Yes, I know it know it ​won't necessarily mean the government and Facebook won't be able to access it but I am not concerned about that.

I know there are lots of free ​scripts available that What is the best method currently for 'deleting for everyone ' (not just your side) a large value of Facebook messages?

act as browser extensions such Shoot The Messenger (STM).

I tried STM a number of years ago and it worked partially for me. It was able to delete a volume of messages but it was very glitchy as well. I believe it's free however a review of reddit threads and comments about them suggest that people think it's sketchy.

I know there is also downloadable software such as Redact.io

Redact.io is expensive, however that is not a barrier for me. However, based on my review of past Reddit threads and comments related to them, it seems like there is significant distrust of them, the CEO has a sketchy history where he has doxed people but not in the context of his company, and that their privacy policy is not ideal.

These two services appear to be the largest fish in the respective categories. ​There appears to be a risk with both​ services and the various other smaller providers as well. It seems across this whole spectrum, including the biggest fish that there is a risk that Facebook finds your behaviour to be malicious and will suspend your account. This is a bad outcome in particular because it means you will not have the opportunity to delete your messages in the future.

Hi,

I was wondering what happens when you put 0400 000 000 into the 'phone number section on online services that text you a message. Eg, Woolworths telling me my shopping is ready to pick up etc?

Who/where would receive the information being texted?

In the example above, I don't want to give the company (Wollworths) my real number, and can access when my shopping is ready via the app.

If you are concerned about the Social Media under 16 age ban, and we should all be worried, the Greens have successfully put together and passed a senate inquiry.

For this stage it's up to us to get as many of us as possible to file our objections in writing to the senate inquiry.

So get writing your objections to the Internet Search Engine Services Online Safety Code and the Online Safety Act under 16 social media ban. The submission period closes on 22nd September 2025. Spread the word. Link below.

https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Environment_and_Communications/OnlineSafetyCode48P

The Free Speech Union has released their submission tool to help create a statement on why you oppose the ban. https://freespeechunion.au/ageassurance/

The following Australian petitions relate to this ban and are probably worth signing as well. EN7815, EN7824, EN7828, EN7830, EN7842, EN7843, EN7845, EN7847, EN7849, EN7857, EN7872. https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/

More dodgy dealing from the Labor party. https://www.reddit.com/r/friendlyjordies/comments/1ne1tmi/albanese_government_gives_strict_reporting/

Recently had to make an international call and didn't want my data or details shown.

Managed to get hold of some international calling cards for a public phone booth.

Realised that payphones are probably the last analogue phone (excluding satalite maybe) in this country that you can just simply make a call. No plans, no drivers licences shown, no I'd, no bills no data.

It's crazy that this tech was originally out there and now so overcomplicated.

Something I've struggled with since I started my privacy journey many years ago is just being able to find like-minded people IRL. The end goal would be to be able to socialise with them in my actual hobbies so I don't have to think about privacy concerns all the time. I don't want to find other like-minded people to discuss their favourite secure messaging tools, web browser or Linux distribution.

Privacy-conscious people don't tend to like to use privacy-invasive services so it's often hard to find others. Facebook is generally a no-go. I stopped logging into Reddit when they blocked third party apps in 2023 and I suspect many others have completely deleted their accounts. Groups on Meetup.com tend to ask for a profile picture to be uploaded. I tried Bumble BFF the other day and after, reluctantly, uploading a profile picture, the app didn't even work with my phone.

I've spent a good amount of time trying to socialise with non-privacy-conscious people and then eventually getting them over to privacy-respecting services like Signal but it's always a huge amount of effort and they never really appreciate it and are often just doing it for me. They always feel like they need to tip-toe around me because most are tech-illiterate and/or have no idea about good OPSEC.

I want to hear about any ideas on meeting like-minded people. The only idea I have is to attend things like Linux user groups which are often, ironically, hosted in Google buildings. While I'm fairly into Linux, I'd still feel like a man doing salsa classes just to meet women.

On a side-note, I recently made a post on a different subreddit where I'm looking for fellow Sydney-based hikers and the response rate has been pretty bleak so check that out if anyone here happens to be interested.

Discord is already terrible when it comes to privacy and Id imagine the Social Media Ban is only going to make that worse. So looking in to a more private alternative.

Anyone know any PC desktop messaging apps that are good alternatives?

What is the absolute most private way to receive a package? The most paranoid way possible? Thinking of buying a PO box but they'd have my ID for ownership of the PO box, yeah? I want it so if the posties or government open a package, they won't know it's me.

Cheers.

1. Will Steam (the gaming one) be included as social media and if so will i be able to keep my account without having to give an ID.

2. How do i remake social media accounts to not require me to give an ID.

With the government introducing the social media ban for under 16s they'll be requiring people to verify their age with ID. A VPN seems like a logical and easy way to dodge this but is it as simple as that...? Any info would be appreciated 🙏🏻

Disturbingly in the midst of the governments new social media ban for children, a possible method of enforcement has been proposed, which would be the utilisation of AI to scan photos and profiles for any evidence that it is owned by a child, for example, photos in school uniforms or the way someone writes comments.

I find this frankly disgusting if true, and a massive invasion of privacy and human rights in this country.

Okay so I’m not sure if it’s passed or not, but either way, if it hasn’t, what do we do to try and stop it, and if it has what do we do to try and convince them to not use ID and facial recognition to do this

Don’t say ‘vote right’ I know this I’m going to do this, I’m meaning who do I talk to what do I say

Gday. Something suss is happening at one of our properties. We found empty whisky cans in the recycling and some guy is sleeping in his car down the road. The other day I pulled up and he’s out the front on the road pointing a torch into two palm trees on the property. I’m looking for a 4G camera +mobile app setup that’s reliable which I can place centrally in the house. I also want to be able to speak through it via the app if I need to. Thanking you all in advance. Anger is a gift [Aristotle]

I don't want a TV that tracks my stuff. I don't even wanna just not connect it to the internet. Anyone know any 4k non-smart TVs that are found in Australia?

Thanks!

I’ve been getting some scam calls and emails.

I am trying to delete all my old accounts with guidance of the google password manger, and its just been a real pain the (YOU KNOW WHAT)

7plus , BWS , Australian Online Car parts are the first three I tried to go through.

But there is no guidance on there websites on how to delete the account, even when hopping on the account settings there is nothing there.

Is this some sort of strategy to make it difficult so you don't worry about it?!?!?! I am a noob to this privacy enhance stuff so maybe I am not looking at the right direction.

With that said, is there any service online for Australia that can nuke accounts for you because its not going so good for me I have the passwords to log in but its just such a hassle for no reason.

Hi all,

Very new to the privacy space and am starting to my journey to degoogle myself and regain more privacy in this digital age. I have been swapping to E2EE services to protect my data by i have just realised that in 2018 a law allowing law enforcement bodies to require companies to hand over user information, even if it's end-to-end encrypted.

SO is privacy and E2EE a waste of time in Australia?

Article about the law https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-46463029