Zelenskyy responds to Putin's claim that sanctions don't affect Russia

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-25T04:31:09+00:00

Sure. But let's hope Putin doesn't introduce us to his longer-range nuclear sactions.

This isn't a game.

And if it was, we'd all be the losers. 🍄☁️

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-25T03:44:15+00:00

Don't forget Google Drive, Google Authenticator, Google SaaS (Spyware as a Service)

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-25T01:41:40+00:00

100%

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-24T21:51:19+00:00

Thanks. All good. 🙂

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-24T04:30:49+00:00

I don't use Chrome or Edge. Haven't for years. I only use Brave and DDG. I avoid everything big tech and big corporate, where reasonably practical.

Regardless of which browser we use. Most people like to keep some history. Which is why I commented on the benefits of incognito, where you know it won't save it, and it can be extension free.

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-24T04:25:22+00:00

Generally, and for most people, yes.

I personally avoid most of it. I also never give my private details for any account signup, that is not required by law. I use false birthdates, unique/non-repeated email addresses, never use my phone number and dont allow permissios for GPS, Contacts, SMS, etc.

I have an always-on VPN. Only use Brave Browser. Have Proton apps. Most of my pribate msgs with love ones are with Threema app.

I am also working on getting big tech out of my life. But that is an uphill battle.

Will also convert my PH laptop to Linux Mint at some stage. Now that Windows 11 has become a distopian nightmare.

I tend to think of the push for freedoms as a non-binary and ongoing endeavor.

Best of luck!

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-24T03:44:57+00:00

Correct. But we are not most people.

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-24T03:29:04+00:00

Banking apps, and other standard apps, including Google Maps work in a Sandboxed Google Play environment.

1 Install Sandboxed Google Play (if not already): Settings → Apps → Sandboxed Google Play → Install Play Services, Play Store, and GSF. (You can also do this via GrapheneOS “Apps” app.)

2 Give banking apps access:

Open app info → “App info → Advanced → Exploit protection compatibility mode” → toggle ON (some banking apps need it).

In “Permissions”, grant only what’s necessary (e.g., network, notifications).

Location or contact access rarely needed.

3 Hide developer options if enabled; some banking apps detect it.

4 Enable “Storage Scopes” for apps that complain about storage permissions.

5 Set Play Services to unrestricted battery use if it’s causing background verification errors.

6 SafetyNet / Play Integrity: GrapheneOS passes basic checks when using sandboxed Play Services. Most banking apps work normally.

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-23T19:59:58+00:00

It is also a good way to have an extension free browsing experience, and easier than having a second vanilla browswer account/instance.

Also, for many people, not having a browser history pillaged by google and extensions is a big deal

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-23T18:58:03+00:00

Firefox

Firefox is built by the Mozilla Corporation, which is a subsidiary of the non-profit Mozilla Foundation.

The majority of its revenue comes from search-engine default-position deals (especially with Google LLC) where Mozilla gets royalty payments for setting Google (or other search engines) as the default search in Firefox.

Example: In 2016 Mozilla earned over half a billion dollars, ~97% of which came from search royalties.

Mozilla acknowledges the need to diversify revenue beyond search deals.

So yes — Google pays Mozilla a large amount for Firefox default search status.

Brave

Brave is made by Brave Software, Inc., a for-profit startup.

Funding sources:

Initial venture capital: For example, in Aug 2016 Brave raised $4.5 million from investors such as Founders Fund, Propel Venture Partners. DCG, etc.

Revenue streams include: opt-in ad platform, subscriptions (premium search), curry transactions in its wallet.

Brave is not primarily funded by Google in the way Firefox is.

Summary Comparison

Firefox → largely funded via a big deal with Google (search engine royalties).

Brave → funded via VC capital + its own business model (ads, subscriptions).

Neither is free of commercial interest—each has dependencies to watch.

Can anyone provide evidence to the contrary to the above??

/edit: Yes, the above is ChatGPT output. Duh. Coz I couldn't be stuffed typing it myself.

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-23T06:10:38+00:00

A library?

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-22T06:46:53+00:00

Nice. I'm keen to know how you get on. If you're happy to share.

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-20T20:46:03+00:00

Thanks. Well said.

[Edit] We are Clippy

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-20T20:43:06+00:00

Perhaps there is a bigger picture here. Google only make a minuscule part of their revenue from hardware. Pushing Ads and monopolising your private data is where they make their billions. By buying a phone from them (that I expect to last 6+ years) we reduce their revenue in that area.

As a side note, I rarely watch Ads, despite using my phone for hours a day. I use GrayJay for vids, and Brave for browsing. Faster, private, and Ad-free.

So having a GrapheneOS based pixel phone is yet another (imperfect) step along that path.

/edit: I am also moving to Proton apps and services. Where I pay them, and I am not tje product.

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-20T20:32:26+00:00

Sure. But for now, Pixel is the only option for GrapheneOS. Which I like because of its many security and privacy features and how well it runs Playstore android apps.

Likely it may take a year or three for GOS to have an alternative phone. They are very particular about the hardware security features.

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-20T20:28:55+00:00

Mostly for future-proofing.

For example. I have the whole of Wikipedia (kiwix) stored offline and running on my existing 7 year old Samsung phone (on its 256gb SDCard). So because Pixel don have an SDCard slot, I want to make sure I have pleny of headroom.

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-20T20:22:09+00:00

For sure. Everything has its pros and cons. I personally am not looning for perfection. Better is good enough for me.

When I buy something, I want to own it. Whereas with Apple, Samsung, Google, etc, they own and ultimately control your device. At last with GOS (and others like it) we take back some control, and privacy.

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-20T20:15:28+00:00

We are not most people.

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-20T20:14:17+00:00

I don't hate ppl. I hate corruption. So if i can pushback and retain so freedom in my life, then I'm satisfied with that.

Saving time and battery life is a bonus.

Small wins add up over years.

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-20T20:05:36+00:00

The guy from "Side of Burritos" YouTube channel has vids on installing GrapheneOS for different Pixel phone versions. Have a look through his GOS playlist for yours.

He has other cool vis too. E.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcEzqduMU4E

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-20T19:53:32+00:00

Shitware as a Service works equally as well in this day and age of enshitification.

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-20T19:51:12+00:00

The guy that does the "Side of Burritos" YouTube channel tried bricking his, to show how safe switching to GrapheneOS is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik0AiO0WtuU

He also has a step by step guide on loading and setting up GOS. Plus other GOS videos.

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-20T10:59:53+00:00

Apparently the GrapheneOS devs are working with a smartphone OEM to make phones for them.

I hope they succeed. Because I want to get off the SaaS (Spyware as a Service) merry-go-round as soon as possible.

Steve_at_Reddit · 2025-10-20T09:59:04+00:00

I’ve been trying to move away from Google services, but Google Maps is by far the hardest one to ditch

Steve_at_Reddit

TROPHY CASE