SOV-007: Is Your Web Browser Spying on You? - The Sovereign Computing Show
Release Date: 03/04/2025
ATL BitLab Podcast
Start9 CEO Matt Hill joins Jordan Bravo to discuss the evolution of sovereign computing and the upcoming StartOS 0.4.0 release. Learn about Start9's mission to democratize server administration, their revolutionary new networking capabilities, plans for an open-source router, and innovative community programs for scaling support and development. Plus: why dignity matters as much as privacy and security in computing. Show Notes: 00:00 Opening Quote: Sovereign Computing Definition 00:33 Introduction and Show Sponsorship 01:51 Welcome and Sovereign Computing Origins 03:21...
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Google is making Android more like iOS by blocking "sideloading" of unverified apps starting next year. Jordan Bravo breaks down why "sideloading" is a psyop term designed to make normal software installation seem dangerous, how Google's new developer KYC requirements will kill freedom tech, and why this gradual "boiling of the frog" approach threatens projects like GrapheneOS. Plus a chilling reminder from former NSA/CIA director Michael Hayden: "We kill people based on metadata." Show Notes: 00:00 Opening Quote: Satoshi KYC Example 00:41 Introduction and Show Sponsorship...
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Not all "free" software is actually free - you're often paying with your data, privacy, or through deceptive subscription traps. In this episode, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme break down the business models behind the software you use daily, from ethical freemium approaches like Tailscale to exploitative data harvesting like Gmail. They explore managed hosting models, the pros and cons of subscriptions versus one-time payments, and expose dark patterns that trick users into unwanted charges. Plus updates on Jordan's private SIM card journey and news about Google's forced Android changes and...
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Not all software is created equal when it comes to digital sovereignty. In this episode, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme break down their framework for evaluating software that respects your freedom and privacy. They cover why open source isn't always a guarantee, how to spot healthy vs abandoned projects on GitHub, the importance of data export capabilities, and sustainable business models that won't disappear overnight. Plus, news about Samsung killing bootloader unlocks, EU age verification requirements, and reviews of new authenticator apps from Proton and Ente. Show Notes: ...
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Your location data is one of the most sensitive pieces of information you share, but are you trusting Google and Apple with every place you go? In this episode, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme explore private alternatives to mainstream navigation apps that don't track your movements. They cover privacy-focused options like Magic Earth and Organic Maps built on Open Street Maps, reveal how to use Waze on GrapheneOS without Google Play Services, and discuss the ultimate privacy solution: standalone Garmin GPS devices. Plus, news about Proton's new AI assistant Lumo and the company's concerning...
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Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme dive deep into Eric Hughes' groundbreaking 1993 Cypherpunk Manifesto, exploring how this foundational document predicted Bitcoin, anonymous transaction systems, and modern digital privacy tools. They discuss the historical context of cryptography being illegal, the evolution from military-controlled encryption to widespread adoption, and how today's privacy-focused services like Mullvad exemplify the manifesto's principles. The hosts examine why "cypherpunks write code" and how this philosophy continues to drive sovereign computing solutions today. Show Notes: ...
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Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme return with a news-packed episode covering the latest privacy violations and surveillance schemes. They discuss Trump's plan to create a master database of Americans using Palantir, WhatsApp AI accidentally leaking user phone numbers, Meta and Yandex exploiting Android phones to track browsing habits, and Ford's patent for cars that report speeding drivers. Plus, Jordan shares updates on his sovereign computing journey including anonymous phone services, Alby Hub lightning setup, and self-hosted lightning addresses. Show Notes:...
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In today's digital landscape, having your own website is more important than ever for true digital independence. Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme explain how to register domain names and set up web hosting with minimal personal information and maximum privacy. They cover Bitcoin-accepting registrars, anonymous VPS providers, and how the domain name system really works. Plus, they discuss a controversial Bitcoin update proposal that highlights why running your own node matters. Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/anonymous-website-hosting-and-domains 00:00 Why Own Websites Beat Social...
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Bitcoin is built on the principle of not trusting third parties, but are you trusting someone else's node to validate your transactions? In this episode, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme explore why running your own Bitcoin and Lightning nodes is crucial for true financial sovereignty. They break down the hardware requirements, software options like Umbrel and Start OS, and how to connect popular wallets to your own node. Plus, news about Thunderbird's new email service and the concerning bankruptcy sale of 23andMe's genetic data. Show Notes: 00:00 Why You Should Run Your Own Bitcoin...
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AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude are powerful tools, but they come with significant privacy trade-offs. In this episode, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme explore practical approaches to using AI without surrendering your data to big tech companies. They compare privacy-focused third-party services that use confidential computing (like Maple) and local storage options (like Venice.AI) before diving into running open-source models entirely on your own hardware with tools like Ollama, GPT4All, and LM Studio. They also reveal how your Smart TV might take screenshots of what you're watching...
info_outlineGoogle Chrome is not just a browser; it's a surveillance tool. In this episode of the Sovereign Computing Show, Jordan Bravo and Steven DeLorme delve into why Chrome collects vast amounts of your data and discuss more private alternatives. They explore various browsers like Firefox, Brave, and the up-and-coming Ladybird, as well as private search engines such as DuckDuckGo, StartPage, and Kagi. Learn how to take back control of your web browsing experience with privacy-focused tools and strategies.
Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/is-your-web-browser-spying-on-you
00:00 Google Chrome: The Spy in Your Browser
00:36 Welcome to the Sovereign Computing Show
00:52 Sponsorship and Community at ATL BitLab
02:02 Boosting and Interacting with the Show
02:58 Apple's Encryption Battle with the UK Government
04:57 The US Government's Stance on Encryption
17:13 Choosing Private Web Browsers and Search Engines
18:24 Why You Should Avoid Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge
22:56 The Benefits of Using Brave Browser
27:48 Exploring Firefox as a Private Browser Option
29:17 The Importance of Firefox in the Browser Ecosystem
30:07 Nostalgia for Firefox's Early Days
31:55 The Rise of Brave and Other Chromium Forks
33:00 Introducing Ladybird: A New Browser on the Horizon
34:25 Essential Browser Extensions for Privacy and Ad Blocking
37:55 Mobile Browsers and Syncing Solutions
46:28 Exploring Alternative Search Engines
54:27 Listener Boosts and Podcasting 2.0 Apps
56:05 Closing Remarks and How to Support the Show