Something I've struggled with since I started my privacy journey many years ago is just being able to find like-minded people IRL. The end goal would be to be able to socialise with them in my actual hobbies so I don't have to think about privacy concerns all the time. I don't want to find other like-minded people to discuss their favourite secure messaging tools, web browser or Linux distribution.

Privacy-conscious people don't tend to like to use privacy-invasive services so it's often hard to find others. Facebook is generally a no-go. I stopped logging into Reddit when they blocked third party apps in 2023 and I suspect many others have completely deleted their accounts. Groups on Meetup.com tend to ask for a profile picture to be uploaded. I tried Bumble BFF the other day and after, reluctantly, uploading a profile picture, the app didn't even work with my phone.

I've spent a good amount of time trying to socialise with non-privacy-conscious people and then eventually getting them over to privacy-respecting services like Signal but it's always a huge amount of effort and they never really appreciate it and are often just doing it for me. They always feel like they need to tip-toe around me because most are tech-illiterate and/or have no idea about good OPSEC.

I want to hear about any ideas on meeting like-minded people. The only idea I have is to attend things like Linux user groups which are often, ironically, hosted in Google buildings. While I'm fairly into Linux, I'd still feel like a man doing salsa classes just to meet women.

On a side-note, I recently made a post on a different subreddit where I'm looking for fellow Sydney-based hikers and the response rate has been pretty bleak so check that out if anyone here happens to be interested.

Discord is already terrible when it comes to privacy and Id imagine the Social Media Ban is only going to make that worse. So looking in to a more private alternative.

Anyone know any PC desktop messaging apps that are good alternatives?

What is the absolute most private way to receive a package? The most paranoid way possible? Thinking of buying a PO box but they'd have my ID for ownership of the PO box, yeah? I want it so if the posties or government open a package, they won't know it's me.

Cheers.

1. Will Steam (the gaming one) be included as social media and if so will i be able to keep my account without having to give an ID.

2. How do i remake social media accounts to not require me to give an ID.

With the government introducing the social media ban for under 16s they'll be requiring people to verify their age with ID. A VPN seems like a logical and easy way to dodge this but is it as simple as that...? Any info would be appreciated 🙏🏻

Okay so I’m not sure if it’s passed or not, but either way, if it hasn’t, what do we do to try and stop it, and if it has what do we do to try and convince them to not use ID and facial recognition to do this

Don’t say ‘vote right’ I know this I’m going to do this, I’m meaning who do I talk to what do I say

Disturbingly in the midst of the governments new social media ban for children, a possible method of enforcement has been proposed, which would be the utilisation of AI to scan photos and profiles for any evidence that it is owned by a child, for example, photos in school uniforms or the way someone writes comments.

I find this frankly disgusting if true, and a massive invasion of privacy and human rights in this country.

Gday. Something suss is happening at one of our properties. We found empty whisky cans in the recycling and some guy is sleeping in his car down the road. The other day I pulled up and he’s out the front on the road pointing a torch into two palm trees on the property. I’m looking for a 4G camera +mobile app setup that’s reliable which I can place centrally in the house. I also want to be able to speak through it via the app if I need to. Thanking you all in advance. Anger is a gift [Aristotle]

I don't want a TV that tracks my stuff. I don't even wanna just not connect it to the internet. Anyone know any 4k non-smart TVs that are found in Australia?

Thanks!

I’ve been getting some scam calls and emails.

I am trying to delete all my old accounts with guidance of the google password manger, and its just been a real pain the (YOU KNOW WHAT)

7plus , BWS , Australian Online Car parts are the first three I tried to go through.

But there is no guidance on there websites on how to delete the account, even when hopping on the account settings there is nothing there.

Is this some sort of strategy to make it difficult so you don't worry about it?!?!?! I am a noob to this privacy enhance stuff so maybe I am not looking at the right direction.

With that said, is there any service online for Australia that can nuke accounts for you because its not going so good for me I have the passwords to log in but its just such a hassle for no reason.

Hi all,

Very new to the privacy space and am starting to my journey to degoogle myself and regain more privacy in this digital age. I have been swapping to E2EE services to protect my data by i have just realised that in 2018 a law allowing law enforcement bodies to require companies to hand over user information, even if it's end-to-end encrypted.

SO is privacy and E2EE a waste of time in Australia?

Article about the law https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-46463029

Hi, I'm moving to Australia (NSW if it matters) from the UK. We don't require ID to buy simcards here like in Australia. So, I plan to continue to use my UK numbers whilst in Australia and accept the higher roaming charges. However, I was wondering if institutions like banks, workplaces and driver's licencing agencies require australian mobile numbers. Does anyone know? Thanks.