Digital Freedom Tubes
Your gateway to the alternative internet
Digital Freedom Marketing – The Data-Driven Creator
PRIVACY AWARE MARKETING The Data-Driven Creator The catalyst for this report was two young, aspiring content creators taking their first serious steps into production. Its primary purpose is to introduce them to the logic of data analysis—a critical area of…
Progress Update & Roadmap for next three months.
Projects Reviewed: Project Updates: DFA – Website Walk Away from Big Tech – Website 10 Steps to Escape the Big Tech Digital Prison – Training Course CARS System – Digital Privacy Framework & Methodology A CAR defines a process to…
Signal Private Messenger
Open-source, end-to-end encrypted messaging app for text, voice, and video calls with minimal metadata retention.
Qubes OS
Security-focused desktop OS using virtualization to compartmentalize tasks into isolated domains.
TOR Browser
The TOR (The Onion Router) Browser is designed for anonymous browsing and protecting user privacy. It routes traffic through a worldwide volunteer overlay network, consisting of more than seven thousand relays to conceal a user’s location and usage from network…
How To “Fix” Your Big Tech Social Media Account
Most people’s social media accounts are digital attics filled with decade-old posts that no longer represent them. There’s real value in cleaning this up—not just for privacy, but because algorithms use your history to rate you and determine your reach…
Gibiru Search
Gibiru Search is a privacy-focused search engine that aims to provide uncensored and unbiased search results. It does not track users or store their data, promoting a secure and private search experience. Gibiru markets itself as a tool for those…
X (Twitter) Walk Away from Big Tech
our X page
OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap is a collaborative project that provides free, editable maps powered by community contributors rather than corporate surveillance.
LEAP Encryption Access Project
LEAP develops tools and infrastructure for email encryption, secure VPNs, and metadata protection, especially for NGOs and journalists.
DuckDuckGo Search Engine
DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine that emphasizes protecting user data. Unlike traditional search engines, DuckDuckGo does not track user searches or store personal information, making it a preferred choice for privacy-conscious individuals. Additionally, DuckDuckGo offers a browsing app and…
Aral Balkan
Cyborg-rights activist advocating “Small Tech”—decentralized, privacy-by-default tools.
What is Matrix and Element
Matrix is a modern, open messaging network designed for real-time communication—think of it as email reimagined for instant chat. Just as you can email anyone regardless of whether they use Gmail or Outlook, Matrix lets you message across different apps…
Data Detox Kit
A friendly, step-by-step guide to help users reduce data exposure and gain control over personal information online.
Security in a Box
A collaborative project offering localized digital security guides for human rights defenders around the world.
DNS Leak Test
Fast test to see whether your DNS requests are going through your VPN or leaking to your ISP.
Tor Project
The Tor Project provides free and open-source software that enables anonymous communication and defends against traffic analysis and censorship.
EFF Dice Passphrase Generator
Generate secure, memorable passphrases using diceware methodology.
Metager
MetaGer is a privacy-focused meta-search engine based in Germany that aggregates results from various search engines while maintaining user privacy. It does not track users or store their data, and it operates under strict European privacy laws. MetaGer aims to…
Mobile Verification Toolkit (MVT)
Command-line forensic toolkit to scan device backups for indicators of spyware like Pegasus.
IPLeak.net
Checks for exposed IP addresses, DNS leaks, WebRTC leaks, and geolocation info.
Am I Unique?
Compares your browser fingerprint against others to show how easily you can be tracked.
Facebook – Escape the Big Tech Prison
DFA on Facebook Escape the Big Tech Prison Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/escapethebigtechprison
VirusTotal
Scan URLs or files with dozens of antivirus engines.
Invidious
Invidious is a free and open-source alternative front-end to YouTube. It serves as a privacy-respecting proxy that allows users to access YouTube content without being tracked by Google. Users can watch, search, and download YouTube videos while avoiding Google’s tracking…
Chromium Browser
Google Chrome is a web browser developed by Google. It is widely used across various platforms, offering features like synchronization across devices, integration with Google services, and a wide range of extensions available through the Chrome Web Store. However, it…
Whoer.net
Displays IP address, DNS, system info, anonymity score, and proxy detection.
Tails Project
Tails is a live operating system that aims to preserve privacy and anonymity by routing traffic through Tor and leaving no traces.
The Glass Room
A traveling exhibition and online learning space that explores personal data, digital security, and surveillance.
Mullvad VPN
Privacy-focused VPN service with anonymous account creation, no logs, and support for WireGuard and OpenVPN.
PeerTube
PeerTube is a decentralized video hosting platform that enables users to create their own instances of the service, forming a federated network of independent video hosts. It aims to provide an alternative to centralized video platforms like YouTube, promoting free…
Pi-hole
Network-wide ad and tracker blocker using DNS sinkholing to block domains at the network level.
PrivacyGuides
PrivacyGuides is a community-driven site offering vetted, open-source recommendations for privacy-focused apps, services, and operational practices.
Mojeek Search Engine
Mojeek Search is a privacy-focused search engine that aims to provide an unbiased and tracking-free search experience. Unlike many other search engines, Mojeek operates its own search index and algorithms, ensuring that user data is not collected or sold. It…
Replacing Camtasia on macOS (and Preparing to Move to Linux) with FOSS
Walk Away from Big Tech – The Alternatives Are Better Replacing Camtasia on macOS (and Preparing to Move to Linux) with FOSS I delayed the macOS upgrade as long as possible, but eventually things started breaking to the point where…
Have I Been Pwned
Check if your email or phone number has been in a known data breach.
Riseup Help Pages
Plain-language documentation from a long-standing activist collective that supports privacy tools like VPNs, email, and pads.
Bastyon Social Media
Bastyon is a decentralized social media platform designed to prioritize user privacy and freedom of expression. Unlike traditional social networks, Bastyon does not rely on centralized servers or data collection practices. Instead, it leverages blockchain technology to ensure a secure,…
Media Manipulation Casebook
An academic resource that explores how disinformation spreads online, with a focus on privacy and social harms.
No More Google (Educational Variant)
A list and explainer resource encouraging users to replace Google services with privacy-respecting alternatives.
The Fediverse (ActivityPub Projects)
The Fediverse is a decentralized social networking ecosystem based on the ActivityPub protocol, enabling privacy-conscious communication and community building.
TrackerControl & NetGuard
Android firewall apps that monitor and block outgoing connections per app via a local VPN interface.
Cory Doctorow
Science‐fiction author and digital-rights activist campaigning against DRM and for open interoperability.
Jaron Lanier
Virtual-reality pioneer turned critic of social-media business models.
Librem 5 & PinePhone
Privacy-focused smartphones with open hardware and physical kill switches for mic, camera, and baseband.
Why DFA Uses Brave Talk
PRIVACY REPORT: Why DFA Uses Brave Talk DFA hosts Digital Freedom Awareness Talks using the Brave Talk video conferencing platform. It works directly in any modern web browser, allowing you to join instantly via a link without downloading an application…
Briar
Peer-to-peer encrypted messaging app that works without central servers, using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Tor.
Firefox Browser
Firefox is a free and open-source web browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation. Known for its emphasis on privacy, security, and customization, Firefox offers users a variety of tools to enhance their browsing experience while protecting their personal information. It…
Tails OS Training Resources
Official and community-created materials to help users safely adopt Tails — the amnesic, anonymous operating system used by journalists and activists.
Brave Browser
Brave Browser is a privacy-focused web browser that blocks trackers and ads by default, ensuring enhanced privacy and security for users. It is built on the Chromium engine, making it compatible with Chrome extensions while offering superior privacy features compared…
Mullvad Browser
Mullvad Browser is a privacy-focused web browser developed in collaboration with the Tor Project. It is designed to offer users the highest levels of privacy and anonymity, combining the best features of the Tor Browser with the VPN services provided…
Session Messenger
Decentralized, metadata-minimizing messenger using a blockchain-backed network with anonymous IDs.
SearXNG Search Engine
SearXNG is an open-source, privacy-focused metasearch engine that aggregates results from various search engines while protecting user privacy. It does not track user activity or store personal data, providing an anonymous search experience. Users can also customize their SearXNG instances…
Bastyon – Escape the Big Tech Prison
DFA on Bastyon Escape the Big Tech Prison Bastyon Page https://bastyon.com/escapebigtechprison
BrowserLeaks
Extremely detailed browser fingerprinting and leak tests: DNS, WebRTC, canvas, etc.
GNUnet / secushare
GNUnet is a framework for secure, decentralized networking; secushare builds privacy-first social communication tools on top of it.
Laura Poitras
Documentarian whose film “Citizenfour” brought NSA surveillance to light.
Exodus Privacy
Static analysis tool that scans Android apps for embedded trackers and permissions.
OSINT Scraping Tools
Toolkits (e.g., Photon, IntelTechniques) for uncovering publicly exposed personal data across multiple sources.
FreedomBox
FreedomBox is a self-hosted server system that empowers individuals to replace Big Tech services with privacy-respecting tools they control.
Dogpile Search Engine
Dogpile is a meta-search engine that fetches results from various popular search engines, including Google, Yahoo, and Yandex, to provide comprehensive search results. While it does not primarily focus on privacy, Dogpile aims to deliver efficient and broad search results…
Hybrid Analysis
Deep scanning and behavioral analysis of files and URLs in sandbox environments.
Odysee – Escape the Big Tech Prison Video channel
DFA on Odysee Escape the Big Tech Prison Odysee Video Channel https://odysee.com/@WalkAwayfromBigTech:1
Bruce Schneier
Cryptographer and security technologist who explains surveillance and security in accessible terms.
Browser Fingerprint Testers
Web tools like EFF’s Cover Your Tracks that reveal how unique your browser fingerprint is.
Barrett Brown
Journalist/activist who exposed the surveillance-contractor ecosystem.
Max Schrems
Lawyer whose challenges tore down EU-US data-transfer frameworks under GDPR.
Video & Video-Social Platforms for 2025
Tired of being tracked on YouTube? Explore privacy-focused video platforms like Bastyon, PeerTube, Odysee, DTube, BitChute, Brighteon, and Rumble. While Rumble leads in popularity, it falls short on privacy. The top alternatives prioritize decentralized, open-source systems to protect your data…
Telegram – Escape the Big Tech Prison
DFA on Telegram Escape the Big Tech Prison Telegram Page https://web.telegram.org/k/#@escapethebigtech
Odysee
Odysee is a video hosting platform built on the LBRY blockchain protocol, which aims to provide a decentralized and censorship-resistant alternative to mainstream video platforms. It allows content creators to publish their work without the risk of being deplatformed and…
Panopticlick (EFF Teaching Tool)
A browser fingerprinting test that educates users about unique identifiers and surveillance through configuration.
CryptPad
Web-based office collaboration suite with end-to-end encryption for pads, spreadsheets, and kanban boards.
LineageOS & CalyxOS
Community-driven Android replacements for de-Googling smartphones, with optional microG support.
Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI is a search engine and AI-powered information retrieval tool that leverages multiple large language models to provide comprehensive and contextual search results. It is designed to offer users a robust search experience with a focus on privacy and…
Key Length
View recommended cryptographic key sizes across common encryption algorithms.
Matrix Network
Matrix is an open standard for decentralized communication, providing secure and interoperable messaging. It is designed to allow users to communicate across different services while maintaining control over their data. Matrix supports various platforms, including web, Android, iOS, and desktop…
Carissa Véliz
Philosopher and author of “Privacy Is Power,” arguing data is a form of personal sovereignty.
Cryptoparties
Grassroots privacy education events where people learn digital security skills through in-person workshops and local meetups.
Digital Security and Privacy for Human Rights Defenders
Training curriculum and tools created for activists, journalists, and NGOs working in high-risk environments.
Meredith Whittaker
Former Google researcher now leading Signal Foundation and AI ethics work.
Set the Escape Launchpad as your Homepage in Brave
Simple Instructions to Set a Homepage in Brave (As of 2025) It’s easy to follow and should stay valid for a while: and/or set as your Home button To also make it your Home button link:
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Phil Zimmermann
Creator of PGP encryption who sparked the Crypto Wars by making strong crypto public.
Fediverse Apps
Decentralized social platforms (Mastodon, PixelFed, PeerTube) using ActivityPub for interoperable networking.
Eva Galperin
EFF cybersecurity director renowned for anti-stalkerware campaigns.
Decoding Data (Tactical Tech)
A teaching curriculum that helps young people understand how data is generated, collected, and used to shape their behavior.
r/Privacy (Reddit)
A large Reddit community (>1.3 M members) discussing digital privacy news, tools, and best practices.
Rumble – Escape the Big Tech Prison
DFA on Rumble Escape the Big Tech Prison Rumble Channel https://rumble.com/c/EscapetheBigTechPrison
Security Education Companion (TLP)
A guide for digital security trainers to create inclusive, effective, and beginner-friendly privacy education workshops.
Julian Assange
WikiLeaks founder whose work balances transparency against state secrecy.
Qubes OS
Qubes OS is a security-focused desktop operating system that uses virtualization to compartmentalize applications and tasks for maximum privacy.
EFF’s Surveillance Self-Defense (SSD)
A multilingual online guide that teaches individuals and organizations how to protect themselves against digital surveillance and threats.
Youtube – Escape the Big Tech Prison
DFA on Youtube Escape the Big Tech Prison Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@escapethebigtechprison
Edward Snowden
Former NSA contractor who exposed global mass surveillance and now champions encryption and digital minimalism.
OnionShare
Tor-based tool for anonymous file sharing and ephemeral website hosting via .onion URLs.
Shoshana Zuboff
Harvard professor who coined “surveillance capitalism” and campaigns for data sovereignty.
Blacklight (Real-Time Privacy Inspector)
A browser-based tool that analyzes any website for surveillance tech like trackers, ads, and fingerprinting.
Privacy Guides Forum & Matrix Space
An online Discourse forum and Matrix chat for privacy-conscious individuals to discuss tools, ask questions, and share news.
Presearch
Presearch is a decentralized search engine that aims to provide a private, unbiased search experience. It leverages blockchain technology to ensure transparency and rewards users with PRE tokens for their search activities. Presearch seeks to disrupt the search engine market…
Escape the Big Tech Prison Challenge Launch To-Do List
Related Projects supporting the Training Course There are no problems to solve before launch – just things to finish and tidy up
Specialized Forums (Technologist-focused)
Technical Q&A forums like Security StackExchange for deep-dive privacy discussions.
GAB Social
GAB Social is a social networking service that promotes free speech and individual liberty. It positions itself as an alternative to mainstream social media platforms, emphasizing its commitment to user privacy and freedom of expression.
Brighteon.io Social
In an age where every click and swipe feeds the insatiable data appetite of Big Tech, the Bastyon Mobi smartphone emerges as a beacon of digital liberty. Crafted for those who value privacy above all, Bastyon Mobi is a pioneering…
Monero
Privacy-centric cryptocurrency using ring signatures, stealth addresses, and confidential transactions for untraceable payments.
SecureDrop
SecureDrop is an open-source whistleblower submission system used by media organizations to securely receive documents and communications.
Bromite Android Browser
Bromite is a Chromium-based browser designed for Android with a strong focus on privacy. It eliminates Google’s services and telemetry, integrates ad-blocking features, and enhances privacy protections. Bromite aims to provide a secure and private browsing experience on mobile devices.
GrapheneOS
Privacy- and security-hardened mobile OS based on Android, fully de-Googled for Pixel devices.
Email Leak Tests
Services like Have I Been Pwned that check if your email or phone number appears in known data breaches.
GAB AI
Gab AI is a social media platform that promotes itself as a free speech alternative to mainstream social networks. It emphasizes freedom of expression and privacy for its users. Gab AI has faced various controversies, including accusations of hosting hate…
Startpage
Startpage is a privacy-focused search engine based in Europe that provides search results from Google while maintaining user privacy. It does not track users, store personal data, or use personalized search results. Startpage aims to offer the benefits of Google’s…
VeraCrypt
Open-source disk encryption software for creating encrypted containers or encrypting entire drives.
Substack – Escape the Big Tech Prison
DFA on Substack Escape the Big Tech Prison Substack Page https://escapethebigtechprison.substack.com/
Brave Search Engine
Brave Search is a privacy-focused search engine developed by Brave Software, Inc. It aims to provide users with a search experience free from tracking and data collection, ensuring user privacy and autonomy. Brave Search operates independently, relying on its own…
Ungoogled Chromium Browser
Ungoogled Chromium is a privacy-focused version of the Chromium browser, specifically designed to remove all Google-related services and dependencies. It retains the features of the Chromium project while enhancing privacy, control, and transparency for users.
OpenPGP / GnuPG
GnuPG is the most widely used implementation of the OpenPGP standard, enabling secure email and file encryption through public-key cryptography.
OpenSnitch
Interactive Linux application firewall that alerts you on outbound connections and logs network activity.
Tracker and Ad Domain Blacklists
Community-maintained filter lists (e.g., EasyList, EasyPrivacy, Peter Lowe’s) enumerating ad and tracker domains to block at the network or browser level.
Mastodon Social
Mastodon is a decentralized social network that operates through a federation of independently operated servers called “instances.” It is designed to provide a user-centric alternative to mainstream social media platforms, emphasizing user privacy and freedom of expression. Each instance operates…
Rumble
Rumble is a video hosting platform that focuses on providing an alternative to mainstream video platforms such as YouTube. It emphasizes free speech and aims to offer a space for content that might be censored or restricted on other platforms…
From Computers to Appliances: How Big Tech Is Locking Down Your Hardware
The Hidden Battle for Control of Your Hardware You buy a phone, a laptop, a tablet, maybe even a “smart” TV or car. You pay good money for it. It sits in your home, in your pocket, on your desk…
Tails OS
Live operating system that routes all traffic through Tor and leaves no trace on the host machine.
Helen Nissenbaum
Professor known for the “contextual integrity” theory of privacy.
SnoopSnitch
Android app for detecting IMSI catchers and mobile network attacks through radio signal analysis.
Qwant
Qwant Search is a European-based search engine that emphasizes user privacy and unbiased search results. Qwant does not track users or store their personal data, and it operates under strict European privacy laws, making it a popular choice for privacy-conscious…
Bitchute
BitChute is a video hosting platform that promotes free speech and freedom from censorship. It is designed as an alternative to mainstream video platforms, particularly YouTube, providing a space for content that might be restricted or removed elsewhere. BitChute is…
Brighteon.com
Brighteon is a video-sharing platform that promotes free speech and alternative viewpoints. It was created as an alternative to mainstream video platforms like YouTube, focusing on providing a space for content that might be censored elsewhere. Brighteon emphasizes user privacy…
LibreWolf Browser
LibreWolf is a fork of Firefox designed to enhance user privacy, security, and freedom. It removes all telemetry, data collection, and other privacy-compromising features found in Firefox, while maintaining compatibility with its extensive library of extensions. LibreWolf is available on…
KeePassXC
Offline password manager storing credentials in an encrypted vault with support for key files and hardware tokens.
Oscobo
Oscobo is a privacy-focused search engine that aims to provide a secure and private search experience for users. Unlike many mainstream search engines, Oscobo does not track user activities, collect personal data, or store search history. It offers a straightforward…
Privacy Guides Forum & Wiki
An active privacy-focused community forum and companion wiki that provides curated recommendations, guides, and privacy strategies.
Surveillance Technologies Watchlist
Databases like EFF’s Atlas of Surveillance and Privacy International’s Surveillance Industry Index cataloging government and corporate monitoring tools.
Nextcloud
Self-hosted cloud suite for file sync, calendars, contacts, and more under full user control.
Signal Foundation
The Signal Foundation develops secure messaging apps and protocols to enable private communication globally, free from surveillance and corporate control.
What is a Privacy Browser
DEFINITION What Is a Privacy Browser? The Privacy Browser is not going to magically make you safe or private. You need to know how to safely use it, and even then, it’s important to understand that a Privacy Browser is…
Hardware Privacy Gadgets
Physical tools like Faraday bags, USB data blockers, and camera/mic covers to prevent tracking and unauthorized access.
Waterfox Browser
Waterfox is an open-source web browser based on Mozilla Firefox, designed to enhance user privacy and customization. It removes all telemetry, data collection, and other privacy-compromising features found in Firefox. Waterfox supports a wide range of extensions and is available…
Cover Your Tracks (EFF)
Tests how well your browser protects against tracking and fingerprinting.
Matrix.org
Matrix.org develops the Matrix protocol for secure, federated communication and maintains open-source reference implementations like Element and Synapse.
LibrePlanet and FOSS Communities
Free-software communities like LibrePlanet that discuss open-source tools and their privacy implications.
DuckDuckGo Private Browser
DuckDuckGo Private Browser is a privacy-focused web browser developed by DuckDuckGo. It is designed to block trackers, provide private search, and enhance user privacy by not collecting or storing user data. It integrates seamlessly with DuckDuckGo’s search engine and is…
Jami
Peer-to-peer encrypted communication app using a distributed hash table instead of centralized servers.
Why We Do Not Recommend the Signal “Privacy” App
PRIVACY REPORT: Why We Do Not Recommend the Signal “Privacy” App I want to be clear up front: this decision to remove Signal from our list of recommended privacy apps is not based on some over‑zealous, purist view of privacy…
Security Headers
Checks if a site implements secure HTTP headers like CSP, HSTS, etc.
Censorship & Circumvention Tools Watchlist
Resources like OONI and Freedom House reports that track which privacy and circumvention tools are blocked in different countries.
Element (Matrix client)
Open-source client for the Matrix protocol offering end-to-end encrypted text, voice, and video chats.
HackBlossom’s DIY Guide to Feminist Cybersecurity
A creative, accessible digital security guide focused on the needs of queer, feminist, and marginalized communities.
D.Tube
D.Tube is a decentralized video sharing platform that leverages blockchain technology to provide a censorship-resistant alternative to mainstream video hosting services like YouTube. It operates on the STEEM blockchain and aims to empower content creators by offering a platform free…
NoScript
NoScript is a powerful browser extension that blocks scripts, JavaScript, and other executable content to protect user privacy and prevent exploits.
Opera Browser
Opera is a web browser developed by Opera Software. It is known for its unique features such as a built-in ad blocker, free VPN, and battery saver. Opera is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS…
Brighteon – Escape the Big Tech Prison Video channel
DFA on Brighteon Videos Escape the Big Tech Prison Brighteon Video Channel https://www.brighteon.com/channels/escapethebigtechprison
Tor Browser & Network
Free, open-source browser and overlay network that routes traffic through volunteer relays to anonymize your connection and bypass censorship.
URLVoid
Checks website reputation across multiple threat intel sources.
MyShadow (Tactical Tech)
An interactive learning portal that helps users visualize and reduce their digital footprint through personal data awareness.
Cybersecurity Helplines (Access Now, The Cyber Helpline)
Dedicated help resources offering free, real-time support for digital security incidents affecting activists, journalists, and the public.
Privacy Badger
Privacy Badger is a browser extension by the EFF that blocks invisible trackers and stops advertisers from secretly following you around the web.
Peer Privacy Support Networks
Informal community programs where trained volunteers offer digital security help, especially in crisis contexts.
Using Joplin Notes for the Training
Using Joplin Notes for the Training We recommend using Joplin Notes as part of this training. https://joplinapp.org The Joplin Markdown format is specifically used for CAR Profiles, which form your CARS Workbook. However, Joplin can also be used for: Privacy…
Guardian Project
The Guardian Project creates open-source apps and libraries that empower users to communicate securely on mobile devices in hostile environments.
Deflect / Online Harassment Defense Tools
Free, community-focused DDoS protection and digital security guidance for NGOs, activists, and journalists.
Blacklight
Reveals ads, third-party trackers, and session recorders used by websites.