How to Protect Yourself From Big Tech with Sean Tario

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Sean Patrick Tario and I discuss how to Protect Yourself From Big Tech Surveillance. Sean is a former Silicon Valley tech influencer who owns Mark37.com, a company that provides cell phones and computers free from snooping Big Tech data thieves like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and others.

Some of the topics we discuss are:

Building Community

This episode starts with Sean sharing his experiences growing up in Chicago, where his father’s journey through different faiths and beliefs instilled in him the value of openness and understanding diverse viewpoints. This lesson went beyond religious beliefs to embrace a broader search for truth in all aspects of life, underpinned by love and empathy.

Sean also discusses how he learned the importance of empathy, awareness of mental health, and the ability to forgive oneself. These themes were emphasized through his work with entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, where personal well-being is often overlooked in the pursuit of money and power. From his mentoring experiences, Sean highlights the necessity of creating a supportive environment that values emotional stability and empathy, crucial for personal development and forging deep connections.

He then highlights the impact of these principles on society at large and advocates for a world influenced by positive energies such as love and gratitude to foster a more empathetic and understanding community—crucial during hard times.

Why Protecting Your Data Matters

Sean and I also discuss the complex world of data privacy and the big tech extensive tracking enabled by our everyday technology. Sean highlights how every piece of information we generate, from the locations we visit to the searches we conduct online, is captured and stored in massive data centers. This data is not only in the hands of big tech companies but also accessible by government agencies, leading to a reality where our privacy is continuously compromised. Sean’s analogy comparing our smartphones to weapons constantly monitoring us is very insightful and provides an excellent reminder of how our data is abused. While integral to our lives, our electronic devices also serve as tools for companies and governments to keep tabs on us, turning personal privacy into a concept of the past.

We then examine how our personal data is monetized, turning individuals into products whose information is bought and sold. This system manipulates our choices and beliefs, as the content we are exposed to is carefully curated to influence us. Sean stressed the importance of regaining control over our data to counteract this manipulation. He also warned against being misled by products that offer privacy solutions, like the “Patriot phone,” which, upon closer inspection, do not live up to their promises. This discussion with Sean is eye-opening, revealing the extent to which our information is under constant surveillance and emphasizing the need for greater awareness and action towards protecting our data privacy.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Big Tech Surveillance

Next, Sean and I discussed the enormous amount of surveillance by big tech corporations and the strategies we can adopt to shield ourselves. One critical strategy revolved around the importance of understanding and taking control over the operating systems of our devices. Sean emphasized that whether it’s a smartphone or a laptop, the operating system acts as the brain, dictating the functionality of both hardware and applications.

By default, using mainstream operating systems means entrusting control to Microsoft, Google, or Apple, along with all the data we generate. In opposition to the controlled operating systems, big tech, provides us—open-source alternatives offer a less invasise opportuntiy for our time on the Internet. Open-source operating systems are gateways to reclaiming privacy. These alternatives allow users to have definitive control over their devices, such as ensuring that when a microphone or camera is turned off, it genuinely is.

Sean then discusses the practical steps for transitioning towards more secure, privacy-respecting technologies. This highlights the ease of adopting open-source operating systems like Linux, which no longer require technical know-how once deemed necessary. In today’s world, the barrier to entry for securing one’s digital life is lower than ever.

One way to start becoming free of big tech is the concept of digital audits — evaluating the tools and applications we regularly use to determine their ownership and how they handle our data. This step is crucial for identifying and discontinuing services that exploit user data. The discussion also underscored the significance of community and education in this journey towards digital sovereignty. By sharing knowledge and experiences, individuals can navigate the complexities of digital privacy more effectively, transitioning gradually to ensure a seamless adaptation to more secure technologies.

How Beneficial Tech is Suppressed

Sean also discusses how helpful technology that benefits people is suppressed to the advantage of big tech. He proposes that the pursuit of personal profit and control often hinders the advancement of technology. He highlights a concerning pattern: inventors who develop groundbreaking technologies can sell their invention for immediate financial gain or try to build it into a larger business.

Unfortunately, those aiming for broader impact often face threats or even elimination, with their work disappearing alongside them. Sean suggests that this problem could be mitigated by adopting a decentralized, open-source model for technology distribution. Such an approach would safeguard the inventors and ensure the widespread availability of their innovations.

Ultimately, to overcome these barriers, we need a cultural shift towards open sharing and collaboration. This perspective calls for a reassessment of our innovation models to prioritize collective benefit over individual gain, promoting a future where technology serves humanity as a whole.

Other Topics Sean and I Discuss Are:

• The History of the Federal Reserve and the Consitution
• Social Media Overload
• How Your Tech is Used Against You
• Where Tech is Headed

Additional Resources:

• Cybersecurity and the Future of Tech with Dan Nowak
• CRISPR Technology: What Preppers Need to Know
• The Future of Artificial Intelligence

Stay safe,