First and foremost: if you have committed a crime, contact the proper authorities immediately.
For everyone else who simply wants to protect their privacy online, read on. This guide is aimed at users who want to reduce exposure to surveillance—whether from criminal hackers, intrusive data collection by companies, or broad surveillance programs you may have read about.
PRISM-break.org is a curated resource that highlights privacy-focused alternatives to widely used applications and services. The site emphasizes open-source tools and independent projects that avoid centralized tracking, minimize data collection, and reduce the risk that sensitive information can be accessed or intercepted.
Below are some of the most notable categories and recommendations featured on the site, summarized to help you evaluate privacy-minded options for everyday use.
Operating Systems
The operating system you choose shapes what apps you can run and how much telemetry or data collection you may be exposed to. Mainstream desktop systems include Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS; PRISM-break suggests switching to Linux-based alternatives to regain control over system behavior and data. Examples recommended include Debian and Fedora, two well-established distributions with strong community support and transparent development practices.
Notably, Ubuntu—one of the most popular consumer Linux distributions—is not listed. Concerns about Ubuntu’s optional desktop search feature sending results to third parties have led some privacy advocates to avoid it. If you prioritize privacy, consider distributions that avoid built-in data-sharing features by default and offer clearer privacy controls.
Search Engines
Searches reveal a great deal about your interests and activities, so choosing a privacy-focused search engine is an easy step with a meaningful impact. DuckDuckGo is one such alternative highlighted by the site. After news about government surveillance programs surfaced, DuckDuckGo reported a large surge in direct searches, reflecting growing interest in search options that do not log or profile users.
Payments and Digital Currency
Online and peer-to-peer payments are another area where privacy matters. Decentralized digital currencies, often mentioned in privacy discussions, offer different trade-offs around anonymity and control compared with traditional payment systems. Bitcoin and similar technologies are frequently considered by those seeking alternatives to conventional banking and payment processors, though each option carries its own risks and considerations.
Cloud Storage and File Security
Cloud storage can be convenient but poses privacy and security challenges if files are stored in ways that allow third-party access. Projects such as Tahoe-LAFS provide distributed, fault-tolerant storage systems that can be hosted across multiple servers and configured so that no single party can read stored data without authorization. For businesses and privacy-conscious individuals, using end-to-end encrypted or distributed storage reduces the risk of unauthorized inspection.
Mobile Platforms and Custom ROMs
Mobile devices are deeply integrated into daily life, and stock smartphone OS builds can include numerous background services and telemetry. For Android users, custom aftermarket distributions—such as CyanogenMod (now continued in other projects)—have historically offered fewer preinstalled tracking services, greater user control, and privacy-conscious defaults. Replacing a device’s factory OS with a well-maintained custom ROM can be a way to improve privacy, though it requires technical familiarity and attention to security updates.
Choosing Tools Thoughtfully
PRISM-break.org provides an extensive list covering many categories, from web browsers and email clients to messaging apps, VPNs, and encryption tools. The goal is not to promote one-size-fits-all solutions but to help users discover alternatives that match their threat model and usability needs. When evaluating privacy tools, consider factors such as project transparency, open-source code, active maintenance, and how a tool handles metadata and user data.
For readers interested in bolstering their privacy, it’s worthwhile to review the full list on PRISM-break and select a few practical changes you can adopt immediately—such as switching to a privacy-respecting search engine, enabling strong encryption for files and communications, or choosing an operating system and applications that minimize data collection.
What are your thoughts on PRISM-break’s recommendations? Are there tools you would add or avoid? Is the level of surveillance portrayed in the media a cause for concern in your view?