Tatiana·24wProton rolled out Proton Sheets - a spreadsheet Google can’t peek into.
Proton launched Proton Sheets, an end-to-end encrypted spreadsheet application with zero-knowledge architecture. The service encrypts all data including file names, preventing third parties (including Proton itself) from accessing user content. This privacy-focused alternative to Google Sheets aims to protect user data from Big Tech surveillance and AI training data collection.
It's Foss·24wIs Helium the Browser Brave Was Meant to Be?
Helium is a privacy-focused web browser built on ungoogled Chromium that aims to deliver privacy by default without unnecessary bloat. It includes built-in uBlock Origin with Manifest V2 support, native DuckDuckGo bangs for quick searches, and Helium services to anonymize external connections. The browser stores everything locally with no sync or password manager, blocks third-party cookies by default, and enforces HTTPS. Notable features include split-view tabs and cleaner customization options. However, it's still beta software with some limitations: login issues with bundled uBlock Origin, no DRM support for streaming services, and users must bring their own solutions for password management and syncing across devices.
It's Foss·24wThe Tor Project is Now Rewritten in Rust Instead of C
Arti 1.8.0, the Rust rewrite of Tor, introduces circuit timeout improvements that replace predictable timing patterns with randomized intervals to reduce fingerprinting risks. The release includes an experimental command for migrating onion service client authorization keys from C-based Tor to Arti's keystore, plus enhancements to routing architecture and protocol implementation. The rewrite addresses memory safety vulnerabilities inherent in the original C codebase, including buffer overflows and use-after-free bugs.
Hacker News·21wBye Bye Big Tech: How I Migrated to an almost All-EU Stack (and saved 500€ per year)
A developer shares their complete migration from US-based tech services to EU-hosted alternatives, detailing specific tool replacements across email, cloud storage, password management, AI, hosting, and productivity. The Proton ecosystem replaced Google Workspace, 1Password, and Notion, while Scaleway replaced AWS/Azure, and Mammouth provided multi-model AI access. The migration resulted in €528 annual savings (from €83/month to €39/month) while improving privacy and data sovereignty. Challenges include limited alternatives for social platforms, blogging (still using Substack), and occasional reliance on Google search and Claude Code.
Christian Heilmann·23wAd Blockers helped kill the open web
Ad blockers created a vicious cycle where blocking ads led to more aggressive advertising, making the web increasingly unusable. While privacy concerns are valid, dedicated ad blocking differs from tracking prevention and undermines content monetization. The web's fundamental mistake was treating it like traditional media with ads as the primary revenue model, without innovating payment distribution systems. As ad blocking grew, publishers compensated with more ads, search results became dominated by sponsored content, and the open web is now being replaced by closed AI-driven platforms. The lack of scalable micropayment solutions means subscriptions don't work for casual reading, leaving the web ecosystem broken.
ThePrimeTime·25wDont use Firefox
A critical commentary questioning Firefox's privacy claims and messaging changes. The piece highlights removed content from Firefox's privacy statements, specifically around data selling practices and advertiser protection, raising concerns about transparency in their privacy commitments.
David Bombal·24wFirefox Just Killed Browser Fingerprinting (2025)
Firefox 145 introduces enhanced anti-fingerprinting protections that reduce uniquely identifiable users from 65% to 20%. The new defenses block tracking through hardware details, fonts, processor cores, and screen dimensions. Initially available in private browsing and strict mode, these protections will eventually be enabled by default for all users. Fingerprinting allows websites to track users even when cookies are blocked by creating unique digital signatures from browser and device characteristics.