Privacy – Purism https://puri.sm/ High-quality computers that protect your freedom and privacy Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:29:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.28 https://puri.sm/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/cropped-purism-logo-rectangle-1-32x32.png Privacy – Purism https://puri.sm/ 32 32 Safety Without Surveillance: Designing Digital Sovereignty for All Ages https://puri.sm/posts/safety-without-surveillance-designing-digital-sovereignty-for-all-ages/ Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:41:11 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=84574 In September, a single misconfiguration in Life360’s Android API turned a “family safety” app into a map of human lives exposed. More than 442,000 users had their precise GPS trails, names, and phone numbers dumped online by a threat actor known as Emo.

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]]> Purism Approach vs. Google Model https://puri.sm/posts/purism-approach-vs-google-model/ Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:24:00 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=84519 The Justice Department and a coalition of states are pursuing antitrust action against Google, accusing it of running monopolistic ad-tech systems that exploit users and lock out competition. Regulators are weighing remedies that could force structural changes to Google’s ad empire.

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]]> Freedom by Design: Why Purism Rejects Big IT Status Quo https://puri.sm/posts/freedom-by-design-why-purism-rejects-big-it-status-quo/ Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:05:52 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=84487 Three recent IT‑privacy headlines tell the same unsettling story: that consumer trust is being squandered

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]]> When “Efficiency” Becomes Exposure: How DOGE Put America’s Identity at Risk https://puri.sm/posts/when-efficiency-becomes-exposure-how-doge-put-americas-identity-at-risk/ Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:03:10 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=84476 Every American should be alarmed.  It was recently reported that a whistleblower from inside the Social Security Administration, Chief Data Officer Charles Borges, has revealed that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) copied a live, full-fidelity version of the nation’s Social Security database onto an Amazon-hosted cloud environment that allegedly lacked independent security oversight. This affects any American who’s ever filled out a Social Security form,

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]]> Spotify “Panama” Leak Is a Wake-Up Call for Digital Privacy https://puri.sm/posts/spotify-panama-leak-is-a-wake-up-call-for-digital-privacy/ Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:00:10 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=84360 The New York Times recently reported that a hacker using the pseudonym “Tim” scraped publicly available data from Spotify and published it on his own website. Using automated bots, “Tim” harvested user playlists — many of them tied to identifiable names, locations, and even personal notes in titles or descriptions.

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]]> The NYPD’s $3B “Domain Awareness System” isn’t just a New York problem—it’s a warning for every American https://puri.sm/posts/the-nypds-3b-domain-awareness-system-isnt-just-a-new-york-problem-its-a-warning-for-every-american/ Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:48:28 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=84454 In her September 15, 2025, New York Times opinion piece, Elizabeth Daniel Vasquez lays bare a reality too many Americans have ignored: the New York Police Department has quietly built one of the most expansive, integrated surveillance systems in the nation’s history.

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]]> Google Mishandling School Children’s Data https://puri.sm/posts/google-mishandling-school-childrens-data/ Fri, 12 Sep 2025 18:31:21 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=84364 When Google agreed to pay $30 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over its unauthorized collection of children’s data on YouTube, it wasn’t a revelation—it was a confirmation. A confirmation that Google’s public posture of compliance often masks a deeper, more calculated strategy: delayed monetization through long-tail data mining.

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]]> Apple’s Latest iPhone: Sleeker Walls, Same Garden https://puri.sm/posts/apples-latest-iphone-sleeker-walls-same-garden/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 17:43:14 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=84301 Yesterday, Apple unveiled the latest iPhone lineup adding an iPhone Air — described by them as their thinnest, lightest yet. The headlines were predictable fanfare while missing the larger points.

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]]> California’s New Privacy Rules Are a National Signal https://puri.sm/posts/californias-new-privacy-rules-are-a-national-signal/ Sun, 07 Sep 2025 19:21:41 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=84134 California’s New Privacy Rules Are a National Signal The California Privacy Protection Agency’s latest regulations redraw the playing field. This is the first set of rules in the U.S. to require: Annual, independent cybersecurity audits for high-risk businesses Comprehensive risk assessments for key data processing activities Bias and privacy impact reviews for automated decision-making systems […]

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]]> A Privacy Shield in the Wake of AT&T Data Breaches https://puri.sm/posts/a-privacy-shield-in-the-wake-of-att-data-breaches/ Tue, 26 Aug 2025 19:55:51 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=84140 Purism AweSIM: A Privacy Shield in the Wake of AT&T Data Breaches AT&T was found liable to pay customers an estimated $177M to resolve multiple lawsuits stemming from two separate data breaches – March 30 and July 12, 2024. Both breaches exposed huge amounts of Personal Identifiable Information (PII) to the public. These two breaches […]

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]]> Instagram’s Mapping Feature: A Privacy Wake-Up Call https://puri.sm/posts/instagrams-mapping-feature-a-privacy-wake-up-call/ Wed, 13 Aug 2025 01:38:59 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=84003 Instagram’s latest update introduces a mapping feature that quietly turns your location into a public breadcrumb trail. While it may seem like a harmless way to tag your favorite coffee shop or scenic overlook, the reality is more insidious: this feature keeps your location sharing always-on by default. That means every time you post, you’re potentially broadcasting your whereabouts—not just to friends, but to advertisers, data brokers, and anyone else watching. It’s a textbook example of how convenience is weaponized against privacy.

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]]> Ethics over Exploits – Use PureOS over Android/iOS https://puri.sm/posts/ethics-over-exploits-use-pureos-over-android-ios/ Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:07:12 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=83951 As Purism has been saying for years, the battleground for digital privacy has shifted squarely into our pockets in the form of smartphones. Mobile devices are now (more than ever) the prime targets for sophisticated cyber threats, having a duopoly with centralized control from two vendors; Apple and Google; the problem gets exacerbated.

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]]> Fairness Isn’t Just a Feature—It’s the Future https://puri.sm/posts/fairness-isnt-just-a-feature-its-the-future/ Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:48:03 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=83942 The European Union is making bold moves to reshape the digital landscape—and if you're a consumer, developer, or platform operator, you’ll want to pay attention. Two major regulatory shifts are now underway: the proposed Digital Fairness Act and the activation of key provisions in the EU AI Act. Together, they signal a new era of transparency, accountability, and ethical design in the digital economy.

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]]> AI and Data Privacy Under Scrutiny https://puri.sm/posts/ai-and-data-privacy-under-scrutiny/ Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:33:24 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=83938 The promise of AI is seductive: instant answers, personalized insights, and a frictionless interface with the digital world. But beneath the surface of convenience lies a growing privacy crisis—one that’s now impossible to ignore.

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]]> Google to Pay Texas $1.4 Billion to End Privacy Cases https://puri.sm/posts/google-to-pay-texas-1-4-billion-to-end-privacy-cases/ Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:09:27 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=83629 Google’s $1.375 billion settlement with Texas is a wake-up call for digital privacy (Bloomberg Law).

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]]> The 2025 Most Secure Phone in The World Reviews Are In: Efani, Analytics Insight, Navi, and Cashify https://puri.sm/posts/the-2025-most-secure-phone-in-the-world-reviews-are-in-efani-analytics-insight-navi-and-cashify/ Fri, 27 Jun 2025 09:16:22 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=83592 Purism’s Librem 5 and Liberty Phones Named the Most Secure Smartphones in the World Top cybersecurity and tech publications agree—Purism leads the industry in mobile security for 2025.

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]]> CNN Report: Purism is the Only Known U.S. Phone Manufacturer https://puri.sm/posts/cnn-report-purism-is-the-only-known-u-s-phone-manufacturer/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:06:27 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=83557 In a recent CNN report, skepticism surrounds the Trump Organization’s claim that its new “T1” smartphone is “Made in the USA.” Experts, including Todd Weaver, CEO of Purism, challenged the claim, citing striking similarities between the T1 and a low-cost Chinese phone, the Revvl 7 Pro 5G, made by Wingtech, a Chinese manufacturer.

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]]> America’s Mobile Security Crisis: Why It’s Time for a Secure, Private Alternative https://puri.sm/posts/americas-mobile-security-crisis-why-its-time-for-a-secure-private-alternative/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 12:31:02 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=83429 As reported by ABC news, "Chinese Hackers and User Lapses Turn Smartphones into a "Mobile Security Crisis", June 8th, 2025, A wave of mysterious smartphone crashes among government officials, journalists, and tech professionals recently revealed something far more disturbing than a software glitch.

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]]> What Is PureOS? A Beginner’s Guide for iOS, Android, and Windows Users https://puri.sm/posts/what-is-pureos-a-beginners-guide-for-ios-android-and-windows-users/ Wed, 07 May 2025 15:21:44 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=83018   In today’s world, privacy and control over your digital life have become rare luxuries. Every tap, swipe, and click on most smartphones and PCs is tracked, analyzed, and monetized—usually without your explicit consent. That’s where PureOS comes in. So What Is PureOS? PureOS is a privacy-focused, secure, and open-source operating system developed by Purism. […]

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]]> Privacy on Trial: Meta’s DOJ Battle vs. Purism’s User-Centric Philosophy https://puri.sm/posts/privacy-on-trial-metas-doj-battle-vs-purisms-user-centric-philosophy/ Tue, 29 Apr 2025 20:12:46 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=83000 The Department of Justice's (DOJ) current lawsuit against Meta spotlights a crucial discourse in the tech world, highlighting the fundamental right to privacy in the digital age.

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]]> The Importance of Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) https://puri.sm/posts/the-importance-of-software-bill-of-materials-sbom/ Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:02:56 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=82807 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been at the forefront of enhancing software supply chain security through its Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) initiatives. The SBOM is a comprehensive inventory of all components, libraries, and dependencies used in software development. This transparency is crucial for identifying potential vulnerabilities and mitigating risks associated with software supply chains.

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]]> Freedom of Choice vs. Oppression of Big Tech https://puri.sm/posts/freedom-of-choice-vs-oppression-of-big-tech/ Wed, 06 Nov 2024 17:13:31 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=82572 The modern smartphone landscape is dominated by a handful of technology giants, whose influence extends far beyond their own ecosystems. Unlike in the heyday of the PC revolution where multiple companies fought tooth and nail for market share by differentiating on feature functionality as well as price – offering a plethora of alternatives – today’s smartphone landscape is dominated by two main players: Apple’s IOS and Google’s Android.

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]]> True Choice for Smartphone Privacy and Security https://puri.sm/posts/true-choice-for-smartphone-privacy-and-security/ Tue, 08 Oct 2024 17:22:41 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=82492 Since the mass-adoption of consumer smartphones in 2007, much has been written about the tradeoffs consumers and business users alike have been forced to accept when it comes to mobile computing.

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]]> FTC Highlights “Vast Surveillance” by Big Tech in Latest Report https://puri.sm/posts/ftc-highlights-vast-surveillance-by-big-tech-in-latest-report/ Fri, 20 Sep 2024 20:08:13 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=82432 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a groundbreaking report this past week that sheds light on the vast surveillance practices of major social media and video streaming companies. The report. which was released on September 19th, is a stark reminder of the extensive data collection and monetization strategies employed by these tech giants, often at the expense of user privacy and security.

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]]> Smartphones Leaking Data https://puri.sm/posts/smartphones-leaking-data/ Wed, 18 Sep 2024 19:45:36 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=82417 When you use smartphones from big tech companies, you’re often trading your privacy for convenience. These devices are designed to collect vast amounts of data about you, from your location to your browsing habits, and even your conversations. This data is then used to build detailed profiles that are sold to advertisers, used to exploit you, and even handed over to government agencies without your knowledge nor consent.

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]]> Unexplained Potatoes https://puri.sm/posts/unexplained-potatoes/ Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:49:47 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=81659 Did you say Idaho Potatoes? Earlier this week, I was at a wedding, talking to a friend.  She asked if I’d ever been on a cruise – I have, once, years ago, and I proceeded to tell her the story of a couple from Idaho that we ate dinner with every night on the cruise. […]

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]]> SXSW 2024 Day 5- AI And Privacy In The News, So I Thought? https://puri.sm/posts/sxsw-2024-day-5-ai-and-privacy-in-the-news-so-i-thought/ Wed, 13 Mar 2024 17:35:44 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=81526 I attended a session titled “AI and Privacy” yesterday and was under the impression that the discussion was going to be about AI the threat to privacy. Although the subject matter was addressed by the panel somewhat, the discussion seemed to be more focused on how an alarm company partnered with Google protects their alarm […]

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]]> Missing from Privacy Legislation- The Abolishment of Surveillance Capitalism (Predatory & Harmful Surveillance Business Practices)! https://puri.sm/posts/missing-from-privacy-legislation-the-abolishment-of-surveillance-capitalism-predatory-harmful-surveillance-business-practices/ Wed, 07 Feb 2024 14:25:35 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=81449 Surveillance capitalism is predatory data mining typically via addictive and harmful sites and applications with social validation feedback loops/intermittent variable rewards along with manipulative targeted advertising based on one’s personal identity and gathered preferences. I am a former app/platform developer, and I have been an advisor to numerous lawmakers regarding tech congressional hearings dating back […]

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]]> To Be Free or Not to Be Free- PureOS vs. Android OS, Apple iOS, and MS Windows https://puri.sm/posts/to-be-free-or-not-to-be-free-pureos-vs-android-os-apple-ios-and-ms-windows/ Wed, 20 Dec 2023 16:02:59 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=80893 As a professional security advisor, I am always asked what smartphone, OS, and apps provide the best security. The answer to this question is simple yet complicated, and my answer is The Liberty or Librem 5 smartphones running PureOS by Purism. To understand why Purism smartphones with PureOS are secure, one must understand the difference […]

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]]> Purism Puts You in Control of Your Smartphone! https://puri.sm/posts/controlling-you-by-smartphone-is-a-reality-but-not-with-purism/ Tue, 05 Dec 2023 15:31:58 +0000 https://puri.sm/?p=80936 There is a good reason why Purism does not require PureOS end users to click “I Agree” to accept intrusive terms of use that give up all control to either Google (for Android) or Apple (for iOS). When you buy a smartphone manufactured by Purism, such as the Liberty Phone (with Made in USA Electronics) […]

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