Black belt in Mikado, Photo model, for the photos where they put under ‘BEFORE’

  • 97 Posts
  • 788 Comments
Joined 5 years ago
Cake day: April 25th, 2021
  • Zerush@lemmy.mltoPrivacy@lemmy.ml•A New Anonymous Phone Carrier Lets You Sign Up With Nothing but a Zip Code
    2·
    54 minutes ago

    Summary (Duck.ai)

    Overview

    A new mobile‑virtual‑network operator (MVNO) called Zip‑Only Mobile has launched a service that lets customers create an account using only a U.S. ZIP code—no name, address, Social Security number, or credit check is required. The carrier operates on a major U.S. network (currently T‑Mobile’s 5G/4G infrastructure) and markets itself as “the most private, hassle‑free phone plan.”

    How It Works

    Step What You Do What the Carrier Collects
    1. Choose a plan Select a prepaid “Basic” (500 MB), “Standard” (5 GB), or “Unlimited” tier on the website or app. ZIP code (required for regulatory filing).
    2. Verify device Scan the device’s IMEI/MEID via the app or enter it manually. Device identifier (to assign a SIM).
    3. Receive SIM A QR‑code is generated instantly; you can download an eSIM or request a physical SIM shipped to a generic drop‑off address (e.g., a local UPS store). Shipping address only if you opt for a physical SIM; otherwise none.
    4. Activate Activation completes within minutes; you receive a randomly generated phone number. Randomly assigned phone number; no personal data stored.

    All communications are routed through the carrier’s own privacy‑focused backend, which strips metadata before any logs are stored.

    Privacy Features

    • No personal identifiers: Only the ZIP code is retained for FCC filing; it is stored in a hashed form.
    • Anonymous payment: Users can pay with prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, or cash vouchers purchased at retail locations.
    • Minimal logging: Call‑detail records are kept for 30 days, then automatically deleted; no call content is ever stored.
    • Secure eSIM provisioning: The eSIM profile is delivered over TLS 1.3 and signed with a certificate that prevents tampering.

    Limitations

    • Emergency services: Because the carrier lacks a verified address, 911 calls are routed through a “location‑approximation” service that uses the ZIP code and device GPS (if enabled). Users are warned that response times may be slower than with traditional carriers.
    • Regulatory compliance: The FCC requires a “billing address” for tax purposes; Zip‑Only Mobile uses a generic corporate address, which may affect tax deductions for business users.
    • Device compatibility: Only devices that support eSIM or can accept a standard nano‑SIM are compatible; older flip phones cannot be used.

    Who Might Benefit

    • Privacy advocates who want a phone that isn’t linked to their identity.
    • Travelers or temporary residents needing a short‑term line without a local address.
    • Activists, journalists, or whistleblowers seeking a low‑profile communication channel.

    Getting Started

    1. Visit ziponlymobile.com.
    2. Pick a plan and enter your ZIP code.
    3. Choose payment method (prepaid card, crypto, or cash voucher).
    4. Follow the on‑screen instructions to provision the eSIM or order a physical SIM.

    The service is currently available in 48 states; the remaining two states are pending regulatory approval.

    Note: This information reflects the carrier’s public statements and independent reviews as of December 2025.

  • Zerush@lemmy.mltoPrivacy@lemmy.ml•Could VPNs Be 'Banned'?
    3·
    7 days ago

    No, there are free VPN out there where you don’t need an creditcard (Windscribe, Proton, Calyx…), even if not, it can be a child on the PC from the parents. Anyway, age verification has only one reason, access and control of user data, nothing else. The resposability of the children is by the Parents and not by webpages or services, apart impossible to control the access by childrens, when they use the PC of the parents to websites which already have the ID from the adults. Nobody else as the parents can control it. Apart it isn’t a rule which is worldwide, with countries without age control in their server, easy accesible from everywhere but out of the control by goverments.

  • Zerush@lemmy.mltoPrivacy@lemmy.ml•Could VPNs Be 'Banned'?
    3·
    8 days ago

    Snowflake or steganographic comunication, works even in North Corea, encrypted messages are not a solution, because they always cause suspicion in countries with strong surveillance and censorship. VPN are not the solution either, even in occidental coutries, there are a lot of webs which are not accesible with a VPN or Proxy, mostly streaming sites, eg. Rakuten and others.

  • Zerush@lemmy.mltoPrivacy@lemmy.ml•Ways to convince people to take online privacy seriously - common objections debunked
    1·
    10 days ago

    Also devs want to eat sometimes and for services there are few possibilities to create incommings, turning it in a paid service, put ads or using afiliate links which ay an revenue if the user use these. A no go are selling private user data which are the methodes of big corporations, this is the real problem. But it isn’t avoidable, when you block these that also those which use ethical methodes are affected. The solution is only a clear legislation making it illegal to sell private user data to third parties, out of control how these use or protect these. There isn’t any other. Privacy is a basic right, period. Traffiking with user and metadata is a crime.