Firefox remains a competitive browser choice in 2025, offering unique features like full uBlock Origin support, robust privacy protections, and extensive customization options. The browser maintains strong technical capabilities including offline translations, DNS over HTTPS, and superior history synchronization, while supporting user interests over advertiser demands.
San Francisco-based startup Rewind has launched an AI-powered iOS app that lets users search through recordings of their daily conversations. The app continuously captures voice conversations, securely stores encrypted audio locally, and allows users to search through transcripts with advanced privacy features.
Mozilla's recent source code changes removing the 'we don't sell your data' promise have severely damaged user trust, with a survey showing 90% of Firefox users either distrusting or doubting the organization. Multiple privacy-focused browser alternatives exist, including Librewolf, Waterfox, and emerging projects like Ladybird, offering users various options for secure browsing.
A reflection on the continued use of Firefox browser amid Mozilla's recent controversial decisions, exploring alternatives like LibreWolf, Debian repos version, and standalone applications. The analysis weighs various options while considering privacy, security, and functionality needs, ultimately leaning towards maintaining Firefox usage while monitoring Mozilla's direction.
A former Microsoft engineer shares their journey from networking enthusiast to software developer, ultimately leaving their role at Viva Insights due to ethical concerns about surveillance. The narrative explores the conflict between high-paying tech jobs and personal values, leading to a decision to pursue entrepreneurship through an IT startup called Fourplex.
An investigation reveals how Xcode's unnecessary connections to Apple's servers can significantly slow down build times, particularly during the 'Gather provisioning inputs' phase. The post details how blocking specific connections through Little Snitch can improve build performance and reduce unwanted analytics collection by Xcode.
Waterfox is a privacy-focused web browser offering built-in tracking protection, container tabs, and private browsing features by default. The browser prioritizes user privacy by not collecting telemetry data while providing easy migration from other browsers and maintaining high performance standards.
Find My offline finding enables AirTags to be located through a network of Apple devices when separated from their paired device. The system uses public/private key encryption for secure location reporting, with nearby Apple devices acting as anonymous finders to relay encrypted location data through Apple Cloud.
Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver processes 1.9 trillion queries daily across 250 locations worldwide, with new analytics features launched on Cloudflare Radar's DNS page. The service provides insights into DNS traffic patterns, protocol usage, and security metrics while maintaining user privacy through anonymized query logs.
Modern Tesla vehicles are equipped with extensive surveillance capabilities, including multiple cameras and sensors that collect significant amounts of data about the car's surroundings and occupants. While Tesla claims to protect user privacy through data anonymization and limited collection practices, investigations have revealed concerning privacy breaches and employee misuse of customer data. Privacy experts express skepticism about Tesla's data protection measures and policy transparency.
The article discusses performance issues with Xcode builds caused by unnecessary connections to Apple's servers during the 'Gather provisioning inputs' phase. The author discovers that blocking certain Apple domains through Little Snitch significantly improves build times while exploring Xcode's seemingly unnecessary tracking and analytics connections.
A comprehensive guide details step-by-step instructions for enhancing privacy settings on Meta platforms, specifically targeting ad preferences and data collection. The guide walks users through disabling targeted advertising, preventing cross-platform data sharing, and unlinking third-party data collection on Facebook and Instagram accounts. Additional privacy recommendations include using Firefox browser and Privacy Badger extension.
Federal judges have blocked DOGE from accessing personal data held by multiple US government departments, including Education, OPM, and Treasury. The rulings came after lawsuits filed by various parties, including the American Federation of Teachers and 19 states led by New York, citing Privacy Act violations and potential irreparable harm.
A security researcher discovered widespread vulnerabilities in MESH by Viscount access control systems, affecting numerous apartment buildings primarily in Canada. The investigation revealed that 43% of recently exposed systems use default credentials, allowing unauthorized access to resident data and building entry control. Despite notification, the vendor Hirsch has not adequately addressed the security concerns.
Apple has discontinued its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) encrypted iCloud storage for new UK users and will require existing users to disable it, following UK security services' demands for backdoor access. The decision affects iCloud backups, photos, notes, and voice memos, while certain data types like passwords and health information will remain encrypted by default.
Security vulnerabilities were discovered in Eight Sleep's smart bed system, including an AWS key exposure and SSH backdoor access for engineers. The investigation reveals potential privacy concerns and network security risks, leading to a simpler alternative using aquarium chillers for temperature-controlled sleep.
Apple has withdrawn its Advanced Data Protection iCloud feature from the UK after government demands for backdoor access to encrypted user data worldwide. The UK's request came through a technical capability notice under the Investigatory Powers Act, requiring Apple to create a global backdoor for British security officials. Existing ADP users will need to manually disable the feature during a grace period to maintain their iCloud accounts.
Obsidian offers a privacy-focused note-taking platform with optional paid services for syncing and publishing, starting at $4 USD per month. The platform emphasizes data security with local storage and end-to-end encryption, while offering educational discounts and supporting independent development through Catalyst memberships.
Obsidian has made its Commercial license optional, allowing free business use while maintaining all features and data privacy. Organizations can still purchase licenses to support development, with companies buying 25+ licenses being featured on the Enterprise page. The change aims to simplify pricing while ensuring universal access to effective thinking and organization tools.
Obscura introduces a revolutionary VPN service that physically cannot log user activity through a unique two-party protocol system. The service provides enhanced privacy by separating user identity from browsing data, while offering seamless integration with multiple global server locations and cryptocurrency payment options.