FoxyLady

I use Duck Duck Go as a browser. It works great at blocking and routing junk email, etc. Some things get through, but when I am online ( like now) it monitors everything and will block somethings, though it notifies me that it has done the blocking. I have used this browser for years and have found it to work well.

IBtyen

We block access of VPN's to prevent ddos attacks and reduce spam. Unfortunately, this is something I am unable to disable for you.

I do apologize for the inconvenience.

Onebyone

I'm not sure what tracking does to harm me on my computer. It's all quilting or benign websites. I use ad free youtube and Ad Block Premium .We have no ads added to all our streaming channels. I have my phone setting to silence unknown callers. I can see who called when I check the list. I'm not that concerned about ad tracking, just don't like the annoyance. Any ad posts on Facebook I block as soon as I see them. I rarely get any now. I use Windows Defense for malware and haven't had any problem in years with bad stuff. Only one virus on computer in the late 90's.

Stitchnripper

I think the safest way is not to use a computer, a cell phone, etc which precludes ordering on line or direct deposit or bill pay on line. . Also, no credit cards, or debit cards. Probably absolutely best way is to go completely off grid and wear a disguise. We use an ad blocker and know that some of our data is collected to target us for advertising so we do get some snail mail I throw away. We have protections and insurance coverage for identity theft. But we also live in the modern world. I guess I am wondering what is so private that we need to "avoid leaving trails"? Seriously, I am not being flippant. Anyone on Medicare etc or paying SS taxes is probably already "known" by the government and if they wanted they could bypass all other methods.

bearisgray

What is VPN?

dunster

A few years ago I was noticing more and more quilting-related ads popping up on my computer and in my email. I was in Walmart one day, and wandered over into the small appliance section and started looking at toaster ovens. I had never searched online for toaster ovens, or even mentioned to anyone that I was considering buying one. The next day ads started popping up on my computer for toaster ovens. Coincidence? I sincerely hope so, but somehow I'm not entirely sure.

somoquilter

You are being tracked all the time with your computer or your phone. I understand the wish to be anonymous on the net and think it is a good thing.
I know nothing about a VPN nor Brave browser but will be looking into it.
The government is tracking everyone these days. Big companies have been tracking us for a long time too. Facebook is just a place to get info on whoever uses it. Be careful what you put on there.

Stitchnripper

and by being on the web and on quilting board we "agree" to whatever tracking is going on because I would bet quilting board tracks too

Onebyone

UPS/Fedex knows every package delivered to your address and where it’s from. Library knows every book you have checked out. Everything you have paid for with check or card can be found in a minute down to the exact second you paid for it. Trying to not be tracked is over.

Watson

bearisgray.....A VPN is a "virtual private network" that masks your IP (web) address and encrypts your personal data so that website hosts can't collect your data when you visit their sites.

Watson