cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/2772422

Google, Microsoft, Amazon, X, and the entire tracking-based advertising industry rely on the “Transparency & Consent Framework” (TCF) to obtain “consent” for data processing. This evening [May 14] the Belgian Court of Appeal ruled that the TCF is illegal. The TCF is live on 80% of the Internet.

The decision arises from enforcement by the Belgian Data Protection Authority, prompted by complainants coordinated by Dr Johnny Ryan, Director of Enforce at the Irish Council for Civil Liberties. The group of complainants are: Dr Johnny Ryan of Enforce, Katarzyna Szymielewicz of the Panoptykon Foundation, Dr Jef Ausloos, Dr Pierre Dewitte, Stichting Bits of Freedom, and Ligue des Droits Humains.

[...]

If you are in Switzerland, you can begin using it following the instructions here: https://taler-ops.ch/en/users.html

Dev: @[email protected]

Hello there!

just updated a previous mentioned tool which has been in discussion here and wanted to share updates on the software status.

The software is in my opinion finished for now and tutorial videos are available, do not hesitate to ask for features if anything is missing.

Github URL: >https://github.com/bugfishtm/bugfish-nuke
Documentation: >https://bugfishtm.github.io/bugfish-nuke/

Features

• Instantly erase user data, application traces, and sensitive files in a single click.
• Secure deletion: Files are overwritten, not just moved to the recycle bin.
• Clear clipboard contents
• Flush DNS cache
• Erase event logs
• Delete most recently used (MRU) lists
• Remove thumbnail caches
• Empty the recycle bin (system default)
• Set overwrite passes (1 or more) for each deletion:
• 1 pass: Fast, effective for most cases
• 3+ passes: Higher security, slower
• Warning: 0 passes disables overwriting and is NOT recommended
• Add your own scripts (e.g., batch files) to run alongside the deletion process
  • Example: Dismount VeraCrypt volumes automatically
• Optional: Corrupt Windows login files after deletion to prevent further access
  • Use with caution: This will render Windows unbootable and require reinstallation
• Play a custom or built-in music track during deletion
• Music stops when deletion is complete-useful as an audible signal if you step away
• Overview of selected actions before launch
• Settings for post-deletion behavior: auto-close, force restart, etc.
• Direct links to tutorials and help resources

Security Notes

• Overwriting: Files are overwritten according to your settings, making recovery nearly impossible.
• Recycle Bin: Emptied using Windows default; secure overwrite for the bin may be added in future versions.
• Custom Scripts: Scripts run independently and can be used to automate additional emergency tasks.
• File Deletion: Files are securely overwritten (unless you set passes to 0), making recovery extremely unlikely.
• Music Player: It provides an audible signal when the deletion process is finished, useful if you need to leave your computer during an emergency wipe.
• Use with Caution: Bugfish Nuke is designed for emergency situations. Use with care, especially the destructive system options.

Have a great one
Bugfish

cross-posted from: https://eviltoast.org/post/13627562

I'm trying to unfuk myself from Google. It's an admirable goal, but damned difficult to do if you intend to continue using the Internet.

Except ... well ... you actually can do this. You can run a search proxy locally that will completely obfuscate you to the search engines and also strip out all of the tracking and ads they spit back at you.

I think there are more apps, but there are two primary search proxy platforms that are well developed and support running in a Docker container, so you could run it on any Windows or Linux box.

....

Whoogle https://github.com/benbusby/whoogle-search

Try this app first. Low system requirements. Super, super easy to setup. "Whoogle is intended to only ever be deployed to private instances by individuals of any background, with as little effort as possible." Let Whoogle be your gateway to running a search proxy.

I've run Whoogle for almost 6 months now. Google has tried to break it twice. Had to adjust some docker params and upgrade the LXC to fix. I'm extremely satisfied with Whoogle.

....

SearXNG - https://github.com/searxng/searxng

This app is the all around better tool, but its much more complicated to manage. It's had a fractious background, forked from an older project called SearX. The author of Whoogle says, "I'm a huge fan of Searx though and encourage anyone to use that instead if they want access to other search engines/a different UI/more configuration."

I've just deployed SearXNG today based on benbusby's recommendation. Ya know, I was a Whoogle fan, but this is just a step above. 140+ search engines, it looks awesome, and its got a large contributor list with lots of recent commits.

....

I run Proxmox VE, and both of these apps have been given the tteck treatment for easy setup.

Whoogle - https://community-scripts.github.io/ProxmoxVE/scripts?id=whoogle

SearXNG - https://community-scripts.github.io/ProxmoxVE/scripts?id=searxng

I got Mullvad VPN to try it for a month after years using ExpressVPN, but it drains my battery (iPhone SE, 2nd generation, 2020) into oblivion in a matter of 3-4 hours.

Browsed the Cursed Site™️ and using WireGuard instead of the Mullvad VPN app seems to be the most common solution – but not for me. WireGuard either it doesn’t connect to any location or disconnects after 2-3 minutes.

Anyone got any advice?

EDIT: added more details about the phone model.