LINKS THAT BURN

Privacy Tools

Tools for existing privately and safely online

Securing your private information, removing trackers from websites, ad-blockers... if they make it safer and easier to exist online, they're here.
Includes browsers, browser extensions, and some software.
May require downloads for full functionality.

Browser Extensions

Programs which are installed within an internet browser, and which can modify the functionality of the browser in some way.
Privacy Badger
"Privacy Badger is a browser extension that automatically learns to block invisible trackers."
This is especially useful for people who are not able to choose their browser, whether due to job requirements, website compatibility issues, or anything else which means their default browser allows for more tracking than they are comfortable with.

Password Managers

Secure programs which store usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information for you. Generally they require you to remember one master password to log in, and they will hold the others for you. Enables users to use long, secure passwords for the myriad logins which will accumulate for anyone attempting to exist in online society.
Bitwarden
"Bitwarden protects your online credentials from crafty hackers across all platforms with advanced features and cross-browser support to keep your digital life secure and private."
Available as a browser extension.
Available as a desktop application (Windows, MacOS, Linux).
Available as a mobile application on the App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android), and F-Droid.

Web Browsers

Unfortunately, it currently seems impossible to find a secure browser that hasn't incorporated any AI features. Options are listed here based on a mix of criteria.
  1. Any AI integrations are completely opt-in and not part of the default experience.
  2. Privacy settings are customizable and default to low- or no-tracking.
  3. Few or No Advertisements in the actual browser.
  4. Built-in search options which return relevant results. 
Duck Duck Go
"Free. Fast. Private. Get our browser on all your devices. Search and browse more privately with the DuckDuckGo browser. Unlike Chrome and other browsers, we don't track you."
Important notes:
Does not allow download of any browser extensions.
Offers an optional VPN option (paid).
Caveats - Has an AI chat option. 
FirefoxMozilla's Statement on AI
"Get the browser that protects what’s important... No shady privacy policies or back doors for advertisers. Just a lightning fast browser that doesn’t sell you out."
Caveat - Mozilla (makers of Firefox) support use of AI.
"Democratizing open-source AI to solve real user problems... Our mission is to build, commercialize, and open source components and tools that make it easy for developers and users to deploy AI in a trustworthy way to solve real-world use cases."
Popular Browsers Not Recommended due to excessive AI promotion and/or integration:
  • Google Chrome - "Supercharge your browser with AI built right in"
  • Opera - "This update delivers a massive set of new features: moveable music and video players, new tab and AI capabilities, and dynamic browser themes."

Further Reading

Comprehensive explainers and resources from experts which may have more nuanced recommendations than what I've listed here.
The New Oil
"How would you like to feel - and more importantly, be - safe online again? Most of us know that we could be doing better when it comes to our online habits: we reuse bad passwords, overshare personal information, and leave ourselves exposed to all kinds of risks all over the internet. But it doesn’t have to be that way and it doesn’t have to be hard, either."

"Welcome to The New Oil. This site is designed to help readers take back control of their data and regain their privacy online. Are you a programmer, sysadmin, networking expert, or hacker? If you answered “no,” you’re in the right place! This site is not aimed at tech experts. If you know how to download an app on your phone, how to sign up for an email account, or what a password is, you’ve got the qualifications to tackle the advice and content on this site."

"Whether you’re looking to keep yourself safe from identity theft and common hacks, whether you simply object to mass surveillance, or anything in between, this site will help you learn the basics about protecting your identity, your safety, and your data in a way that’s accessible and achievable. Welcome to privacy made easy."
Surveillance Self-Defense
"We’re the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an independent non-profit working to protect online privacy for over thirty years. This is Surveillance Self-Defense: our expert guide to protecting you and your friends from online spying. Read the BASICS to find out how online surveillance works. Dive into our TOOL GUIDES for instructions to installing our pick of the best, most secure applications. We have more detailed information in our FURTHER LEARNING sections. If you’d like a guided tour, look for our list of common SECURITY SCENARIOS."