Privacy

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A place to discuss privacy and freedom in the digital world.

Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.

In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.

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Posting a link to a website containing tracking isn't great, if contents of the website are behind a paywall maybe copy them into the post
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Try to keep things on topic
If you have a question, please try searching for previous discussions, maybe it has already been answered
Reposts are fine, but should have at least a couple of weeks in between so that the post can reach a new audience
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Do you go through any physical measures to ensure the privacy of your devices? (leminal.space)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

26 comments fedilink hide all child comments

For example using privacy screen protectors or phone cases with a manual shutter over the camera.

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[–] eager_eagle 20 points 1 year ago (9 children)

font size on the phone is small, both for preference and for a bit more privacy.
protect most apps with fingerprint app lock, in case the phone is stolen unlocked or someone else tries to open another app.
webcam covers. I don't use phone camera covers, but android has privacy indicators that work as "snitches" when apps access the camera or mic. I have something similar for my other computers, at least for the camera.
I would like a hardware toggle for camera and mic on my next laptop, but that narrows down the laptop space too much.

[–] brimnac 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If i recall correctly, law enforcement can use biometric information to unlock phones without your consent or a warrant.

PIN codes still by consent or warrant only.

[–] eager_eagle 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I understand the phone owner is not covered by the fifth amendment to prevent authorities from unlocking a device using biometrics, but authorities still need a warrant or probable cause as it falls into search of private property.

[–] brimnac 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

You sure that’s been ruled on? Not arguing, only feel like I’ve seen a lot more instances of police violating that than hearing they couldn’t do it.

Edit: my apologies, you’re right. I was able to check into it and see recent rulings. Warrant levels may vary, but they need a warrant.

[–] eager_eagle 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Despite username similarities, I'm not Legal Eagle, nor do I have a legal background. Though I would be very much surprised if authorities in the US could search anybody's phone at will without consent, warrant, or reasonable suspicion.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

This very much depends on the state. Some state courts (California) have ruled that one can refuse a request to unlock a phone via biometrics, while others (Minnesota) have ruled that you do not have the right to refuse.

My understanding is that a passcode or PIN can be considered "testimony", because you have to communicate this information, and testimony can't be forced.

But biometrics aren't always considered to be testimony, because it's something you ARE.

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