Stop the Scroll! And other Opt Out News
Launching Tech Reclaimers, a non-profit to promote tech independence & updates on big-tech privacy issues.
I’ve been working on an exciting next step in the Opt Out Project, and I’m delighted to announce the launch of The Tech Reclaimers: a new non-profit aimed at helping people get off toxic systems and reclaim our digital future. Together with some terrific, like-minded folks, we aim to amplify the opt out message by providing tips, assistance, workshops, and peer-to-peer support so that more people feel comfortable reducing the influence of Big Tech on our lives. Expect to see some news from the Reclaimers here as we work to Reclaim Control over our data, our digital identities and footprints, and our social lives.
This Independence Day, declare your independence from toxic corporate social systems and explore alternatives! Our first initiative, #stopthescroll, is a monthly opt out day where we take a step back from the harried social spaces of the internet to reclaim our attention and reset our intention. Starting on July 4, and then once a month every month, resist logging into your favorite social app. Check here for a list of things to do on your day away — and here to start working your way through my 21-day Cybercleanse. You can do one day day a month — the 21 days don’t need to be consecutive!
Tell your friends and family and spread the word. Get tips on BlueSky or Mastodon where you can also grab graphical tiles to “toot”. If you’re still on legacy social media (X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok), post the image below and use hashtag #stopthescroll to spread the word, declaring your intention to opt out for one day. Let’s remind Big Tech who is really in charge of our digital future!
In other news:
Meta has been tracking Android users of Instagram and Facebook, even when they don’t use the app. The technique involves trading a pixel between the browser and the app to trasnmit data about your online activites to Meta. Another good reason to get off the Zuckerverse.
A massive web service company, Cloudflare, has announced it will block AI scraping on its hosted websites. Although various court cases are weighing in on whether or not AI sniffing constitutes copyright violations, this move blocks AI sniffing at the technical level before waiting for a verdict.
Major US Airlines have sold your personal data to the Department of Homeland Security. Apparently they ran their own data brokerage company, through which they sold passenger data including financial information to Customs and Border Protection, according to 404 Media.
Looking to remove yourself from brokerage datasets like these? Check out The Big Ass Data Broker Opt Out List, maintained by journalist Yael Grauber. The company deleteme.com also offers DIY instructions for major services.
Many psychology hacks are built into our systems and everyday services to keep you scrolling and scrolling and scrolling. Yes, it’s all intentional. And it is resistible -- if you know what they’re doing, you can beat them at their own game.
Italian filmmaker Elena Rossini has started a video series to demonstrate how the Fediverse works and why it’s a terrific alternative to centralized social media systems.
New Opt Out Writing: A list of things to do on your day off from toxic social sites.
On Tech Reclaimers: We are compiling a long (and growing) list of tips, tools, and assistance in your journey to tech freedom. Check it out!
Let me know how your own Opt Out journey is going! I’m on Mastodon and Bluesky and happy to hear from fellow Opt Out travellers.
Until next time, don’t forget to spread the word and tips for #stopthescroll — and make sure you know where your data is!
Janet
