Discussion with the Developer of Blackbird: A Windows Application Focused on Privacy and Security Protections
In the digital age, where data collection and telemetry have become commonplace, a freeware author known as "Black Bird" has developed a tool that aims to help Windows users take control of their privacy – Blackbird. This privacy tweaking tool, not tied to a known company or developer with publicly available biographical data, has gained popularity among Windows users seeking to reduce data tracking and improve their privacy settings.
Despite its popularity, Blackbird has faced challenges. The website has been flagged as "Unwanted software" by browsers, and the creator has not received any written threats or strongly worded letters for its creation. The developer's identity remains a mystery, with no publicly available personal information or background about them.
The concern for personal privacy is a topic close to the heart of the Blackbird creator. They express their worry about the direction personal privacy is heading, stating that there's no profit in increasing privacy and most people don't seem to care. In light of this, they offer advice for protecting online privacy.
When it comes to protecting personal data, the creator advises against biometric authentication for important matters and warns against connecting to unknown wifi networks. They suggest the use of encryption, Linux, self-hosted personal emails, ad-blockers, and using different passwords and security answers. However, they caution against the use of VPNs due to the need to keep logs of traffic by law.
The future of Blackbird is uncertain, with the creator mentioning experimentation with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) while keeping the Command Line Interface (CLI) side intact. No specific new features have been teased, but the software's code can be viewed, although it's not officially open source and is packaged as an executable.
In the ongoing battle for personal privacy, the creator points out the irony that apps banned in countries like Russia and China often use proper end-to-end encryption and don't keep logs, making them a good starting point for privacy protection. However, they also voice concern over mass data collection becoming systemic, with the example given that one might not be able to get medical insurance due to their search history.
Google, which is in charge of the list that flags such sites, presents a challenge. It's difficult to appeal or request a review without a Google account. This raises questions about the power and influence of tech giants in shaping the digital landscape and the privacy of its users.
As we navigate this digital world, tools like Blackbird serve as a reminder of the importance of taking control of our privacy and making informed decisions about the data we share. The future of privacy protection lies in the hands of individuals, and tools like Blackbird offer a starting point for those seeking to take control.
