286: Untracked: The Role of Freedom Tech In Personal Security – Seth For Privacy

The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup

Seth for Privacy is a freedom maximalist and privacy advocate. He is the head of strategy and content for “Foundation Devices,” which builds Bitcoin-centric tools that empower you to reclaim your freedom. He also serves as the editor for Freedom Tech, a global hub championing Bitcoin builders, open-source developers, educators and privacy tech pioneers. Seth and I have a great discussion about the various freedom technologies available to increase your privacy. Enjoy!

TODAY'S CONVERSATION WITH SETH FOR PRIVACY

• Listen in to find out how Seth first took an interest in privacy issues while working for a cybersecurity firm when he realized the technology he was working on could be used to oppress humans.
• Hear how Seth started writing and podcasting about freedom issues in order to right some of the wrongs he had contributed to in his career.
• Learn why Seth believes that free and open-source privacy tools are vital in protecting one’s privacy from both government and corporate spying.
• Find out why Seth believes Bitcoin to be a core technology when it comes to privacy and security but why Bitcoin alone is not enough.
• Hear Seth and I discuss the importance of self-custody when it comes to Bitcoin to fully utilize it as “Freedom Money.”
• Listen to Seth unveil some of the easiest “levers” people can enact right away to increase their own privacy.
• Learn why Seth is opposed to “privacy maximalism.” Just as I say, there is no “Shangri-La” perfect country out there; the same holds true for privacy technology.
• Find out what Seth thinks of the popular privacy-centric messaging apps like Telegram, Signal and Simplex - are some better than others?
• Hear Seth explain the importance of an “always-on” VPN - a simple tool that, while sometimes creating a minor inconvenience on some websites, presents a huge privacy upgrade.
• Seth and I discuss our philosophy on how to decide when trade-offs in privacy are worth the gain in productivity or security.

RELATED EPISODES

241: How to Secure Your Online Identity - Josh Summers 223: Fortifying Your Digital Fortress: Top Privacy and Security Tips For Expats 162: How Privacy Can Protect You If They Come For You - Gabriel Custodiet

HOW TO FIND SETH FOR PRIVACY

Email: [e-mail] Seth For Privacy on X

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CONCLUSION

It was great talking to Seth about the various technologies available to enhance your privacy in today’s digital age. Just as there is no “Shangri-La” perfect libertarian country out there, similarly, there is no perfect technology. Ultimately, the decisions you make in regard to how much privacy you are willing to give up in order to make your life or work more convenient. I have to make these decisions every day in my business, and the answers will look different for everyone. Hopefully, today’s discussion with Seth will continue to broaden your knowledge of the types of technologies available - and the rest is up to you! See you all next Wednesday for another Expat Money Show.

Mentioned in this episode:

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Veritas Panama

Join Me In Panama For Our Next Tour

I have great news. After many meetings and explanations, the Panamanian government has agreed to keep the Investors Visa at a $300k Real Estate investment instead of nearly doubling the amount required, as they said they would. This is a massive win for our community who wants to move to or invest in Panama, but I am not sure how long this will last… If you have been thinking about Panama, then I want to make an invitation to you today. Come join me for a special four-day tour to see if the country I call home is right for you and your family. We have just released the next set of trip dates. You can find out more at ExpatMoney.com/fly. Come visit me and the Expat Money team, get a feel for the country and see if Panama makes sense for investment or as a new home.

Panama Fly'n Buy Real Estate Tour

Veritas Panama - Offgrid Community

After 17 months of bureaucracy, my partners and I successfully got our permits for Veritas Panama! This is the fully off-grid community we are building in the highlands of Panama. We have already started building the roads, subdividing the lots, installing the septic and water, and even installing solar panels, so everything is independent of the power grid! The site we chose is unbelievable; we are up at a flat plateau about a thousand feet up a mountain with incredible unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. To go to the beach, it is just 15 minutes down to the water. We have mature fruit trees on site, including these gorgeous 200-year-old mango trees and many other things, such as avocado trees, papayas, and delicious tropical fruits. You can find out more information and contact us at VeritasPanama.com But please be aware that there are only 100 home sites, and without even talking about this to the general public, a lot of the lots are already sold… So if you dream of living in a completely off-grid community, enjoying the beautiful weather, close to the beach, being food, water, and energy independent, and want to have like-minded and cool neighbours, people who respect personal, medical, and economic freedoms, then I want you to contact us at VeritasPanama.com today

Veritas Panama