | April 1-7](https://techlore.tech/vpns-nsa-spying-and-the-surveillance-double-standard-nobody-wants-to-address.md) - Six lawmakers just asked the government to admit that following their own VPN advice might strip Americans of their constitutional rights.
- [The Week Big Tech Got Sued, Hacked, and Verified | March 22-31](https://techlore.tech/the-week-big-tech-got-sued-hacked-and-verified-march-22-31.md) - A jury just held Meta and Google liable for designing addictive products that harmed a child. Two thousand more cases are waiting.
- [Coruna and DarkSword iOS Exploits Explained: What iPhone Users Need to Do Right Now](https://techlore.tech/coruna-and-darksword-ios-exploits-explained-what-iphone-users-need-to-do-right-now.md) - Techlore Surveillance Report: Weekly News for Your Digital Freedom
- [Telecom Insider Explains What Your Carrier Actually Sees (Cape Interview)](https://techlore.tech/telecom-insider-explains-what-your-carrier-actually-sees-cape-interview.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [Google Is Closing the Last Door on Android Freedom | March 03-22](https://techlore.tech/google-is-closing-the-last-door-on-android-freedom-march-03-22.md) - Google just made it harder to own your Android. Here's why that matters to all of us.
- [Why This Linux Distro Is Growing Faster Than Ever (Zorin OS Interview)](https://techlore.tech/why-this-linux-distro-is-growing-faster-than-ever-zorin-os-interview.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [Your OS Must Now Report Your Age to Every App](https://techlore.tech/your-os-must-now-report-your-age-to-every-app.md) - California passed a law forcing operating systems to track your age and report it to every app you use. It takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies to *EVERY* operating system. Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, Texas, and Utah have similar bills pending. Here's what's happening and what you…
- [Browser Tier List: Brave, Firefox, Chrome, Tor, & More (2026 Tier List)](https://techlore.tech/browser-tier-list-brave-firefox-chrome-tor-more-2026-tier-list.md) - "Just use Tor!" - or don't. In this 2026 tier list, Henry ranks Brave, Firefox, LibreWolf, Chromite, Edge, Vivaldi, and more. Much more subjective than the Linux tier list, so let us know where you disagree, and enjoy! Watch on Techlore.TV for an ad-free, surveillance-free viewing experience
- [Can You Trust Your Password Manager? | Feb 24-Mar 2](https://techlore.tech/can-you-trust-your-password-manager-feb-24-mar-2.md) - Your password manager might be able to read your vault, and that's just the start of this week's privacy wake-up calls.
- [Password Manager Vaults Aren't Private, Google Threatens Open Android, & Apple's Global Age Verification](https://techlore.tech/password-manager-vaults-arent-private-google-threatens-open-android-apples-global-age-verification-sr257.md) - Techlore Surveillance Report: Weekly News for Your Digital Freedom
- [How Ad Blockers Work, Why They Break, and the Future of Private Search (JP Schmetz Interview)](https://techlore.tech/how-ad-blockers-work-why-they-break-and-the-future-of-private-search-jp-schmetz-interview.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [Google Is Closing Android. 37 Orgs Are Fighting Back.](https://techlore.tech/google-is-closing-android-37-orgs-are-fighting-back.md) - Almost 40 organizations, including Techlore, published an open letter to Google opposing Android Developer Verification – a program that would require all developers to register with Google before distributing apps on Android. The widely-circulated narrative that Google already backed down from thi…
- [Make the Invisible Visible: The Complete Guide to Block Trackers](https://techlore.tech/make-the-invisible-visible-the-complete-guide-to-block-trackers.md) - You may think you're just being tracked by a handful of companies, but the reality is your data is sent to countless different trackers before you can finish reading a news headline. This video breaks down three layers of protection to keep yourself safe online. Watch on Techlore.TV for an ad-free,…
- [Mac Hit by 3 Simultaneous Attacks, Discord's Age Verification Fails, & Google's "Deleted" Footage Returns | SR256](https://techlore.tech/mac-hit-by-3-simultaneous-attacks-discords-age-verification-fails-googles-deleted-footage-returns-sr256.md) - Techlore Surveillance Report: Weekly News for Your Digital Freedom
- [Why This Password Manager Requires a Private Key (Passbolt Interview)](https://techlore.tech/why-this-password-manager-requires-a-private-key-passbolt-interview.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [A New Chapter for Techlore: New Weekly Stream, Content Suggestions, Monero Memberships & More](https://techlore.tech/a-new-chapter-for-techlore-new-weekly-stream-content-suggestions-monero-memberships-more.md) - After 10+ years of fighting for digital rights, we're locking in our leanest & meanest ecosystem to date. Here's what that means for our community, and how you can be part of it.
- [The Free Speech Grift: How Politicians Tricked You Into Demanding Surveillance](https://techlore.tech/the-free-speech-grift-how-politicians-tricked-you-into-demanding-surveillance.md) - They screamed 'free speech' while demanding ID for the internet, scanning your messages, and banning encryption. Here's how the grift works, and what actual freedom looks like.
- [Why Privacy Isn't What I Thought It Was](https://techlore.tech/why-privacy-isnt-what-i-thought-it-was.md) - After 10+ years covering privacy tools, I finally understand the role privacy plays in my life, and it's not what I thought. This realization changed how I think about digital rights, threat modeling, and what we're all really fighting for. If you've ever felt like you're chasing privacy for the sa…
- [Why Everyone Should Use an Ad Blocker (AdGuard Interview)](https://techlore.tech/why-everyone-should-use-an-ad-blocker-adguard-interview.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [FBI Admits Defeat: iPhone Security Actually Works — And A New iOS Cellular Security Feature](https://techlore.tech/fbi-admits-defeat-iphone-security-actually-works-and-a-new-ios-cellular-security-feature.md) - Techlore Surveillance Report: Weekly News for Your Digital Freedom
- [Politicians Finally Care About Data Brokers (Because Now They're Victims)](https://techlore.tech/politicians-finally-care-about-data-brokers-because-now-theyre-victims.md) - A Minnesota state representative was assassinated after someone found her home address on people search websites. A new report reveals that even state privacy laws fail to protect public servants from data brokers. But here's the bigger problem: this affects everyone, not just politicians. I'll bre…
- [How Peer-to-Peer Apps Stay Free Forever (Holepunch Interview)](https://techlore.tech/how-peer-to-peer-apps-stay-free-forever-holepunch-interview.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [I Ranked Every Major Linux Distro (By Skill Level)](https://techlore.tech/i-ranked-every-major-linux-distro-by-skill-level.md) - Many Linux tier lists rank distros best to worst, but that makes things difficult when Qubes is great for security and not great for beginners. In this 2026 tier list, I'm ranking distros by where they fit in YOUR Linux journey: first distro, level up, or advanced/specialized. Enjoy the ranking and…
- [Microsoft Gave FBI Your Encryption Keys](https://techlore.tech/microsoft-gave-fbi-your-encryption-keys.md) - Techlore Surveillance Report: Weekly News for Your Digital Freedom
- [WhatsApp Sued Over Fake Encryption Claims](https://techlore.tech/whatsapp-sued-over-fake-encryption-claims.md) - WhatsApp just got sued for allegedly lying about end-to-end encryption, with claims that Meta employees can access any user's messages through a simple internal request. While the lawsuit provides no technical proof, we'll show you the confirmed privacy issues with WhatsApp and explain why closed-s…
- [Microsoft Hands Your Encryption Keys to the FBI | Jan 19-26](https://techlore.tech/microsoft-hands-your-encryption-keys-to-the-fbi.md) - Microsoft hands over BitLocker encryption keys to the FBI, exposing a fundamental privacy flaw in Windows disk encryption.
- [Age Verification Goes Global: UK, Florida, and the Surveillance Future](https://techlore.tech/age-verification-goes-global-uk-florida-and-the-surveillance-future.md) - The UK is following Australia's social media ban for kids, but Florida just took it to another level with TWO separate bills targeting app stores AND AI chatbots. These laws would require age verification for nearly every app, building surveillance infrastructure that affects everyone, not just chi…
- [The Messaging App With No User IDs (SimpleX Interview)](https://techlore.tech/the-messaging-app-with-no-user-ids-simplex-interview.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [Australia's Social Media Experiment Reveals Something Telling | Jan 12-18](https://techlore.tech/australias-social-media-experiment-reveals-something-telling-jan-12-18.md) - Australia removes 5 million teen accounts as the world watches.
- ["Dumbphone Owners Have Lost Their Minds" Response Video](https://techlore.tech/dumbphone-owners-have-lost-their-minds-response-video.md) - Wired published an article saying dumbphone users "lost their minds." I disagree. In this video, I respond to Wired's piece arguing that choosing a dumbphone means you've lost touch with reality. The author admits smartphone addiction is real, that tech companies intentionally designed "enmeshment,…
- [Microsoft Copilot's Security Failures Are Putting Everyone at Risk](https://techlore.tech/microsoft-copilots-security-failures-are-putting-everyone-at-risk.md) - Techlore Surveillance Report: Weekly News for Your Digital Freedom
- [It's Time for the VPN Industry to Innovate (Obscura Interview)](https://techlore.tech/its-time-for-the-vpn-industry-to-innovate-obscura-interview.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [UK Mandates Scanning Your Messages Before You Send Them](https://techlore.tech/uk-mandates-scanning-your-messages-before-you-send-them.md) - The UK has activated new Online Safety Act regulations requiring platforms to preemptively scan every message, image, and post before users can see it. This video explains how client-side scanning works, why encrypted services like Signal and WhatsApp face an impossible choice (break encryption or…
- [Apple's $1 Billion Gamble: Your Siri, Google's Brain | Jan 5-11](https://techlore.tech/apples-1-billion-gamble-your-siri-googles-brain-jan-5-11.md) - Apple leans on Google for AI, but keeps your data locked down (maybe)
- [Microsoft Just Removed Another Way to Activate Windows Offline](https://techlore.tech/microsoft-just-removed-another-way-to-activate-windows-offline.md) - Techlore Surveillance Report: Weekly News for Your Digital Freedom
- [Why F-Droid Still Can't Get on iPhone (FSFE Lawyer Interview)](https://techlore.tech/why-f-droid-still-cant-get-on-iphone-fsfe-lawyer-interview.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [Digital Rights Digest | Dec 22-Jan 4](https://techlore.tech/digital-rights-digest-dec-22-jan-4.md) - California launches first-in-nation tool letting residents demand data brokers delete their personal information with a single request
- [The Year the Internet Changed Forever (2025 Digital Rights Awards)](https://techlore.tech/the-year-the-internet-changed-forever-2025-digital-rights-awards.md) - 2025 was the year everything we warned about actually started happening, but we also saw massive wins! This is the first year of The Digital Rights Awards, covering the 10 biggest wins, losses, controversies, and lessons that will shape 2026. Happy new year everyone! Watch on Techlore.TV for an ad-…
- [Your ChatGPT Answers Are About to Get Sponsored](https://techlore.tech/your-chatgpt-answers-are-about-to-get-sponsored.md) - Techlore Surveillance Report: Weekly News for Your Digital Freedom
- [Is the World Too Dependent on American Tech? (Dutch Journalist Interview)](https://techlore.tech/is-the-world-too-dependent-on-american-tech-dutch-journalist-interview.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [Federal Court Just Dealt a Major Blow to Age Verification Laws](https://techlore.tech/federal-court-just-dealt-a-major-blow-to-age-verification-laws.md) - Techlore Surveillance Report: Weekly News for Your Digital Freedom
- [We Make Money From Ads, But Here's Why Ad Blocking Matters (AFDS 2025 Recap)](https://techlore.tech/we-make-money-from-ads-but-heres-why-ad-blocking-matters-afds-2025-recap.md) - We flew to Cyprus for the 2025 Ad Filtering Dev Summit where researchers and engineers from Brave, DuckDuckGo, AdGuard, Firefox, Ghostery, eyeo, and others revealed the future of ad blocking. In this video we summarize five critical talks that are shaping the future of the ad industry. Watch on Tec…
- [Digital Rights Digest | Dec 15-21](https://techlore.tech/digital-rights-digest-dec-15-21.md) - The UK proposes mandatory on-device scanning and VPN age verification while warning encrypted messaging developers they could be engaging in "hostile activity."
- [UK Proposes 24/7 Phone Surveillance & VPN Age Verification](https://techlore.tech/uk-proposes-24-7-phone-surveillance-vpn-age-verification.md) - The UK just proposed three extreme surveillance measures: mandatory 24/7 scanning software on every phone and tablet, age verification for all VPN users with website tracking, and labeling encryption developers as "hostile actors." This comes after 500,000 people petitioned against age verification…
- [The Law That Protects Your Online Speech Is Under Attack](https://techlore.tech/the-law-that-protects-your-online-speech-is-under-attack.md) - Techlore Surveillance Report: Weekly News for Your Digital Freedom
- [What's Next for Techlore in 2026: Major Changes Explained](https://techlore.tech/whats-next-for-techlore-in-2026-major-changes-explained.md) - 2025 was Techlore's biggest year ever—and 2026 is bringing many exciting things too! But to keep fighting for digital rights, we had to make some difficult changes. Here's what we're consolidating, why our forum is closing June 1st 2026, how what we're doing is evolving, and the exciting things com…
- [Digital Rights Digest | Dec 8-14](https://techlore.tech/digital-rights-digest-dec-8-14.md) - Australia bans social media for under-16s while Denmark wants to follows suit. Age verification infrastructure is spreading globally, and it affects everyone.
- [Chat Control 2.0: From Mass Scanning to Killing Anonymity](https://techlore.tech/chat-control-2-0-from-mass-scanning-to-killing-anonymity.md) - The EU's "Chat Control" regulation has returned with a dangerous twist: "voluntary" mass scanning and mandatory age verification that ends anonymous communication for 450 million Europeans. This isn't just an EU issue - it's part of a global crackdown on privacy affecting everyone who uses WhatsApp…
- [Your Age Is Now Required: Australia's Social Media Ban Explained](https://techlore.tech/your-age-is-now-required-australias-social-media-ban-explained.md) - This week's Surveillance Report covers the dangerous reality that social media bans ARE age verification, India's push for even more invasive phone surveillance, a massive vulnerability actively exploited against major companies, the EU's new proposal to gut GDPR protections, Petco's escalating sec…
- [Google’s New Policy is an “Extinction Event” (F-Droid Interview)](https://techlore.tech/googles-new-policy-is-an-extinction-event-f-droid-interview.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.
- [Techlore's New Home: Our Platform Transition & What's Next](https://techlore.tech/techlores-new-home-our-platform-transition-whats-next.md) - Everything: videos, podcasts, blog, newsletter, and memberships—is now consolidated at techlore.tech, powered by Ghost.
- [Encryption Without Software (iStorage datAshur PRO+C Review)](https://techlore.tech/encryption-without-software-istorage-datashur-pro-c-review.md) - The iStorage datAshur PRO+C is a hardware-encrypted USB-C flash drive that requires a PIN to unlock - no software needed. In this review, we test this security device to see if it's worth it for protecting sensitive data across all operating systems without any drivers or apps. Watch on Techlore.TV…
- [Digital Rights Digest | Dec 1-7](https://techlore.tech/digital-rights-digest-dec-1-7.md) - Age verification is surveillance infrastructure in disguise
- [25 States Now Require Your Government ID Online](https://techlore.tech/25-states-now-require-your-government-id-online.md) - Age verification laws in 25 USA states now require government ID to access parts of the internet—but they're already backfiring. Learn how these regulations harm real people, while failing to protect children. Plus: what you can do about it. Watch on Techlore.TV for an ad-free, surveillance-free vi…
- [How India's Unremovable App Mandate Failed Within Days](https://techlore.tech/india-backs-down-from-forced-phone-app.md) - Techlore Surveillance Report: Weekly News for Your Digital Freedom
- [Microsoft's AI Disaster Just Got Worse](https://techlore.tech/microsofts-ai-disaster-just-got-worse.md) - Techlore Surveillance Report: Weekly News for Your Digital Freedom
- [How Hackers Read Your Signal, WhatsApp & Telegram Messages](https://techlore.tech/how-hackers-read-your-signal-whatsapp-telegram-messages.md) - Your encrypted messages are secure, but your device might not be based on some new research. This is how the Sturnus Android malware actually steals WhatsApp and Signal messages without breaking encryption, plus the practical steps you can take today to protect yourself. Check your accessibility pe…
- [Big Tech Alternatives on Sale This Black Friday](https://techlore.tech/big-tech-alternatives-on-sale-this-black-friday.md) - Black Friday doesn't have to compromise your values. I personally vetted every digital rights service on our resources list to bring you only deals worth getting in 2025. Remember: only buy what you need—not because it's on sale. Watch on Techlore.TV for an ad-free, surveillance-free viewing experi…
- [Why This Security Expert Doesn't Use a Phone (Buskill Interview)](https://techlore.tech/why-this-security-expert-doesnt-use-a-phone-buskill-interview.md) - Techlore Talks brings you in-depth conversations with the experts at the forefront of digital rights, privacy and security.

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