Oddbean new post about | logout
 I'm just a pleb with an interest in digital privacy so my solutions may be flawed or inadequate (if so I'd love feedback from someone more knowledgeable). 

Firstly, run open source software as much as possible. Including your operating systems. Linux for your desktop, GrapheneOS on your phone. Or better still get a dumbphone.

Second, try to convince the people you communicate with to use encrypted chat like Signal instead of SMS. Don't use social media (other than nostr, and even then stay anon if you want privacy). 

Use a VPN. I use Mullvad. It allows me to pay for it KYC free with the lightning network.

Don't use any services from large tech companies. Gmail, iTunes, Google search, Spotify, Amazon, etc. They're all spying on you. 

Use cash instead of a credit card.

Buy your bitcoin non-kyc

The more 'low tech' your car is, the better. Don't connect it to the internet. Don't connect it to your phone (aux cable is OK I think).

If you upload photos, use a program like Scrambled Exif to remove metadata. Be careful exposing anything from your real life online, it's amazing how much can be inferred from seemingly insignificant information. 

Don't leave Bluetooth or location on on your phone.

Use a service like SimpleLogin to create dummy emails for signing up for things.  Use a burner phone or temporary SMS service for when a service requires a phone number. 

Get a PO box.

Privacy is a spectrum. The further you move towards ultimate privacy the less convenient your life is. This is by design. You have to find your personal sweet spot.

Hopefully others will chime in with additional tips, these are the best my pre-caffeinated brain could come up with. 
 I'm going to go ahead and throw myself under the bus here as an example of bad opsec. I revealed that I have not yet had coffee, which provides a decent amount of information about what part of the world I live in. I'm not worried about it, just using it as an example of how innocuous information posted online can give away info about you  accidentally. 
 Great summary of easy things to do to improve greatly your level of privacy. I would suggest paying for anything you can, using Monero for greater privacy, even if you buy Bitcoin non-KYC your spending history and habit can be analysed, connecting it with a pseudonym, an original IP or any other information available and there is the risk you may slip at some point and get everything connected to you.

I would also add:

Trade Monero for cash in person and spend cash everywhere, many times you get better deals when paying cash, everyone loves you more and you improve your privacy.