Websites using Privacytools

Okay, let s break down PrivacyTools (now PrivacyGuides) - what it is, how it s supported, what alternatives exist, and what to expect in terms of customer care (since it s not a traditional business).

What is PrivacyTools (Now PrivacyGuides)?

• Purpose: PrivacyGuides is a website dedicated to providing information and recommendations on privacy-focused tools and services. It aims to help people protect their online privacy and security by offering unbiased reviews, guides, and resources.
• Focus: They cover a wide range of topics, including VPNs, browsers, operating systems, email providers, messaging apps, search engines, password managers, and more.
• Philosophy: The project operates on the principles of transparency, community involvement, and independent research. They emphasize open-source solutions and tools that respect user privacy. They are against affiliate links and paid promotions to maintain objectivity.

Revenue and Funding (How They are Supported):

• Donations: PrivacyGuides is primarily supported by donations from its users and the privacy-conscious community. They accept donations through various platforms, such as Liberapay, Open Collective, and cryptocurrency.
• Transparency: They are very transparent about their funding. They publish financial reports to show how donations are used to maintain and improve the website and resources.
• No Affiliate Links: This is a critical point. They do not use affiliate links or accept payments for product placements. This is a core principle to ensure their recommendations are unbiased.

Alternatives to PrivacyGuides:

There isn t a single website that perfectly replicates PrivacyGuides comprehensive and unbiased approach, but here are some alternatives or complementary resources:

• The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): A leading non-profit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world. They provide resources, guides, and advocacy on various privacy and security topics.
• That One Privacy Guy: Run by a privacy enthusiast, this blog offers detailed comparisons and guides for VPNs, email providers, and other privacy tools.
• Prism Break: A website focused on promoting free and open-source software (FOSS) as alternatives to proprietary software, with a focus on privacy and security.
• Techlore: A project with videos, guides, and a community dedicated to educating people about privacy and security. They offer practical tips and tool recommendations.
• Privacy International: A charity that investigates data exploitation and technology to ensure it serves humanity, not the other way around. They do not give specific tool recommendations, but have valuable overviews of privacy concerns.
• Subreddit r/privacy: A Reddit community dedicated to discussions about privacy, security, and related topics. It can be a good place to ask questions and get recommendations from other users, but be aware that opinions can vary, and not all advice is equal.
• Search Engines (with caution): You can use search engines to find reviews and comparisons, but be very wary of sponsored results and potentially biased reviews. Look for reviews from reputable tech publications and independent testers.

Pricing:

• PrivacyGuides itself is FREE. The website and all of its resources are available for free to anyone.
• The tools they recommend may have their own costs. For example, a VPN service, a secure email provider, or a password manager might have subscription fees. PrivacyGuides focuses on the privacy aspects of these tools, not their pricing. They often highlight free or open-source alternatives.

Customer Care Details:

Because PrivacyGuides is a volunteer-driven project and not a traditional business, customer care is different:

• Community Support: They have a community forum and a Matrix chat room where you can ask questions, discuss privacy topics, and get help from other users and the PrivacyGuides team.
• Contact Form: They have a contact form on their website for general inquiries and feedback. However, response times may vary depending on the availability of volunteers.
• Documentation: They rely heavily on thorough documentation, FAQs, and guides to answer common questions. Before reaching out, check the website to see if your question is already answered.
• Bug Reports/Suggestions: If you find an error on the website or have suggestions for improvements, you can submit bug reports or feature requests through their GitHub repository.
• No Guaranteed Support: It s important to understand that PrivacyGuides is a community project. There is no guaranteed level of support, and response times can vary. Be patient and respectful when interacting with the community.

In Summary:

PrivacyGuides is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their online privacy. It s supported by donations and committed to providing unbiased information. While it doesn t offer traditional customer care, its community forum and thorough documentation can provide assistance. Remember to consider alternative resources and always do your own research to make informed decisions about your privacy.