Privacy on Linux – Avoid Being Tracked Online

Discover how Linux offers a privacy-focused alternative to Windows and macOS, helping you protect your personal data from tracking and telemetry. Learn about privacy tools like VPNs, encrypted DNS, and privacy-enhanced browsers, and explore how Linux empowers you to take control of your online privacy.

Introduction

Privacy has become a growing concern for many users in the digital age. With data breaches, tracking, and surveillance on the rise, protecting personal information online has never been more critical. Proprietary operating systems like Windows and macOS often collect large amounts of user data through telemetry, tracking, and built-in services. In contrast, Linux provides a privacy-focused alternative that allows you to regain control of your personal information and avoid unwanted data collection.

In this post, we’ll explore how Linux helps safeguard your privacy, the privacy-focused tools it offers, and practical steps you can take to ensure your online activity stays private.

No Built-in Telemetry

One of the major differences between Linux and proprietary systems like Windows and macOS is the absence of built-in telemetry. Telemetry refers to the automatic collection of data about how you use your system, which is often sent back to the operating system developer.

• Windows has been criticized for its extensive data collection practices, which include gathering information about your device, installed software, browsing history, and even your usage habits.
• macOS also collects user data through services like iCloud, Siri, and the App Store, although to a lesser extent than Windows.

Linux, on the other hand, does not collect personal data unless you explicitly choose to share it. Most Linux distributions come with privacy as a priority, meaning that there’s no background data collection or tracking by default. You are in complete control of what information is shared and with whom.

Comparison:

• Windows/macOS: Built-in telemetry and data collection by default.
• Linux: No telemetry or automatic data collection unless configured by the user.

Privacy-Focused Browsers

When it comes to online privacy, your choice of web browser is critical. Thankfully, Linux offers several privacy-focused browsers that help protect you from tracking, ads, and online surveillance. Here are a few worth considering:

1. Firefox (with Enhanced Tracking Protection)

Firefox is a popular, open-source web browser that prioritizes user privacy. It includes Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP), which automatically blocks third-party trackers, cross-site cookies, and cryptominers. You can further enhance its privacy features by using privacy-focused extensions like uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger.

To enable strict tracking protection:

• Open Firefox, go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
• Under Enhanced Tracking Protection, select Strict.

2. LibreWolf

For users who want even more privacy than Firefox offers by default, LibreWolf is a great option. LibreWolf is a fork of Firefox, designed to remove all telemetry, unwanted features, and data collection tools. It’s built with enhanced privacy settings out of the box, making it ideal for users who prioritize anonymity and security online.

3. Tor Browser

If you want maximum privacy and anonymity, the Tor Browser is your best option. Tor routes your traffic through the Tor network, a series of volunteer-operated servers that anonymize your connection by masking your IP address and location. This makes it much harder for websites, ISPs, and trackers to trace your online activity.

Tor is particularly useful for users in regions with internet censorship or those who need a higher level of anonymity.

Comparison:

• Windows/macOS: Browsers like Edge or Safari may collect data or track usage by default.
• Linux: Privacy-focused browsers (Firefox, LibreWolf, Tor) offer built-in tools to block tracking and protect privacy.

VPNs and DNS Encryption

For even more privacy, many users turn to VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and DNS encryption to protect their internet traffic from prying eyes.

VPNs

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, hiding your real IP address and location from websites and ISPs. This prevents third parties from monitoring your browsing activity or tracking your online behavior.

On Linux, several privacy-focused VPN services work well, such as:

• ProtonVPN
• Mullvad VPN
• PIA (Private Internet Access)

These VPNs have strict no-logs policies and offer strong encryption, making them excellent choices for users who value privacy.

DNS Encryption (DoH)

Even if you use a VPN, your DNS requests (the system that translates domain names into IP addresses) can still be visible to your ISP or other third parties. This is where DNS over HTTPS (DoH) comes in. DoH encrypts your DNS queries, ensuring that they can’t be intercepted or logged.

To enable DoH on Firefox:

• Open Firefox and go to Settings > General.
• Scroll down to Network Settings and click Settings.
• Check the box next to Enable DNS over HTTPS and choose a provider like Cloudflare or NextDNS.

Comparison:

• Windows/macOS: VPN clients may be available, but DNS encryption is not always enabled by default.
• Linux: Privacy-focused VPNs and DNS encryption tools like DoH are easy to configure, ensuring maximum privacy protection.

Linux Tools for Anonymity

For users who need the highest level of anonymity, Linux offers several specialized distributions and tools that prioritize privacy and security.

1. Tails OS

Tails (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) is a Linux distribution designed to preserve privacy and anonymity. It can be run from a USB stick, leaving no trace of your activities on the computer. Tails routes all internet traffic through the Tor network by default and comes with built-in encryption tools for secure communication and file storage.

Tails is an excellent choice for users who need to remain anonymous, such as journalists, activists, or whistleblowers.

2. Qubes OS

For those who need maximum security through compartmentalization, Qubes OS is a security-focused Linux distribution that isolates different applications and tasks into separate virtual machines (VMs). This means that even if one VM is compromised, the others remain secure. Qubes OS is favored by users who need to separate sensitive activities from everyday tasks, providing a highly secure environment.

Comparison:

• Windows/macOS: There are limited privacy-focused operating systems.
• Linux: Tools like Tails and Qubes OS provide robust anonymity and security options for advanced privacy protection.

Practical Exercise: Set Up a VPN and Configure Firefox for Privacy

Here’s a simple guide to enhancing your privacy on Linux with a VPN and by configuring Firefox:

1. Setting Up a VPN on Linux

• Download and install a privacy-respecting VPN client like ProtonVPN or Mullvad.
• Follow the provider’s instructions to connect to the VPN.
• Test your VPN by visiting a site like whatismyip.com before and after connection to verify your IP address has changed.

2. Configure Firefox for Maximum Privacy

• Open Firefox and go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
• Under Enhanced Tracking Protection, select Strict to block more trackers.
• Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data and check Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed.
• Under Permissions, block location, camera, microphone, and notifications unless you trust a site.
• At the bottom, enable DNS over HTTPS for encrypted DNS requests.

Conclusion

Linux is a privacy-focused operating system that helps you avoid being tracked online, unlike Windows and macOS, which often come with built-in telemetry and data collection. By using privacy-focused browsers, enabling VPNs and DNS encryption, and taking advantage of tools like Tails or Qubes OS, you can take control of your online privacy and protect your personal data.

In the next post, we’ll explore the world of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) on Linux and how you can replace your proprietary software with powerful, free alternatives.