Privacy-Focused Software I Use Daily
In an era where data is the new oil, every click, search, and email is being tracked, analyzed, and monetized. I made a conscious decision to prioritize privacy over convenience, and it's one of the best choices I've made for my digital well-being.
Why Privacy Matters to Me
The Wake-Up Call
A few years ago, I realized that "free" services aren't actually free—I was the product. My data was being:
- Sold to advertisers
- Used to build psychological profiles
- Shared with third parties without my knowledge
- Stored indefinitely on servers I couldn't control
The Cost of Convenience
Big Tech companies offer incredibly convenient services, but at what cost?
- Google knows more about you than your closest friends
- Facebook/Meta tracks you across the web, even when you're not logged in
- Microsoft collects telemetry data from Windows
- Amazon monitors your shopping habits and listening patterns
My Privacy Philosophy
I believe in:
- ✅ Data ownership - My data belongs to me
- ✅ Transparency - I should know what's collected and why
- ✅ Encryption - End-to-end encryption should be standard
- ✅ Open source - Code should be auditable
- ✅ Minimal data collection - Collect only what's necessary
My Privacy-Focused Software Stack
Here's what I use daily to protect my privacy without sacrificing functionality:
🔍 Search: Kagi Search
Why I chose Kagi:
- Zero tracking - No ads, no data collection
- Paid model - I'm the customer, not the product
- Superior results - Better than Google for technical searches
- Customizable - Block/boost domains, personalize results
- Fast & clean - No clutter, just results
Alternatives:
- DuckDuckGo (free, privacy-focused)
- Brave Search (independent index)
- Startpage (Google results, private)
Link: kagi.com
🌐 Browser: Brave
Why I chose Brave:
- Built-in ad blocker - Blocks ads and trackers by default
- Chromium-based - Compatible with Chrome extensions
- Brave Rewards - Optional privacy-respecting ads
- IPFS support - Decentralized web ready
- Tor integration - Private browsing built-in
Key Features:
- Shields block trackers, ads, and fingerprinting
- HTTPS Everywhere enabled by default
- No telemetry or data collection
- Fast and lightweight
Alternatives:
- Firefox (with privacy extensions)
- LibreWolf (hardened Firefox)
- Ungoogled Chromium
Link: brave.com
📧 Email: Proton Mail + Tuta Mail
Proton Mail (Primary)
Why I chose Proton Mail:
- End-to-end encryption - Even Proton can't read your emails
- Swiss privacy laws - Strong legal protection
- Zero-access encryption - Your data, your keys
- Open source - Auditable code
- Calendar & Drive - Integrated ecosystem
Features:
- Custom domain support
- Encrypted contacts
- Self-destructing messages
- Anonymous sign-up (with Tor)
Link: proton.me/mail
Tuta Mail (Secondary)
Why I use Tuta Mail:
- Fully encrypted - Subject lines, body, attachments
- German privacy laws - GDPR compliant
- Affordable - Great value for money
- Calendar included - Encrypted calendar
- Clean interface - Simple and intuitive
Use Case: Separate email for different purposes, extra privacy layer
Link: tuta.com
🔒 VPN: Proton VPN
Why I chose Proton VPN:
- No-logs policy - Independently audited
- Swiss jurisdiction - Outside 5/9/14 Eyes
- Secure Core - Routes through privacy-friendly countries
- NetShield - Built-in ad/malware blocker
- Open source - Transparent code
Features:
- Kill switch
- Split tunneling
- Tor over VPN
- P2P support
- 60+ countries
When I use it:
- Public WiFi
- Traveling
- Accessing geo-restricted content
- Extra privacy layer
Alternatives:
- Mullvad VPN (anonymous payments)
- IVPN (privacy-focused)
Link: protonvpn.com
📸 Photos: Ente Photos
Why I chose Ente Photos:
- End-to-end encrypted - Your photos, your keys
- Cross-platform - iOS, Android, Web, Desktop
- Automatic backup - Never lose a photo
- Face recognition - On-device, private
- Sharing - Encrypted album sharing
Features:
- Unlimited storage (paid plans)
- Live photos support
- Search by location, date
- Family plans
- Open source
Why not Google Photos?
- Google scans your photos for ads
- Privacy concerns
- Data mining
Link: ente.io
🔐 Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Ente Auth (Web Access)
Why I chose Ente Auth:
- End-to-end encrypted - Synced across devices
- Web access - Use from any browser
- Backup & sync - Never lose your codes
- Open source - Auditable
- Import/export - Easy migration
Link: ente.io/auth
Proton Pass (Alternative)
Why I also use Proton Pass:
- Integrated ecosystem - Works with Proton Mail
- Password manager - 2FA + passwords in one
- Encrypted vault - Zero-knowledge architecture
- Autofill - Seamless experience
Link: proton.me/pass
Alternatives:
- Aegis Authenticator (Android, open source)
- Raivo OTP (iOS, open source)
Additional Privacy Tools I Use
💬 Messaging: Signal
Why Signal:
- End-to-end encryption by default
- Open source protocol
- Minimal metadata collection
- Disappearing messages
- Screen security
Link: signal.org
🗒️ Notes: Standard Notes
Why Standard Notes:
- End-to-end encrypted
- Cross-platform sync
- Markdown support
- Extensions for extra features
- Open source
Link: standardnotes.com
🔑 Password Manager: Proton Pass
Why I chose Proton Pass:
- End-to-end encrypted - Zero-knowledge architecture protects your data
- Browser extension - Easily accessible for seamless autofill and password management
- Affordable - Generous free tier, with premium plans for advanced features
- Cross-platform - Available on web, desktop, and mobile devices
- Advanced security - Supports 2-step passwords (primary + secondary) and 2FA for maximum protection
Link: proton.me/pass
🎵 Music: JioSaavn (with privacy tweaks)
Privacy measures:
- Disabled personalized ads
- Limited data sharing
- Using VPN
- Separate email account
Better alternative: Self-hosted music server (Navidrome, Jellyfin)
💾 Cloud Storage: Proton Drive + Filen
Proton Drive (Primary)
Why Proton Drive:
- End-to-end encrypted
- Zero-access encryption
- Integrated with Proton ecosystem
- Swiss privacy laws
Link: proton.me/drive
Filen (Secondary)
Why Filen:
- End-to-end encrypted - Zero-knowledge architecture
- Generous free tier - 10GB free storage
- Affordable plans - Lifetime plans available
- Fast sync - Quick file synchronization
- Open source - Transparent and auditable
Use Case: Additional backup layer, file sharing
Alternatives:
- Tresorit
- Sync.com
- Self-hosted Nextcloud
Link: filen.io
🛡️ DNS: NextDNS
Why NextDNS:
- Blocks ads and trackers at DNS level
- Customizable blocklists
- Analytics dashboard
- Privacy-focused
- Fast and reliable
Link: nextdns.io
📅 Calendar: Proton Calendar + Tuta Calendar
Proton Calendar (Primary)
Why Proton Calendar:
- End-to-end encrypted - Events, descriptions, all encrypted
- Integrated ecosystem - Works seamlessly with Proton Mail
- Zero-access encryption - Only you can read your calendar
- Sharing - Share encrypted calendars with others
- Cross-platform - Web, iOS, Android
Link: proton.me/calendar
Tuta Calendar (Secondary)
Why Tuta Calendar:
- Fully encrypted - All calendar data encrypted
- Included with Tuta Mail - No extra cost
- Simple interface - Clean and intuitive
- Privacy-focused - German privacy laws
Link: tuta.com
📱 App Store: Aurora Store
Why Aurora Store:
- Anonymous access - Use Google Play without account
- Privacy-focused - No Google tracking
- Open source - Transparent code
- Spoof device - Protect device identity
- Download APKs - Get apps without Play Services
Use Case: Download Android apps privately without Google account
Alternatives:
- F-Droid (open source apps only)
- APKMirror (manual downloads)
Link: auroraoss.com
🤖 AI Assistant: Kagi Assistant
Why Kagi Assistant:
- Privacy-first - No data collection or training on your queries
- Multiple AI models - GPT-4, Claude, and more
- No tracking - Your conversations stay private
- Integrated - Works within Kagi Search
- Research mode - Deep web research capabilities
Features:
- Code generation
- Writing assistance
- Research and analysis
- Multiple language support
- No conversation history stored
Why not ChatGPT:
- OpenAI trains on your data
- Privacy concerns
- Data retention policies
Link: kagi.com/assistant
🌍 Translation: Kagi Translate
Why Kagi Translate:
- Privacy-focused - No data collection
- Accurate translations - High-quality results
- No tracking - Your translations stay private
- Fast - Instant translations
- Multiple languages - Wide language support
Features:
- Text translation
- Document translation
- Website translation
- No usage limits (with Kagi subscription)
Why not Google Translate:
- Google tracks all translations
- Privacy concerns
- Data mining
Link: kagi.com/translate
Create Your Own Privacy Pack
Want to build your own privacy-focused software stack? Check out PrivacyPack.org!
What is PrivacyPack.org?
PrivacyPack.org is a community-driven platform where you can:
- 🎯 Discover privacy-focused alternatives to popular software
- 📦 Create custom software packs for different use cases
- 🔄 Share your privacy stack with others
How to Use PrivacyPack.org
- Browse Categories - Search, Email, VPN, Messaging, etc.
- Build Your Pack - Select tools for your needs
- Export & Share - Download your custom pack
Visit: privacypack.org
The Transition Journey
It's Not All-or-Nothing
You don't have to switch everything overnight. Here's how I did it:
Phase 1: Easy Wins (Week 1)
- ✅ Switch to Brave browser
- ✅ Install uBlock Origin
- ✅ Use DuckDuckGo/Kagi
Phase 2: Communication (Month 1)
- ✅ Create Proton Mail account
- ✅ Install Signal
- ✅ Set up 2FA with Ente Auth
Phase 3: Deep Privacy (Month 2-3)
- ✅ Migrate to Proton VPN
- ✅ Move photos to Ente
- ✅ Switch to Proton Pass
Phase 4: Advanced (Ongoing)
- ✅ Self-host services
- ✅ Use Tor for sensitive browsing
- ✅ Encrypt everything
Common Concerns Addressed
"I have nothing to hide"
Privacy isn't about hiding; it's about control. You lock your door not because you're doing something wrong, but because it's your space.
"Privacy tools are inconvenient"
Modern privacy tools are just as convenient as mainstream alternatives. Some are even better!
"It's too expensive"
Many privacy tools are free or affordable:
- Brave: Free
- Signal: Free
- Proton Pass: Free tier is enough for most users
- Proton Mail: Free tier available
"I'm not tech-savvy enough"
Most privacy tools are user-friendly and designed for everyone. If you can use Gmail, you can use Proton Mail.
The Benefits I've Experienced
Peace of Mind
- No more creepy targeted ads
- No anxiety about data breaches
- Control over my digital footprint
Better Performance
- Faster browsing (no ad trackers)
- Less clutter
- Cleaner interfaces
Supporting Good Companies
- Voting with my wallet
- Supporting open source
- Encouraging ethical business models
Learning & Growth
- Understanding technology better
- Becoming more security-conscious
- Inspiring others to care about privacy
My Recommendations
Start Small
- Switch your browser to Brave
- Use a privacy-focused search engine like Kagi or DuckDuckGo
- Install a password manager like Proton Pass
- Enable 2FA with Ente Auth
Go Deeper
- Create a Proton Mail account
- Use Signal for messaging
- Get a VPN like Proton VPN
- Encrypt your photos with Ente
Advanced Steps
- Self-host services when possible
- Use Tor for sensitive browsing
- Encrypt your devices
- Review app permissions regularly
Resources to Learn More
Websites
- Privacy Guides - privacyguides.org
- Electronic Frontier Foundation - eff.org
- PrivacyTools - privacytools.io
Communities
- r/privacy on Reddit
- Privacy-focused Discord servers
- Local privacy meetups
Books
- "Permanent Record" by Edward Snowden
- "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism" by Shoshana Zuboff
- "Data and Goliath" by Bruce Schneier
Conclusion
Switching to privacy-focused software was one of the best decisions I've made. It's not about being paranoid—it's about being intentional with my digital life.
Privacy is a right, not a privilege.
You don't need to be a tech expert or sacrifice convenience. Start small, take it one step at a time, and build a privacy stack that works for you.
Your Turn
What privacy-focused tools do you use? Have questions about making the switch? Let's discuss in the comments or reach out on Twitter.
My Complete Privacy Stack (Quick Reference)
| Category | Tool/Service |
|---|---|
| 🔍 Search | Kagi Search |
| 🌐 Browser | Brave |
| Proton Mail + Tuta | |
| 🔒 VPN | Proton VPN |
| 📸 Photos | Ente Photos |
| 🔐 2FA | Ente Auth + Proton Pass |
| 💬 Messaging | Signal |
| 🗒️ Notes | Standard Notes |
| 🔑 Passwords | Proton Pass |
| 💾 Cloud | Proton Drive + Filen |
| 🛡️ DNS | NextDNS |
| 🎵 Music | JioSaavn |
| 📅 Calendar | Proton Calendar + Tuta |
| 📱 App Store | Aurora Store |
| 🤖 AI Assistant | Kagi Assistant |
| 🌍 Translation | Kagi Translate |
Build your own privacy pack at PrivacyPack.org 🔒
Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with any of the mentioned services. These are genuine recommendations based on my personal experience. Always do your own research before choosing privacy tools.