The author emphasizes that achieving online anonymity is closely tied to one’s mindset. Simply put, the less you share information about yourself online, the less identifiable you become. This involves being cautious about what you post on social media and refraining from sharing information that could reveal your identity, location, or those around you.
There are also steps you can take to attempt to delete yourself from the internet. This includes unsubscribing from data brokers who buy and sell information about you, updating old websites, and removing information from Google search results. While these steps might require significant effort, doing them gradually can be helpful.
The author suggests using one-time or masked identities for specific purposes in your life. For example, if you need a messaging account not linked to your current phone number, it might be helpful to consider a separate phone and an identity card for that specific purpose. Hiding your email address from websites and services can now be easier with tools like Apple’s Hide My Email, which preserves the privacy of your primary email address by creating randomized email addresses when signing up for a new service. Similarly, Firefox Relay, with limited free usage, can create email addresses for you that forward to your main inbox.
The concept of “burner” accounts, those used once and discarded, is also introduced. Using such accounts for specific life purposes helps maintain a level of privacy. The author suggests creating an isolated system focused on privacy and anonymity. This might involve an operating system for your phone or computer that prioritizes privacy and anonymity. For example, Tor and OnionShare are tools you can install and run on your computer each time you use it, along with other tools for enhanced privacy. GrapheneOS, an open-source Android operating system, eliminates Google-associated elements and emphasizes privacy.
In conclusion, the author acknowledges that complete online anonymity is highly challenging. The level of identity concealment you need depends on the reasons behind your attempt to remain anonymous. Beyond the mentioned steps, more advanced measures can be considered for those seeking greater digital privacy without delving into everything required to achieve complete online anonymity.
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