Articles about online privacy

For years, NordVPN made Linux users live in the terminal. Sure, the command-line interface technically worked, but let’s not pretend it was ideal for everyone. Meanwhile, competitors like Surfshark and ExpressVPN had already given their Linux users full graphical interfaces. Now, NordVPN has finally caught up by launching its very own GUI for Linux.

So, what exactly does this mean? Well, instead of typing in commands, users can now click their way through connection options, settings, and even theme preferences like light or dark mode. This will arguably make using the service on Linux much easier.

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The Tor Project, a global organization known for developing privacy and anonymity tools, has merged with Tails, a portable operating system focused on protecting users from digital surveillance. By bringing Tails under its operational structure, the Tor Project aims to improve collaboration, simplify operations, and expand outreach efforts.

Both Tor and Tails play crucial roles in countering growing surveillance and censorship on the internet. The merger is intended to better serve individuals seeking online protection, including activists, journalists, and everyday users. Tails, which had been operating independently for 15 years, faced challenges in managing administrative functions such as fundraising and HR. The merger is expected to alleviate these burdens, allowing Tails developers to focus more on maintaining and improving the OS.

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Surfshark has introduced Alternative Number, an addition to its Alternative ID product suite. This feature provides users with a virtual US-based phone number, accessible through the Surfshark app, aimed at protecting users' actual phone numbers from misuse online.

Alternative Number helps shield personal information in an era where phone numbers are commonly required for online activities. "It can be difficult to keep your phone number to yourself online. We’re constantly asked for our numbers whenever we post ad listings, shop online, or sign up for free products/services. But there’s no telling where your number ends up once you share it online," says Sarunas Sereika, Alternative ID Product Manager at Surfshark.

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DuckDuckGo, the search engine known for its commitment to user privacy, has launched a new subscription service called Privacy Pro. This service aims to provide users with a more comprehensive suite of privacy protections beyond what is available for free through the DuckDuckGo browser.

The DuckDuckGo browser, which is the centerpiece of the company’s product offering, already provides a range of free privacy protections, such as tracker blocking and email protection. Privacy Pro is designed to complement these existing features by offering additional protections, such as securing network connections with a VPN and limiting data brokers’ access to personal information.

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Mozilla Monitor, formerly known as Firefox Monitor, has introduced a subscription-based service named Mozilla Monitor Plus. This paid service aims to provide a comprehensive solution for individuals concerned about their online privacy, especially in the wake of increasing data breaches.

Mozilla Monitor has garnered a subscriber base of 23,000, indicating a significant interest in personal data security. The new service, Mozilla Monitor Plus, is a response to the concerns of 42 percent of young adults (aged 18-24), who have expressed a desire to understand and control the personal data that companies hold about them.

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In March this year, EU countries' interior ministers are due to vote on the introduction of mandatory client-side scanning for all providers in order to identify child abuse material.

But an open letter, published today, from a group of privacy-focused companies warns of the risk of opening up a backdoor and calls on ministers to defend citizen's right to privacy and strengthen the position of EU companies.

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NordVPN has officially launched a dedicated application for Apple TV's tvOS 17. The new NordVPN app, designed specifically for the latest version of tvOS, aims to enhance the streaming experience while bolstering online privacy.

Previously, Apple TV users looking to secure their device with NordVPN had to install the VPN service on their Wi-Fi router. This extra step is now obsolete with the direct availability of the NordVPN app on Apple TV. Users can enjoy enhanced privacy and security with just a click, directly from their TV interface.

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Nearly 87 percent of Android and 60 percent of iOS apps request access to device functions unrelated to their performance, according to new research by NordVPN.

Researchers analyzed the most popular mobile apps globally in 18 categories. They found that up to 14 percent of apps collect more unnecessary than necessary data for the apps' performance and only eight percent collect no unnecessary data. On average, every fifth requested permission was not actually needed for the app’s functionality.

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A new study reveals that 42 percent of consumers aged 18-24 have inquired about the personal data organizations have about them, seven times more than consumers aged 75 or older (six percent).

The Cisco 2023 Consumer Privacy Survey also shows people are concerned about their privacy in regard to AI. 60 percent of consumers say they've lost trust in organizations due to their AI use.

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Nitrux 2.8.1, codenamed "sc" for "safer computing," has been released, offering enhanced privacy and security features. While the distribution does not claim to be impenetrable or unhackable, it aims to protect users' privacy and provide tools for online anonymization. The release is made possible through collaboration with packagecloud, which provides the necessary infrastructure for building the distribution.

New users are advised to perform a fresh installation using the latest media. For existing users of version 2.8.0, it is recommended to review the release notes for specific instructions. Notably, Nitrux 2.8.1 employs Linux 6.3.4-1 (Liquorix) as its kernel.

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Startpage is a familiar name for internet users with an interest in privacy. Not content with providing a privacy-centric alternative to Google's search engine, the company has launched more private rivals to other Google products, with Private Language Translator being a recent launch.  Now the company has a new browser extension which has been designed to keep internet users safe.

Offering protection from "Big Tech", which Startpage points out is "recording and auctioning off your personal data" is the new Startpage Privacy Protection extension. Available for Chrome and Firefox, the extension not only blocks ad, social and cookie-based trackers, but also assigns the sites you visit a privacy score so you can learn of their trustworthiness, as well as giving you control over data collection and blocking fingerprinting.

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