Oct 9, 2025 - "Protecting Your Privacy Part 2"

 Bob's Bytes #342

Topics of the Day

• New Tesla Model 3 and Y variants announced.  The new "Standard" versions are slightly less expensive.  https://www.tesla.com/
• Consumer Reports reviewed Cell Phone plans.  Consumer Cellular was the top, AT&T and Verizon were at the bottom.  <Link>
• We're still waiting for our NCC tax bills, taxes are due 30 Nov 2025.  Use Parcel Search <Link> to check your taxes, it should be updated with the new school taxes real soon now.
• Bob Rankin's "50 Free Online Research Tools" should be on everyone's list of sites to check.  <Link>
• Windows 10 hits its End-of-Support date on Oct 14.  What to do?  Here's 9 things <Link> with my recommendation of doing nothing.
• Data Brokers collect as much data they can on you and sell to anyone.  It's legal and you can tell each of them to stop.  But there's hundreds of them; so hire someone like "Delete Me" to do it for you.  <Link>
• GRC's Security Now podcast is where I get my computer security news and information.  Get it in Audio, Show Notes & Text transcripts here, Newsletter here, Video here, YouTube here, or in whatever podcast catcher you want. (Apple, Stitcher, Pandora, etc.)
• Unbelievable: There is an app that will pay you if you let it listen and record all your phone calls.  Unbelievable that lots and lots of people will give up their privacy for a few bucks.  <link>
• I've switched to the Brave Browser <link> because it's more privacy-protecting by default.  Use "Cover Your Tracks" <link> to test your browser.
• All about VPNS - https://askleo.com/how-does-a-vpn-protect-me/, and https://askleo.com/is-there-any-reason-to-use-a-vpn-at-home/  
• Are you over 18?  Prove it without giving away your private information.  It's hard!  The Delaware Mobile ID <link><link> and TruAge <link> claim they can do it.  But it takes a common system and these aren't it.
• The EU is on it … <link>  Be sure to read the comments to this YouTube video!
• https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/is-age-verification-really-keeping-kids-safe-or-just-risking-your-privacy
• CSAM is a problem, “We must protect the children!”  Some lawmakers think they have to be able to read everyone’s messages and see everyone's pictures everywhere regardless of everyone's privacy to do that.
• For more, https://www.eff.org/issues/privacy