VPNs are not secure.

I was shocked as you are when I heard that VPN can’t protect my privacy.

So what should I do and what should you do to use the internet without getting tracked?

I’ll share the solutions in this post and also some spicy AI-related updates.

In today’s post:

• VPNs can’t protect us

• Snapchat’s new feature

• Meta AI, AI in smart-glasses

• EXTRA: AI tools, affiliate program with 40% share revenue

VPNs

Why VPNs Don’t Protect Your Privacy and What Works Better

VPNs are often seen as the ultimate privacy tool.

But the reality is they might expose you to new risks like being tracked or compelled to share your data.

If you think you need a VPN, setting up your own private server is safer. But, for most people, simpler options can offer stronger protection. Here’s how:

1. Use Ad Blockers for Privacy

• Block Malicious Ads: Ad blockers protect against scams and malware.

• Stop Tracking: They prevent tracking code from loading, keeping your data safe.

• Faster Browsing: Blocking ads speeds up page loading.

Try uBlock Origin or AdGuard, and test your defenses with Cover Your Tracks.

2. Encrypt Your DNS

Most sites encrypt data with HTTPS, but your DNS traffic is often exposed. Switching to an encrypted DNS provider like Cloudflare or NextDNS stops your ISP from seeing and selling your browsing activity. You can change DNS settings on your device or router for full network protection.

3. Use Apple’s Private Relay

Unlike VPNs, Apple’s iCloud Private Relay routes traffic through two relays, preventing any single provider from seeing your full browsing data. Available to iCloud+ users, this is a safer way to protect web and app traffic.

4. Tor for Anonymity

Tor offers the highest level of privacy by encrypting and routing your data through many servers. While slower, it’s ideal for anonymous browsing and bypassing censorship. Download the Tor Browser to get started.

What’s my view?

VPNs aren’t the best option for everyone. Ad blockers, encrypted DNS, Apple’s Private Relay, and Tor offer better protection for your privacy online. Use these tools together for more control over your personal data. Simple.

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Snapchat is kinda snappy for this!

Snapchat Introduces “Footsteps” to Let Users Track Their Travel History on Snap Map

Snapchat is adding a new location-tracking feature called "Footsteps" to Snap Map.

This tool lets users view their travel history. Available to Snapchat+ subscribers, it is now rolling out to all iOS users, with an Android release coming soon.

Key Points:

• Track Your Journeys: Footsteps allows you to see where you’ve traveled by using your location data. It can even calculate what percentage of a city or country you’ve explored based on where you've taken and saved Snaps.

• Uses Snap Memories: When you first use Footsteps, your location history will be populated with past travels based on Snaps in your Memories. After that, it tracks your new travels via live location data.

• Opt-In Feature: Footsteps only works if Ghost Mode (which hides your location from friends) is turned off, and the data is visible only to you.

• Custom Stickers: Snapchat allows you to create a custom sticker showcasing your travels, making it easy to share your adventures with friends.

How to Manage Footsteps:

• Turn Off the Feature: You can disable Footsteps by going into your Profile, selecting Settings, and toggling off the option under “Map.”

• Clear Your Data: To erase your location history, go to “Clear Footsteps History” in the “Account Actions” section of your settings.

This feature strengthens Snapchat’s Snap Map, giving it an edge over competitors like Instagram and TikTok, which don’t yet offer a similar tool. With Footsteps, you can keep track of your travels and share them in a fun, visual way with friends.

META AI

Meta Won’t Say if It’s Using Your Smart Glasses Photos to Train AI

Alright, let’s talk about Meta’s new Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. These things have a camera on the front that takes photos not only when you tell them to, but also when certain keywords trigger it. That means you could be snapping pics without even realizing it. And here's the kicker—Meta won’t tell us what they’re doing with those photos.

The Details:

• Shady Answers: We asked Meta if they’re using these photos to train their AI models. Their response? Crickets. No confirmation either way.

• Vague Responses: When TechCrunch pressed them, Meta’s team said, “We’re not discussing that.” Not exactly the transparency you’d hope for.

• Hidden Camera Action: The glasses’ AI can take photos , and with a new feature that turns them into a low-latency live video feed, they’re taking a LOT of pictures.

• Privacy Concerns: Other companies like OpenAI and Anthropic have been clear—they don’t use user data to train their models. But Meta? Still dodging the question.

• Public vs. Private: Meta already uses public Instagram and Facebook posts for training AI, calling it “available data.” But your personal space viewed through your glasses? They won’t say if that’s fair game.

Meta’s reluctance to say whether they’re using your photos for AI training is on. They’ve used social media data, but when it comes to your Ray-Ban glasses? They’re leaving us in the dark. This raises some big questions about data privacy and how far tech companies are willing to push the boundaries. Keep an eye on this one.

EXTRA

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