$ find /privacy --verified --no-kyc

Replace Your Stack

Privacy-respecting alternatives to mainstream services

$ replace whatsapp --with privacy

$ replace WhatsApp

# Problems

  • ✗ Metadata shared with Meta
  • ✗ Phone number as identifier
  • ✗ Contact list uploaded to servers
→ Install SimpleX, share QR code with one contact, done. 5 minutes.

$ replace Gmail

# Problems

  • ✗ All emails scanned for advertising
  • ✗ IP address logged on every login
  • ✗ Real identity required for account
→ Create Proton account via Tor, forward important emails, update accounts gradually.

$ replace Google Chrome

# Problems

  • ✗ Browsing history synced to Google
  • ✗ Unique browser fingerprint tracked
  • ✗ Extensions can be remotely disabled
→ Download Tor Browser for sensitive browsing, LibreWolf for daily use. Import bookmarks.

$ replace Dropbox

# Problems

  • ✗ Files not end-to-end encrypted
  • ✗ Company can access all your data
  • ✗ US jurisdiction, subject to subpoenas
→ Start with Proton Drive if you already use Proton Mail. Migrate folders one by one.

$ replace NordVPN

# Problems

  • ✗ Email required for registration
  • ✗ Aggressive affiliate marketing, questionable claims
  • ✗ Past security breaches
→ Get Mullvad account number, pay with XMR, install app. No email needed.

$ replace PayPal

# Problems

  • ✗ Full identity verification required
  • ✗ Can freeze funds arbitrarily
  • ✗ Complete transaction history tracked
→ Install Cake Wallet, buy XMR via built-in exchange, find shops on Monerica.

$ replace Stripe

# Problems

  • ✗ Full KYC required for merchants
  • ✗ High fees (2.9% + 0.30)
  • ✗ Can freeze payouts at any time
→ Self-host BTCPay Server or accept XMR directly via Cake Wallet subaddresses.

$ replace AWS / Hetzner

# Problems

  • ✗ Full identity verification required
  • ✗ Subject to takedown requests
  • ✗ Can terminate service at will
→ Njalla accepts XMR, provides anonymous domain registration AND hosting.

$ replace Namecheap

# Problems

  • ✗ WHOIS data exposed or sold
  • ✗ Must provide real identity
  • ✗ Subject to ICANN policies
→ Njalla registers domains in their name, you stay anonymous. Transfer existing domains.

$ replace Telegram

# Problems

  • ✗ Not E2E encrypted by default
  • ✗ Phone number required
  • ✗ Server-side message storage
→ For 1:1 chats use SimpleX. For groups, self-host a Matrix server or use Element.

$ replace Discord

# Problems

  • ✗ All messages stored unencrypted
  • ✗ Phone number required for some servers
  • ✗ Aggressive data collection
→ Create a Matrix room for your community, bridge to IRC if needed.

$ replace Twitter / X

# Problems

  • ✗ Phone number required
  • ✗ Algorithmic manipulation of feed
  • ✗ Arbitrary account suspensions
→ Generate Nostr keys, choose a client (Damus, Amethyst), post your npub on Twitter.

$ replace Instagram

# Problems

  • ✗ Owned by Meta, extensive tracking
  • ✗ Face recognition on all photos
  • ✗ Psychological manipulation algorithms
→ Find a Pixelfed instance or self-host. Import photos from Instagram export.

$ replace Reddit

# Problems

  • ✗ Email required, increasingly phone too
  • ✗ API restrictions killed third-party apps
  • ✗ Aggressive advertising tracking

# Alternatives

→ Find a Lemmy instance, subscribe to communities mirroring your subreddits.