Just switched to a new phone carrier, and they had a promotion that included a free phone: the Google Pixel 8. I’m not a fan of Google, but I am a fan of free, so I took the bait.
It’s already bombarded me with pitches for their new AI bullshit. I’ve opted out of as much as the settings allow, but I’m under no illusion that doing so actually provides any real privacy.
So, damage control time.
On my previous device I used YouTube Vanced for music and videos, but I guess Vanced isn’t around anymore, and I’m pretty out of date on what the current options are… any insight on streaming specifically?
*I’m a medic who’s only surface-level competent with tech, so please idiot-proof any instructions.
Thanks all!
While others have mentioned the great GrapheneOS, I will throw two other options:
- CalyxOS — privacy oriented Android OS. While Graphene focus on security pretty much above all else, Calyx focus on privacy (and usability) more. Both essentially only target Pixel phones and are great choices.
- LineageOS + MicroG — AOSP fork, continuation of the old CyanogenMod, with an open implementatinon of Google Services. This is perhaps the most “normal” OS, seeing as Lineage’s core is user freedom and not exactly privacy; however, with MicroG, you get a pretty private system with very few to none of the side effects of deviating a lot from standard Android.
Graphene is a great project, but I think it may be a bit too much for someone that is just entering the privacy world, hence why I’m suggesting these two options as alternatives that are less strict and “cumbersome” to use, so to speak, while not really sacrificing privacy.
In the end, as all things privacy, it depends a lot on your threat model, your tech proficiency and willingness to make “sacrifices” and adapt.
Consider yourself lucky for using a Pixel. These are actually the easiest devices to degoogle. You can replace the entire bloated and spyware-infested stock Pixel OS with GrapheneOS, a much more private, secure and minimalistic, open-source alternative. It is pretty easy to install, the web installer should be self-explanatory, but you can also watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAZlmYKrwfk (it does say for Pixel 7, but the steps are exactly the same on the Pixel 8 or any other Pixel, so don’t worry)
If you cannot use another OS yet, install F-Droid and then install NetGuard. In NetGuard enable blocking of system apps in the settings and continue and block all apps. Then allow only the apps you need.
I believe NetGuard will act as a VPN. This will prevent you from using an actual VPN.
I believe NetGuard will act as a VPN.
Yes, correct.
This will prevent you from using an actual VPN.
It is indeed a drawback I forgot about (but a VPN connection can also be made on a local router at home).
A local VPN defeats the purpose. A VPN server that gets lots of request from different devices is what you want because then noone can know who made which request, they only see it’s coming from the VPN server.
NetGuard uses a VPN connection inside the phone. NetGuard is not like a VPN server, it will just block network access for apps you want to block access for.
