Online Privacy

AppWizard
December 21, 2025
Chrome on Android has features that could enhance browsing, such as NotebookLM's ability to turn websites into AI podcasts, but it is resource-intensive and has limited customization options. It also has extensive data collection practices that may raise privacy concerns. Alternatives to Chrome include: - Firefox: An open-source browser emphasizing privacy and security, featuring Enhanced Tracking Protection, extension support, a robust incognito mode, and a built-in password manager. It allows customization and synchronization across devices. - Microsoft Edge: Integrates well with Microsoft services, includes Copilot AI for summarizing content, and supports extensions. It has features like Drop for secure sharing and alerts for compromised credentials. - Brave: Focuses on privacy and security with built-in ad and tracker blocking, an integrated VPN, and a password manager. It operates on the Chromium engine and includes a crypto wallet and a private AI assistant. - DuckDuckGo: A lightweight browser prioritizing user privacy with a clean interface, DuckDuckGo Search, and features like the Fire button for clearing data. It offers email alias creation and local firewall protection. - Vivaldi: Highly customizable, allowing users to personalize the interface extensively. It includes tracker and ad blocking, incognito mode, sync support, and a built-in notes tool, but has a longer update cycle. The selection of these browsers was based on their unique features, privacy credentials, and user feedback, ensuring they are actively developed and trustworthy.
AppWizard
November 20, 2025
TarrySoft has launched the Antivirus – Cleaner + VPN app for Android, which has a rating of 4.7 stars from over 10 million downloads. The app provides antivirus protection by scanning for and removing various cyber threats, optimizes device performance by cleaning unnecessary tasks, includes a built-in file manager for file organization, offers VPN services for online privacy, and features app protection for personal data security. It uses the AccessibilityService API for efficient device management without collecting personal data. The app is free and designed for user-friendly operation.
Tech Optimizer
October 28, 2025
NordVPN launched an interactive billboard in Times Square as part of their "an antivirus is only half-protection" campaign, challenging the belief in the effectiveness of antivirus software. The campaign revealed that 73% of Americans incorrectly believe antivirus software protects them from identity theft and data breaches. Participants engaged with ethical hackers who demonstrated vulnerabilities, exposing personal information such as passwords and Social Security numbers. The campaign highlighted that over half of Americans trust antivirus software for online safety, yet many do not take precautions when using public Wi-Fi. Data breaches often expose contact information, leading to risks of phishing and identity theft. The billboard featured ethical hackers who provided insights on online safety, and NordVPN offers resources for checking data breaches and improving cybersecurity. NordVPN provides advanced security features and serves millions of users globally.
Tech Optimizer
October 20, 2025
Surfshark is offering three tiers of plans for Black Friday 2025, including the budget-friendly Surfshark Starter plan at .99 per month and the more feature-rich Surfshark One plan at .19 per month. The Surfshark One plan includes additional features such as Antivirus protection, secure search, and personal data alerts, making it a better value overall. Surfshark One requires an upfront payment of .13 for a two-year subscription, which represents a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: As the holiday shopping season unfolds, Surfshark is making waves with its enticing Black Friday 2025 offerings. With three distinct tiers of plans available, consumers are presented with a variety of options tailored to their needs. Among these, the Surfshark Starter plan stands out as an attractive budget-friendly choice at just .99 per month, a price that remains unchanged for the Black Friday event. However, while the Starter plan is indeed the most economical, it may not be the most advantageous selection this year. That honor goes to Surfshark One, which enhances the basic offering with additional features such as Antivirus protection, secure search capabilities, and personal data alerts. For only approximately more over a two-year subscription, Surfshark One emerges as a compelling option, especially considering that standalone antivirus solutions typically exceed per month. The numbers tell a compelling story: Surfshark One is priced at .19 per month, amounting to a total upfront payment of .13 for a two-year commitment. This represents a modest savings of [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Black Friday is the ideal time of year to pick up one of the best VPNs, and Surfshark's Black Friday 2025 deal launches today.There are three tiers of Surfshark plans to choose from, so you're spoiled for choice. We rate the first, Surfshark Starter, as the best cheap VPN out there. Its current $1.99 per month price remains in place for Black Friday.However, despite technically being the cheapest Surfshark deal, I don't think it's the best choice this Black Friday.That accolade goes to Surfshark's second tier – Surfshark One. As well as everything you get with the Starter plan, Surfshark One throws in Antivirus, secure search, and personal data alerts.On the two-year plan, it only costs around $5 more overall than Surfshark Starter. Considering standalone antivirus software often costs upwards of $5 per month, getting two years' worth for that price is unmissable.The numbers: Surfshark One costs $2.19 per month, paid upfront at $59.13. This is a two-year subscription, and represents a $0.30-per-month saving when compared to its usual monthly price of $2.49. Generously, three months are thrown in for free as well.Surfshark Starter costs $1.99 per month, paid upfront at $53.73 – although this plan misses out on those excellent extras. Surfshark One leads the way Surfshark has three tiers of plans to choose from this Black Friday. All come with three extra free months and a 30-day money-back guarantee: Right now, Surfshark One is the best value, coming in at $2.19 per month. This is less than $60 all-in for 27 months of protection. Adding Antivirus to your VPN package costs just $0.20 per month ($2.40 extra per year) more than Surfshark Starter – which I think is well worth it.The Antivirus offered by Surfshark is award winning, having been certified as a "TOP PRODUCT" by AV-TEST last year. It scans your device for threats and harmful files, with quick scan and full device scan options available.Surfshark has a large database of threats, and any dangerous code found by a scan is sent for analysis. Botnets and fileless malware is protected against and you can enable real-time protection.Other Surfshark One features include personal data leak alerts plus ad and tracker free search. (Image credit: Surfshark) Despite its price, Surfshark VPN packs a punch. You can protect an unlimited number of devices on one plan and in our latest round of testing it recorded speeds of 848 Mbps – making it one of the fastest VPNs out there.This speed is one of the reasons Surfshark is the best streaming VPN available. In our testing it unblocked everything we threw at it. Its 3,000+ servers worldwide mean all major locations are covered.Alternative ID is Surfshark's most unique feature and is included on all plans. It allows you to generate a dummy online persona, including a fake name, birthday, and address. There's also an email generator to keep your regular emails private.American users have access to Alternative Number, where a fake phone number can be created. It links to your Alternative ID but is a US-exclusive and a paid add-on.Surfshark isn't the most customizable VPN, but its apps are easy-to-use and don't take much getting used to.If you're not interested in Antivirus, and simply want a cheap VPN, then Surfshark Starter includes all the above for $1.99 per month ($53.73 up front pre-tax). For those that want to spend a little more, Surfshark One+ is $4.19 per month ($113.13 up front pre-tax). This plan includes everything offered in previous plans but adds the data removal service, Incogni.Incogni is available for US, UK, EU, Swiss, and Canadian users. It contacts data brokers on your behalf and sends deletion requests, helping you combat spam.All Surfshark plans auto-renew at a higher price once your initial deal has expired. Our research found its price increase was second only to NordVPN – both providers are owned by NordSecurity.Surfshark Starter and Surfshark One both saw a renewal price increase around 230%. Surfshark One+ saw a 149% increase.Whether you subscribe to Surfshark or another provider, we always recommended cancelling your VPN subscription before it auto-renews. You can then re-subscribe at the cheaper price. Today's best Surfshark deals Disclaimer We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing." temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].30 per month compared to its standard rate of .49. Additionally, customers will receive three complimentary months, making this deal particularly attractive. Surfshark One leads the way All Surfshark plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring peace of mind for new subscribers. Currently, Surfshark One offers the best value at .19 per month, totaling less than for 27 months of comprehensive protection. The inclusion of award-winning Antivirus software, recognized as a "TOP PRODUCT" by AV-TEST last year, adds significant value. This software not only scans for threats but also offers quick and full device scan options, bolstering your online security. Surfshark's Antivirus boasts a vast database of threats, with any detected harmful code sent for analysis. Users benefit from real-time protection against botnets and fileless malware, along with personal data leak alerts and an ad-free search experience. (Image credit: Surfshark) Despite its competitive pricing, Surfshark VPN delivers impressive performance, allowing users to protect an unlimited number of devices under a single plan. Recent tests revealed remarkable speeds of 848 Mbps, positioning Surfshark among the fastest VPNs available. This speed is a key factor in its reputation as a premier streaming VPN, successfully unblocking a wide range of content across its extensive network of over 3,000 servers worldwide. One of Surfshark's standout features is the Alternative ID, available on all plans. This unique tool allows users to create a fictitious online persona, complete with a fake name, birthday, and address, along with an email generator to maintain privacy. For American users, the service also offers the Alternative Number, which generates a fake phone number linked to the Alternative ID, although this feature is a paid add-on. While Surfshark may not offer the most extensive customization options, its user-friendly apps require minimal adjustment time for new users. For those seeking a straightforward, affordable VPN solution without the added Antivirus features, the Surfshark Starter plan remains available at .99 per month, requiring an upfront payment of .73 before tax. For individuals willing to invest a bit more, Surfshark One+ is offered at .19 per month, totaling 3.13 upfront. This plan encompasses all previous features while adding the data removal service, Incogni, which assists users in contacting data brokers to request the deletion of their information, thereby reducing spam. It is important to note that all Surfshark plans will auto-renew at a higher rate once the initial subscription period concludes. Research indicates that the renewal price increase for Surfshark Starter and Surfshark One is approximately 230%, while Surfshark One+ sees a 149% increase. To maximize savings, it is advisable for subscribers to cancel their VPN service prior to the auto-renewal date and re-subscribe at the lower promotional rate." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].30 monthly savings compared to its usual price. All plans come with three extra free months and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark's Antivirus has been recognized as a "TOP PRODUCT" by AV-TEST and offers real-time protection against various threats. The VPN allows protection for an unlimited number of devices and has recorded speeds of 848 Mbps. Surfshark also features an Alternative ID tool for creating a fictitious online persona. The Surfshark One+ plan is available for .19 per month and includes a data removal service called Incogni. All plans will auto-renew at a higher price after the initial subscription period, with increases around 230% for Starter and One plans, and 149% for One+.
AppWizard
October 1, 2025
Demand for VPN services is increasing significantly, with a projected surge expected by 2025. Recent research indicates a 7000% increase in VPN usage this year, driven by new laws and social media restrictions in various countries. Notable increases in VPN interest include: - Nepal: +2,892% (social media bans amid civil unrest) - United Kingdom: +1,987% (online age verification requirement) - United States: +827% (social media bans) - Iran: +707% (internet restrictions due to protests) - France: +570% (online age verification requirement) - Turkey: +188% (social media bans) - India: +72% (Pakistan content ban) In the U.S., interest rose due to a temporary TikTok ban in January 2025, with ongoing discussions about mandatory ID verification for adult content access in some states. Historically, VPNs have been essential for bypassing censorship and maintaining communication in conflict regions, as seen in Nepal and Iran.
AppWizard
October 1, 2025
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a legal complaint against the operator of the Sendit messaging app for unlawful data collection from minors and deceptive subscription practices. The complaint, initiated by the Department of Justice, alleges that Sendit did not inform parents about collecting personal information from children under 13, including sensitive data linked to social media. The complaint targets Hunter Rice, CEO of Iconic Hearts Holdings, Inc., Sendit's parent company, for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA). The FTC claims Sendit used manipulative tactics to encourage subscription purchases, misleading users with messages from fictitious individuals to create an illusion of interaction. The app reportedly did not disclose subscription costs and sent provocative messages to entice users into a "Diamond Membership" priced at up to .99 per week. The FTC's allegations include violations of COPPA, the FTC Act, and the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA). It was noted that in 2022, about 116,000 users reported being under 13 years old, and Iconic Hearts was aware of this due to complaints from parents and self-reported data.
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