AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude are powerful tools, but they come with significant privacy trade-offs. In this episode, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme explore practical approaches to using AI without surrendering your data to big tech companies. They compare privacy-focused third-party services that use confidential computing (like Maple) and local storage options (like Venice.AI) before diving into running open-source models entirely on your own hardware with tools like Ollama, GPT4All, and LM Studio. They also reveal how your Smart TV might take screenshots of what you're watching through Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) and share steps to disable this intrusive tracking.   Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/sovereign-ai-using-llms-without-sacrificing-privacy   00:00 Introduction to The Sovereign Computing Show 00:42 ATL BitLab Sponsorship Information 01:45 Welcome and Show Contact Information 02:09 Smart TVs and Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) 03:58 How ACR Surveillance Works in Smart TVs 05:23 The Creepy Reality of TV Screenshot Tracking 08:33 Solutions for Smart TV Privacy Concerns 10:47 Unplugging Your Smart TV from the Internet 11:51 Main Topic: Using AI and LLMs Privately 12:44 Understanding LLMs vs. Other Generative AI 14:51 The Privacy Problem with Major LLM Providers 16:44 Private Third-Party AI Providers 16:44 Maple and Confidential Computing 22:32 Venice.AI with Local Storage 27:28 Kagi AI's Privacy Trade-offs 30:49 The Privacy Spectrum of AI Services 33:38 Self-Hosting LLMs and Local Models 34:22 Ollama for Running Local Models 37:25 Running Models Without Internet Connection 38:43 OpenWebUI for Graphical Interface 41:35 GPT4All for User-Friendly Local AI 43:03 LM Studio with Integrated Interface 44:55 Hardware Limitations for Local LLMs 46:15 Local Image Generation 46:47 Stable Diffusion Web UI 48:09 ComfyUI for Artist-Friendly Workflows 51:50 ATL BitLab AI Meetup Information 53:11 Conclusion and Contact Information 53:40 Show Outro and Support Details

Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme break down the reality of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) beyond the marketing hype. They explore what problems VPNs actually solve—hiding your IP address from websites, concealing your browsing from ISPs, and encrypting traffic—while addressing their limitations and downsides. Jordan and Stephen compare VPNs with Tor, examine trusted providers including Proton VPN, Mullvad, IVPN, and the innovative Obscura, and discuss the frustrating trend of websites blocking VPN users. Learn practical advice for incorporating VPNs into your digital sovereignty toolkit and why you should stand up for your right to privacy online.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/the-truth-about-vpns-beyond-marketing-hype

00:00 Introduction to The Sovereign Computing Show 

00:35 ATL BitLab Sponsorship Information 

01:55 Welcome and Episode Overview 

02:07 Updates and Errata from Previous Episodes 

05:06 White House Signal Group Security Mishap 

12:17 Amazon Echo Privacy Changes 

15:24 Main Topic: Understanding VPNs 

16:33 Problem #1: How VPNs Hide Your IP Address 

17:56 VPNs vs. Tor: Centralization and Trust Models

21:30 VPN Performance vs. Tor Performance 

23:05 Problem #2: Hiding Browsing from ISP Surveillance 

24:49 Problem #3: Traffic Encryption Benefits

25:35 VPN Provider Reviews 

25:57 - Proton VPN: Features and Netflix Compatibility

27:32 - Mullvad: Privacy Features and Cross-Platform Support

30:08 - IVPN: Privacy-Focused Alternative 

32:07 - Obscura: The VPN That Can't Log Activity 

36:46 Downsides of Using VPNs 

38:12 Website Blocking and VPN Discrimination 

42:38 Conclusion and Recommendations 

43:44 Show Outro and Support Information

Your smartphone is a computing device just like our desktop and laptop computers. How can you have a smartphone that isn't surveilled, censored, controlled, and constrained? Jordan discusses the challenges and solutions for achieving self-sovereignty with mobile devices. He critiques the limitations of iOS and explores the emerging landscape of Linux mobile devices. The episode focuses on de-Googled Android solutions like CalyxOS and GrapheneOS, elaborating on the latter's security features and compatibility with Google Pixel devices. Jordan also provides practical advice on acquiring and setting up these devices for enhanced privacy. Tune in to learn how you can reclaim control over your smartphone and boost your digital security.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/choosing-a-sovereign-mobile-operating-system

 00:00 Understanding Google Play Services and Its Privileges

00:34 Welcome to the Sovereign Computing Show

00:50 Introduction to Sovereign Computing and ATL BitLab

01:54 Episode Overview and Listener Interaction

02:57 Challenges of Achieving Self-Sovereignty with Smartphones

04:41 Exploring Mobile Operating Systems: iOS Limitations

06:39 Linux Mobile Devices: Pine Phone and Mecha Comet

09:34 Android as a Viable Option for Self-Sovereign Computing

11:03 De-Googled Android: CalyxOS and GrapheneOS

12:54 GrapheneOS: The Best Option for Privacy and Security

15:56 Purchasing and Installing GrapheneOS on Google Pixel

23:00 Using GrapheneOS and Alternative App Stores

28:52 Listener Feedback and Future Topics

31:47 Conclusion and Support Information

In this episode of the Sovereign Computing Show, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme discuss the challenges of app store censorship and explore various alternatives to the Google Play and Apple App Stores. They dive into the Aurora Store, Obtainium, F-Droid, Zap Store, and Accrescent, examining how these platforms can help preserve user privacy and circumvent censorship. Learn about the benefits and limitations of each alternative and get insights on how to take back control of your device's app ecosystem.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/bypass-app-store-censorship

00:00 Introduction to Apple's App Store Policies

00:35 Welcome to the Sovereign Computing Show

00:52 ATL BitLab: A Hub for Tech Enthusiasts

02:04 Contacting the Show and Listener Interaction

03:22 Updates on Private Payments

06:27 Main Topic: App Store Censorship

07:15 Examples of App Store Censorship

10:35 Epic Games vs. Apple

14:08 Damus and the Zapping Feature

18:34 The Mutiny Wallet Story

25:30 Phoenix Wallet and Centralized App Stores

27:15 Solutions: Alternative App Stores

29:37 Privacy Concerns with Google Play Store

31:09 Introducing Obtainium: Open Source App Store

33:52 Exploring F-Droid: The Original Alternative App Store

38:55 Zap Store: A Social Connection App Store

43:27 Accrescent: A Promising New App Store

53:11 The Future of Sovereign Computing

53:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme delve into the importance and methods of acquiring non-KYC Bitcoin. They explore peer-to-peer platforms like HodlHodl, RoboSats, and Bisq, discussing their unique features, privacy benefits, and how to effectively use them. Learn how to navigate these decentralized networks to maintain control over your Bitcoin transactions while avoiding the pitfalls of KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone focused on enhancing their financial privacy.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/3-ways-stop-doxing-your-bitcoin

00:00 Introduction

00:21 Welcome to the Sovereign Computing Show

00:37 ATL BitLab Sponsorship and Community

01:41 Podcast Announcements and Corrections

02:46 Exploring Private Payment Methods

05:11 eSIM Data and Speed Test Results

11:11 Private Web Browsers and Firefox Controversy

19:21 Acquiring Non-KYC Bitcoin

33:01 Currency Exchange Dispute

34:26 Understanding Exchange Rate Slippage

36:11 Peer-to-Peer Platform Annoyances

37:10 Introduction to RoboSats

38:14 Using RoboSats for Private Transactions

47:14 Exploring Bisq for Non-KYC Bitcoin

55:16 Decentralization and User Experience

59:17 Final Thoughts and Tips

Whenever you pay for things with a debit/credit card, you're exposing yourself. In this episode, Jordan and Stephen discuss tools you can use to regain some control and privacy with your payments. They cover using Bitcoin & Lightning, virtual debit cards, gift cards, and cash.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/how-to-make-private-payments

00:00 Introduction and Reframing Privacy

00:29 Welcome to the Sovereign Computing Show

00:45 ATL BitLab Sponsorship

01:46 Introduction to Private Payments

02:32 Using Bitcoin for Private Payments

03:33 Challenges with On-Chain Bitcoin Privacy

07:11 Exploring Lightning Network for Privacy

11:36 Why Payment Privacy Matters

22:15 Using Bitcoin and Lightning to Buy Gift Cards

25:59 Using Bit Refill for Instant Gift Card Purchases

26:29 Exploring The Bitcoin Company

28:12 Introduction to Privacy.com

29:25 How Privacy.com Protects Your Information

37:56 Privacy.com Pricing and Downsides

43:59 Listener Boosts and Feedback

48:14 Contacting and Supporting the Show

50:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Google Chrome is not just a browser; it's a surveillance tool. In this episode of the Sovereign Computing Show, Jordan Bravo and Steven DeLorme delve into why Chrome collects vast amounts of your data and discuss more private alternatives. They explore various browsers like Firefox, Brave, and the up-and-coming Ladybird, as well as private search engines such as DuckDuckGo, StartPage, and Kagi. Learn how to take back control of your web browsing experience with privacy-focused tools and strategies.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/is-your-web-browser-spying-on-you

00:00 Google Chrome: The Spy in Your Browser

00:36 Welcome to the Sovereign Computing Show

00:52 Sponsorship and Community at ATL BitLab

02:02 Boosting and Interacting with the Show

02:58 Apple's Encryption Battle with the UK Government

04:57 The US Government's Stance on Encryption

17:13 Choosing Private Web Browsers and Search Engines

18:24 Why You Should Avoid Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge

22:56 The Benefits of Using Brave Browser

27:48 Exploring Firefox as a Private Browser Option

29:17 The Importance of Firefox in the Browser Ecosystem

30:07 Nostalgia for Firefox's Early Days

31:55 The Rise of Brave and Other Chromium Forks

33:00 Introducing Ladybird: A New Browser on the Horizon

34:25 Essential Browser Extensions for Privacy and Ad Blocking

37:55 Mobile Browsers and Syncing Solutions

46:28 Exploring Alternative Search Engines

54:27 Listener Boosts and Podcasting 2.0 Apps

56:05 Closing Remarks and How to Support the Show

In this episode of the Sovereign Computing Show, hosts Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme delve into the importance of self-hosting to maintain control over your digital data. They highlight the benefits of using NextCloud, an open-source suite that can replace Google Drive, iCloud, and other big tech solutions. They discuss various hosting options, including third-party providers like enclaive.io and the ease of self-hosting with StartOS. The episode also explores how to setup photo and file syncing, and why this approach enhances your digital sovereignty.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/pocast/how-to-get-secure-sovereign-personal-file-storage

00:00 Introduction and Personal Experience

00:33 Welcome to the Sovereign Computing Show

00:50 Sponsorship and Community at ATL BitLab

02:01 Discussion on DOGE and Data Security

08:35 Minimizing Your Digital Footprint

17:13 Boosting and Main Topic Introduction

17:55 Self-Hosted Files with NextCloud

20:50 Confidential Computing and Enclaive.io

26:02 NextCloud Features and Getting Started

37:14 Alternative Self-Hosting Solutions

42:32 Conclusion and Call to Action

You might not realize it but your phone number is undermining your privacy and digital sovereignty. In this episode of the Sovereign computing show, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme discuss the problems with the typical setup that most of use have with phone numbers, SIM cards, & cellular data. Then they detail steps you can take to fix the problem by decoupling phone numbers from service providers, using VoIP numbers, eSIMs, and other tools.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/your-phone-number-is-compromised

00:00 Embracing the Sovereign Computing Mindset 00:50 Introduction to the Sovereign Computing Show 01:05 Sponsorship and Community at ATL BitLab 02:12 Discussion on UK Government's Demand to Apple 04:56 Importance of Open Source and Decentralized Trust 08:17 Approaching Phone Numbers in a Self-Sovereign Manner 09:53 Decoupling Phone Numbers from Identity 16:07 Using JMP.chat for Private Phone Numbers 21:30 Privacy-Respecting Cellular Data Providers 23:08 Switching to eSIM: A Simple Guide 23:45 Privacy-Preserving Payment Methods 24:14 Using Virtual Debit Cards for Privacy 24:57 Challenges with Prepaid Visa Cards 26:38 Mint Mobile: Data and Phone Number Separation 27:24 Exploring Other Providers: US Mobile and Silent Link 30:54 The Importance of Owning Your Phone 32:38 Recap and Final Thoughts 38:07 Listener Boosts and Feedback 39:48 Closing Remarks and Support

Discover how to regain control over your email in this episode of the Sovereign Computing Show with Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme. They outline the three main points of control we’ve lost in the modern age. Learn about domain separation, alternate email providers, and the power of email aliases to protect your privacy and digital life. Jordan and Stephen provide actionable tips and tools, including how to use SimpleLogin for email aliases, employing different email clients, and even self-hosting your email server.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/three-things-about-email-you-lost-control-of-how-to-fix-it