9 chapters across the catalog
The hosts critique Microsoft Start for its intrusive clickbait and the persistent loading of the Edge browser. Technical difficulties regarding Digital Rights Management (DRM) are noted, specifically how certain browsers like Brave may fail to load Netflix content without specific DRM components, necessitating the use of Firefox or Edge.
Brave CEO and JavaScript creator Brendan Eich contacted the show to warn against using the unmaintained Dissenter browser, citing security risks. Eich's history with Mozilla and Netscape is discussed, and the hosts express interest in revisiting the Brave browser for its built-in privacy features.
Gab's Dissenter Browser and Google Purchase Tracking
Gab has released the Dissenter browser, a fork of the Brave/Chromium project designed to be lightweight and privacy-focused. The hosts also warn listeners about "google.com/purchases," a tool that aggregates a user's shopping history by scanning receipts in their Gmail account. They suggest this data collection is a precursor to more invasive monitoring.
Google announced changes to its extension API that will effectively disable many third-party ad blockers in the Chrome browser. In response, users are turning to hardware-based solutions like Pi-hole, a network-wide ad blocker running on Raspberry Pi. The move is seen as Google protecting its core advertising business as Microsoft Edge also transitions to the Chromium engine.
Microsoft Surface Go Review, VPN Geolocation Issues
The hosts review the Microsoft Surface Go as a potential "Off The Grid" device for those avoiding smartphones. They discuss the technical challenges of using a VPN, such as Bing and Amazon defaulting to the wrong language or country based on the VPN's exit node. Curry praises the device's portability and speaker quality.
Pi-hole Ad Blocking, Brave Browser and Data Indicators
Technical advice is given on using a Pi-hole (Raspberry Pi) to block ads at the network level. The Brave browser is also discussed as a tool for privacy, though its business model involving "indicators" and cryptocurrency is viewed with some skepticism. The segment mentions the controversy surrounding Brave's founder and his departure from Firefox.
The passage of SESTA and FOSTA legislation has led to the shutdown of platforms like Backpage.com, forcing sex workers to migrate to decentralized platforms like Mastodon. Specifically, many have moved to the "switter.at" instance to post advertisements via hashtags. This shift highlights the potential for distributed, non-walled garden platforms to gain adoption as traditional social media sites increase censorship and tracking.
The hosts discuss the merits of the Brave browser, which uses a proxy method to block ads without alerting publishers. They compare it to Firefox and Chrome, arguing that users have a responsibility to use tools that prevent data leakage to advertisers.
The Brave Browser, created by Mozilla co-founder Brendan Eich, is highlighted for its ability to block "canvas fingerprinting." This advanced tracking method uses HTML5 to identify a user's unique hardware and software configuration, making them trackable even without cookies. The browser aims to create a more private ecosystem by limiting the data sent to servers.
