Notices by Electronic Frontier Foundation (eff@mastodon.social), page 6

People shouldn’t be silenced into submission for drawing attention to the influence that large corporations have. https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/01/platforms-systematically-removed-user-because-he-made-most-wanted-ceo-playing

We cannot rely on platforms or regulators to define how risks should be conceptualized and mitigated. A joint approach is needed—one that builds on expertise by civil society, academics and activists, and emphasizes best practices. https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/01/systemic-risk-reporting-system-crisis

Say no to rampant police surveillance while keeping your ears warm with this embroidered beanie. https://shop.eff.org/products/street-level-surveillance-beanie

Bloquear el teléfono, prestar atención a lo que se lleva puesto e idear planes para comunicarse con los demás son medidas clave que hay que tomar antes de asistir a una protesta. https://ssd.eff.org/es/module/asistir-una-protesta

An iPhone has so many privacy and security features that it’s very easy to miss them. Now’s a good time to dive in and get to know them all. https://ssd.eff.org/module/how-to-get-to-know-iphone-privacy-and-security-settings

Cuando intente averiguar qué herramientas de seguridad usar, recuerde: la seguridad es un proceso, no una compra. https://ssd.eff.org/es/module/eligiendo-sus-herramientas

Meta tracks your activity across millions of websites and apps, regardless of whether you use its platforms, and profits from that data through targeted ads. If you want to limit Meta’s ability to harvest and profit from your personal data, here’s what you need to know. https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/01/mad-meta-dont-let-them-collect-and-monetize-your-personal-data

EFF's Cooper Quintin spoke with NBC News about what Rednote users should consider, and how "people who are thirsty for platforms that aren’t controlled by the same few oligarchs will happily jump to another platform even if it presents new, unknown risks.” Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/chinese-app-rednote-pose-greater-security-risks-tiktok-rcna187619

It is no surprise that Google searches for VPNs in Florida have skyrocketed. But as more states and countries pass age verification laws, it is crucial to recognize the broader implications these measures have on privacy. https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/01/vpns-are-not-solution-age-verification-laws

As for other speech that governments might try to restrict if SCOTUS upholds the Texas law, “pick the speech that’s under attack right now,” EFF’s @davidgreene told @WashPost – perhaps it'll be info on reproductive health or immigrants’ rights. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/01/16/scotus-texas-age-verification-porn/

Fed up with Meta? Avoiding Instagram or Facebook isn’t enough to stop Meta from harvesting and profiting from your private information. Here’s how to limit Meta’s ability to monetize your personal data. https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/01/mad-meta-dont-let-them-collect-and-monetize-your-personal-data

Risk reports alone cannot provide definitive answers on the potential implications of large online services on complex societal processes. The recent Romanian election shows us why.

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/01/systemic-risk-reporting-system-crisis

"The Texas law robs adult internet users of anonymity, exposes them to serious privacy and security risks, and blocks some adults entirely from accessing sexual content that’s protected under the First Amendment," EFF’s Lisa Femia told @Mashable. https://mashable.com/article/free-speech-coalition-v-paxton-age-verification-hearing

EFF Statement on U.S. Supreme Court's Decision to Uphold TikTok Ban:

Lastly, it can be easy to assume that there is no way to protect privacy, and that surveillance gets worse every year. Don’t give up hope — there are many reasons to be optimistic. Here are just a few: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/02/privacy-isnt-dead-far-it

Individuals must tell their legislators to pass a comprehensive privacy law. But there are also actions YOU can take right now to protect yourself from data surveillance by U.S. and foreign companies and governments. Visit our Surveillance Self-Defense Guide to learn more. ssd.eff.org

Some states have passed strong privacy laws, but so far, we do not have a federal law. In our view, the discussion of how banning TikTok fails to protect privacy has made it more likely that we can reach a privacy law, because legislators are waking up to the reality of the surveillance ecosystem. https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/12/eff-statement-us-supreme-courts-decision-consider-tiktok-ban

Rednote shares data with Facebook and Google ad networks, so using it doesn’t protect your data from US-based companies. It also has more pervasive censorship than similar apps. What we really need isn’t a new app—it’s a federal privacy law. https://www.eff.org/wp/privacy-first-better-way-address-online-harms#Legislation

There are steps you can take, and steps that we believe legislators should take, to protect our privacy in the future. Things CAN be better. https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/02/privacy-isnt-dead-far-it

Many people are suggesting that it's impossible to protect privacy, so it doesn't matter which app you use.

Others are trying Rednote because they are, reasonably, tired of tech oligarchies.

Both are understandable reactions to the surveillance capitalism ecosystem. But there's more we can do. 🧵