Category Archives: Android

How to Unblock Facebook at School or Work

Facebook is the vanilla social media app, and everyone from your aunt to your grade school classmates is on it.

An incredible amount of useful content lives on the platform. Thus, it can be frustrating when your place of work or school decides to block access to it.

Before diving into how you can unblock Facebook, let’s look at the app’s astounding prominence and staying power (which commonly puts it at the top of the list of apps to block), why it could be blocked, and the countries that block Facebook right out of the gate.

The App that Keeps Going and Going

Facebook has remained one of the most popular social media platforms in the world since its launch in 2004.

Despite changing digital trends and the rise of platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Facebook continues to be a central hub for staying connected with friends, sharing updates, joining communities, and discovering news.

Yet, many schools and workplaces block access to Facebook, limiting how and when users can engage with the platform.

Why Is Facebook Blocked at School or Work?

Institutions often block Facebook to minimize distractions, improve productivity, and maintain control over network usage. Schools may restrict access to ensure students stay focused on academic content, while employers do so to keep employees on task during working hours.

Network administrators typically block Facebook using firewalls or DNS filtering. These tools detect and deny traffic to specific domains. In this case, facebook.com and its related services are added to a list of domains to block on the local network. More advanced systems may even inspect encrypted traffic to detect Facebook usage via HTTPS.

Countries That Block Facebook

While many people only encounter restrictions in institutional settings, there are countries where Facebook is blocked entirely due to government censorship. For example:

China: Facebook has been blocked since 2009.
North Korea: All social media platforms, including Facebook, are banned for most citizens.
Iran: Facebook is restricted due to content control and political reasons.

In such cases, a more robust workaround is necessary to access the platform. In short, VPNs are commonly used to unblock Facebook, but not all of them work reliably in China, North Korea, and Iran.

How to Use a VPN to Unblock Facebook

Regaining access to Facebook is primarily about using the right tool.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most effective tools to bypass restrictions. It encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, masking your location and allowing you to access blocked content.

Follow these steps to use a VPN and unblock Facebook:

Choose a VPN Service: Look for a reputable VPN provider that values privacy, has strong encryption, and offers fast speeds. Recommendations are in the next subheading in this article.
Install the VPN App: Download the VPN app from the official website or app store for your device (Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS).
Log In to Your VPN Account: Open the app and sign in using your VPN credentials.
Choose a Server Location: Select a server in a country or region where Facebook is not blocked, such as the United States or Toronto, Canada.
Switch Locations by Switching Servers: If one server is slow or still blocked, try another until you find a smooth connection.
Launch Facebook: Open your browser or the Facebook app. You should now be able to access the platform without restrictions.

Tips for Choosing the Best VPN for Facebook

Thinking about getting a VPN, but don’t know what to look for? Just about any VPN can unblock Facebook in most countries. However, for the best experience, here are some things to look for:

No-logs Policy: Ensure the VPN doesn’t store data about your browsing activity.
Fast Speeds: Since social media involves images, videos, and live content, choose a VPN with minimal speed loss.
Strong Encryption: Look for 256-bit AES encryption and secure protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard.
Wide Server Network: More servers mean more options to bypass blocks.
Device Compatibility: Make sure the VPN works on all your devices, including phones, tablets, and computers.

Now, if you’re ready to start looking at specific services, I’ve got you.

Here are LetMeBy’s recommended VPNs for unblocking Facebook:

Conclusion

Facebook’s global presence makes it a key platform for personal and professional communication, but it’s often restricted in schools, workplaces, or in certain countries. These blocks are typically implemented to reduce distractions or enforce regulations.

At times, content on Facebook can really save the day and help you complete your tasks. So, contrary to the belief of some, it isn’t just a productivity killer.

By using a VPN, you can safely and effectively bypass these restrictions. Simply choose a reliable service, use their VPN app, and you’re good to go. With the right tools and knowledge, regaining access to Facebook is straightforward and secure.

The Best Social Media Apps for Privacy

In an age where nearly every click, like, and message is tracked, the call for private and secure social media platforms is louder than ever. With major platforms frequently making headlines for data breaches, invasive ad tracking, or mishandled user data, more users are seeking alternatives that prioritize privacy.

You probably don’t want to give up your Instagram, TikTok, or X (formerly Twitter) accounts because other apps have better approaches to privacy. However, you may want to branch out and put more time into platforms that aren’t primarily in the business of collecting data and using it to entice people to buy stuff.

This article explores the best social media apps that offer strong privacy features and the pros and cons of using them. Plus, you’ll learn how you can take control of your data online.

The Rise of Privacy-Focused Platforms

Privacy-first social media platforms have emerged in response to growing concerns about surveillance capitalism and the commodification of personal information. These apps typically avoid collecting user data, offer end-to-end encryption, and avoid algorithm-driven engagement models.

Advantages:

Minimal Data Collection: Many of these apps collect little to no personal information.
End-to-End Encryption: Ensures that only the intended recipients can view messages or posts.
No Ads or Tracking: Users aren’t tracked for advertising purposes.
Open-Source Codebases: Some platforms allow public auditing for transparency.

Disadvantages:

Smaller User Base: Fewer people use these platforms, limiting how many people you can connect with and reach.
Limited Features: They may lack advanced functionality common on major networks.
Monetization Challenges: Without ad revenue, some platforms rely on donations or subscriptions. Creators looking for apps with revenue sharing will need to stick with the biggest players, such as YouTube and Instagram.

The Best Apps for Online Privacy

1. Reddit

Why it’s a top choice: Reddit is a well-established and trusted haven for people interested in sharing their unfiltered opinions. It’s geared towards anonymous discussions, as users only have a username associated with their account and no profile picture.

Privacy features: Browse anonymously, control location customization, manage email preferences, and filter content based on age or content type.

Best for: Discussions about special interests and niche interests (such as specific video games) with people with a wide breadth of knowledge and experience.

2. Snapchat

Why it’s a top choice: The entire concept of Snapchat is based around privacy: content that’s viewable for 24 hours. The app’s disappearing messages and screenshot notifications make it less likely that data is collected or misused by others.

Privacy features: Control who can contact you, view your story, see your location, and use your Cameos selfie. Use “Ghost Mode” to hide your location on the Snap Map.

Best for: People who have posted stories and multimedia content on Instagram and are seeking an alternative that has a healthy user base.

3. Signal

Why it’s a top choice: Originally known for secure messaging, Signal has expanded into sharing media and group communication. It’s all protected with end-to-end encryption.

Privacy features: No metadata collection, disappearing messages, open-source protocol.

Best for: Secure communication, activism, and private group chats.

4. Mastodon

Why it’s a top choice: A decentralized social network where users join independently run servers.

Privacy features: No central authority, customizable privacy settings, moderation at the community level.

Best for: Users who want a Twitter-like experience without centralized tracking.

5. MeWe

Why it’s a top choice: Marketed as the “anti-Facebook,” MeWe doesn’t track users or serve ads.

Privacy features: No data mining, end-to-end encrypted chats, no algorithmic feeds.

Best for: Facebook-style networking without the privacy concerns.

6. Minds

Why it’s a top choice: An open-source platform offering blockchain-based incentives and user control.

Privacy features: Encrypted messaging, content monetization without surveillance, transparency.

Best for: Creators, thinkers, and privacy-conscious users who want to earn rewards.

7. Element (Matrix)

Why it’s a top choice: A secure collaboration app built on the Matrix protocol. It gives users maximum ownership and control as it can be self-hosted.

Privacy features: End-to-end encrypted messaging and video, open-source, decentralized hosting.

Best for: Teams or individuals who want a Slack-like experience with more emphasis on security.

Why Online Privacy Matters on Social Media

Social media platforms gather vast amounts of personal data.

Everything from your location, behavior, and relationships is stored. Typically, the data is used for targeted advertising or shared with third parties. This comes at the cost of user autonomy and can have serious implications in terms of surveillance, identity theft, or manipulation.

Key reasons privacy matters:

Protecting personal identity and information
Preventing data misuse or breaches
Maintaining freedom of expression
Avoiding manipulation via targeted content

How to Improve Your Online Privacy

Many people use social media to reach as wide an audience as possible. And at the end of the day, it’s about staying connected with friends, family, and coworkers.

Thus, it’s understandable that many people want to stick with the apps with the most users and are considering widening their horizons with privacy-focused platforms.

If you continue using mainstream platforms, here are steps to safeguard your privacy:

Review privacy settings: Customize who can see your posts and profile information.
Limit third-party app access: Disconnect unused apps linked to your social accounts.
Use strong, unique passwords: Be sure to enable two-factor authentication as well.
Be mindful of what you share: Especially personal identifiers like location or workplace.
Use a VPN: To mask your IP and browsing activity from trackers. View the top VPNs recommended by LetMeBy here.

Choosing a New Social Media App

It’s easy to get caught up in the details when considering which privacy-focused social media platform is best tailored to your purposes.

Start by comparing the fundamentals of online privacy, which apply to all apps.

When exploring alternatives, ask yourself:

Does the app collect or sell user data?
Is encryption used, and if so, is it end-to-end?
Is the app open source or independently audited?
Who owns and operates the platform?

When to Consider Switching Apps

Many grew up with apps such as Facebook, but sometimes you need to get rid of the old to make room for the new. Switching apps rather than simply adding newer apps grants you the next level of focus and efficiency.

Privacy is just a part of what makes a social media app better than the rest. That being said, you might consider switching when:

A current platform experiences a major data breach.
You notice increased tracking or unwanted targeted ads.
You want more control over your content and interactions.
You’re uncomfortable with how your data is being used or shared.

Conclusion

The mainstream apps many of us use every day have many strengths, but giving you the ability to maintain strong online privacy isn’t one of them.

The good news is that the amount of choice out there in terms of privacy-focused platforms is nothing short of incredible. The bad news is that any social media app is only as good as its user base, and the apps with the best privacy are growing but still far behind behemoths like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

ChatGPT vs. Deepseek: Which is Better for Privacy?

There’s no doubt that AI-powered tools have revolutionized how we work.

It’s even changed how we see the world. With the release of ChatGPT, AI became a subject that was discussed at the dinner table.

Business leaders and individuals alike are experimenting with AI apps and rushing to determine how they can integrate them into their organizations and their workflows. Nevertheless, in this rush to keep up with the times, we mustn’t let online privacy become an afterthought.

Competition Leads to Better Privacy

ChatGPT may have set the bar, but contenders like Deepseek have proven that anything can happen in the AI space, and it can happen fast.

Deepseek astonished the tech giants with its latest large language models (LLL). AI models such as DeepSeek R1 are comparable with Open Ai’s flagship ChatGPT-4o and Claude Sonnet 3.5.

This competition is not only a pivotal part of the story that will lead to better and better AI, it means more choice for users. Now, privacy-focused individuals can compare the privacy policies of AI apps and make informed decisions about how they use them.

In terms of privacy, ChatGPT and Deepseek have many similarities on the surface. However, as you dig deeper it becomes clear that ChatGPT has put more effort into creating policies and features that give users some level of control over their data.

How ChatGPT and Deepseek are Alike

Before getting into how ChatGPT and Deepseek stack up against each other, it makes sense to start with their similarities.

Both apps are chatbots. It’s a lot like messaging friends with Meta’s Messenger. Only in this case, you’re chatting with AI. Once users type in their questions or explain what they’re looking for, chatbots generate incredibly polished and detailed answers.

Like any apps that require sign-up, both apps collect personal data such as name, email, and phone number. Additionally, technical data such as your IP address as well as usage data such as feature usage are stored.

ChatGPT collects data from user prompts, uploaded files, and conversations. Deepseek collects all the same data in addition to user feedback.

Thus, in terms of input, ChatGPT and Deepseek are identical. The same chat data goes in, but the first crucial factor is to determine how that input is stored, and how it’s potentially used.

Where Your Data Goes

Deepseek’s privacy policy reveals that all user data is stored on secure servers in China. As ChatGPT is a US-based company, it stores user data on US servers.

This means that Deepseek and ChatGPT follow vastly different laws set by the countries they operate in.

Deepseek is subject to the Cybersecurity Law of China (2017) and the Data Security Law (2021). These laws grant the Chinese government access to a wide array of user data.

Data that can be requested and sent to Chinese authorities include sensitive user inputs, conversations, and even login credentials.

For US citizens and other people who live outside of China, this might be concerning because they could be subjected to the surveillance laws of a foreign country.

Controlling Your Data

Deepseek collects more user data than ChatGPT overall.

Any chats you have in Deepseek can be used to train its AI. The app also includes third-party tracking. It collects behavioral analytics, even outside of Deepseek.

To top it off, Deepseek shares data with advertisers, corporate affiliates, and legal entities and there’s no way to opt out as a user.

The data ChatGPT collects isn’t as extensive. Most importantly, it allows people to have control over their data. Functionality is provided so all user data that was collected can be deleted. Additionally, it’s possible to opt out of sharing data to train its AI.

Compliance with the Laws of Foreign Countries

ChatGPT has greater transparency in terms of which laws it is compliant with that originate outside of the US. It explicitly states that it is GDPR and CCPA compliant. GDPR is the EU data protection law and CCPA is the California Consumer Privacy Act.

Deepseek lacks transparency about compliance. Certainly, it follows China’s privacy laws but it can’t be assumed that laws in the US and Europe are followed to the same extent.

Conclusion

By default, AI apps collect user data fairly aggressively. However, Deepseek’s privacy policy reveals that it’s even more hungry for your data than ChatGPT. Deepseek is a ground-breaking AI app, but it has a long way to go in terms of considering the online privacy of its users.

Two notable differences between Deepseek and ChatGPT are the level of control the user has over their data as well as transparency.

ChatGPT offers opportunities to opt out of data collection. Plus, it provides options for removing your data. With Deepseek, the user isn’t’ given tools to manage their data. It isn’t clear whether it’s compliant with laws such as GDPR and CCPA or not.

Is Your Data Safe with AI App Deepseek?

TikTok is the popular app that’s often been cited as a potential threat to the online privacy of Americans. However, there’s a new kid on the block that privacy-focused people should be even more careful with.

It’s a new AI app called Deepseek.

Deepseek is breaking new ground in AI. People are rushing to try it due to the hype on social media and in the headlines. However, privacy experts advise that people should exercise caution when chatting with Deepseek’s AI.

How Deepseek Made Waves

Recently, Deepseek has exploded in popularity. It’s right up there at the very top of the Google Play store at the time of this writing, right along with rival ChatGPT.

Deepseek’s rise was so dramatic that Donald Trump called it a “wake-up call” for US companies that have invested heavily in AI, such as Microsoft, OpenAI, and Nvidia. It sent Nvidia’s stock price plummeting nearly 17% in late January, setting a record for the largest single-day loss in stock market history.

The message the market sent was clear. China is a force to be reckoned with in AI. And moving forward US competitors won’t underestimate companies like Deepseek and Alibaba again.

Investors and businesspeople alike are astonished that Deepseek achieved performance comparable with ChatGPT with only $5.6M in development costs. It took OpenAI over $3B to develop GPT-4.

Diving into Deepseek: How it Works

Deepseek was founded in May 2023, and in 2025 it reached the limelight. This surge in popularity was largely due to Its newest large language models. DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1 are revolutionary in their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

DeepSeek-V3 is a general-purpose model that’s trained to answer the user’s questions. DeepSeek-R1 can question itself. It’s geared towards advanced reasoning tasks and deep thinking.

If you’ve ever used ChatGPT you know what to expect in terms of how you interact with Deepseek’s AI. It’s essentially a chat interface not much different from Meta’s Messenger, only with AI on the other end generating detailed and polished replies. Simply type in your question or specify what information you’re looking for.

The Data Deepseek Collects About You

So, what exactly does Deepseek collect about its users?

The personal data you share during sign-up as well as “text or audio input, prompt, uploaded files, feedback, chat history,” may be collected and stored by the company.

Additionally, when you contact Deepseek it can “collect the information you send us, such as proof of identity or age, feedback or inquiries about your use of the Service or information about possible violations of our Terms of Service (our “Terms”) or other policies.”

Certain data is collected automatically. Technical information such as your IP address and operating system are stored. Deepseek maintains a list of devices that you use to access the app so that all of them are associated with your account. This is common as it allows tech companies to deal with people who abuse their services.

The next part is a little strange at first glance. The app automatically gathers “keystroke patterns or rhythms.” This could be a way to identify bots so they can potentially be blocked from using Deepseek’s services.

To China or Not to China

Some people don’t see a big difference between Deepseek and other AI apps like ChatGPT in terms of privacy. Both Deepseek and ChatGPT may store what’s said during chat sessions.

The key difference to consider is ChatGPT is operated by a US company while Deepseek is based in China. So, the data that’s collected about you by Deepseek is stored on secure servers in China.

Even if one concludes that ChatGPT and Deepseek operate similarly as a company, it isn’t the company itself that’s in question. The political landscape is vastly different in China. And the governments in the US and China have values that couldn’t be more distinct.

As an American, when you use ChatGPT your data remains in America. When you use Deepseek your data is collected by a foreign company that must abide by laws of the land. Unlikely or not, many Americans aren’t comfortable with the idea of a foreign government probing companies like Deepseek for information about US citizens.

Information to Avoid Sharing with Deepseek

If you decide to try out Deepseek, proceed with caution. Avoid sharing information about yourself or about your loved ones that you consider private. Think twice about sharing media such as audio or images that reveal information that you wouldn’t be comfortable with distributing online.

A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t post it on Facebook or Instagram you shouldn’t share it with Deepseek. Keep in mind that anything you type in the app could theoretically be stored on servers in China for years.

Conclusion

Hot apps like Deepseek often incite a feeling of missing out. When it seems like everybody knows all about it and you haven’t even created an account, it’s normal to want to catch up to the crowd.

All popular AI apps have privacy implications to be aware of, but since Deepseek is based outside the US, there’s a whole other layer to consider.

Social Media Isn’t Safe and McAfee Has a Solution

As the way we use the internet evolves, so do the tactics of hackers and scammers. More and more, social media is becoming the preferred channel for the bad guys.

It’s a goldmine for them because it’s where the eyeballs are at. As of 2024, there are over 5 billion social media users in the world. On average, people spend 2 hours and 23 minutes on social media apps per day.

Security software suites protect you from the type of threats that have been around for many years such as phishing and scam websites. Protecting people on social media has been a blind spot for software developers.

It’s only recently that companies like McAfee have stepped up their games and offered a solution developed to deal with the pitfalls of social media specifically.

As the name implies, their Social Privacy Manager allows users to adjust their privacy settings for the social media apps they use in one place. This keeps their private information out of the wrong hands. It’s a proactive approach, and a step forward for making online privacy accessible.

It won’t protect users from scams and deceptive content that continue to be a widespread problem on social media. Only awareness and continued education can boost one’s safety in this regard.

Security Software is Adapting

Big tech companies have given people the tools to manage their online privacy, but the reality is not enough people are taking advantage of them.

If you use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, that’s five places to adjust privacy settings alone.

Additionally, apps change their menus to manage privacy settings all the time. You can start following a guide online to tweak your privacy and find that how they’ve organized and labeled the options has shifted.

McAfee’s idea to simplify changing privacy settings by giving people presets and the ability to make changes across many apps at a time solves a timely challenge for people who value online privacy.

McAfee’s Social Privacy Manager: The Start of Something Big?

Nearly everybody uses smartphones and social media, but most people aren’t geeks when it comes to configuring their social media apps.

The reality is maintaining better online privacy needs to be easy, or most people won’t find the time for it. Although people have mastered the basic functions of apps, privacy settings are known territory for many.

There isn’t one approach to privacy for all that’s right for all people. That’s why McAfee allows users to describe their usage, from names ranging from ‘unplugged’ to ‘socializer.’ This allows users to change their privacy settings across platforms with a few clicks so they can quickly get back to being entertained and educated.

To learn more about the features of Social Privacy Manager, see this blog post announcing its release.

Why Cybercrime Growing on Social Media

Apps like Facebook brought social media to the masses many years ago. Why is protecting your privacy and security on social media apps more important now than ever?

In short, cybercriminals have moved with the times.

Practically everyone has an old email address they rarely check.

Why would scammers continue to focus on email when people check apps like Instagram and Facebook several times every day? Users are more likely to engage on their favorite app, whether the content is legitimate or not.

Many have grown accustomed to phishing attempts found in their email inbox, and they’re able to identify shady websites. Spotting attacks on social media isn’t always routine because the bad actors are using new techniques.

Social media was pretty safe in comparison to other online channels in its early days. Thus, a lot of social media users have a false sense of security.

Trust is a Double-Edged Sword

Building an audience online is all about gaining trust.

For big companies like Microsoft and Apple, trust and reputation are the backbone of their business. It’s no different for the public figures you follow on social media. They also realize if they don’t have people’s trust, posting on social media won’t get them anywhere.

Nobody wants to get people’s trust more than scammers. They can cheat their way to it, but can rarely earn trust.

Scammers often pretend to be people you follow and companies you do business with because trust has already been firmly established. Once they have established a phony veneer of legitimacy, some people they reach will put their guard down and fall for their schemes. It’s a numbers game.

Traps to Avoid on Social Media

By familiarizing yourself with common pitfalls on social media you won’t be caught off guard. Education is the first line of defense.

Here are some tactics nefarious social media users have been using in recent years.

Fake Accounts Pretending to be People You Follow

Search for any popular influencer or celebrity on social media and you’ll see a genuine account and under that an avalanche of fake accounts.

Imitators use the same profile pics as the real accounts, have deceptively similar user names, and even repost content pulled from the genuine account.

These doppelgangers will typically follow accounts in an attempt to get a follow back from people who believe it’s the real person.

It isn’t clear what their objectives are at first glance. Fakers commonly send DMs containing scam offers.

Compromised Accounts Posting Scams

Influencers can post scams when their followers least expect it. This happens when an account that has gained a big following and credibility is compromised.

Attackers hijack accounts to spread their scams or endorse products that the real person would never endorse.

Sometimes influencers post content that’s off-beat or out of place when compared with their usual content. However, if a post is suspicious and pushes people to take action quickly, there’s a good chance someone managed to get into their account.

Scammers post salesy messages in this context. They add links to their offer and hope for quick results before the owner of the account discovers the post and removes it.

The Treat of Deepfakes

In the past, seeing was believing. People have used Photoshop to concoct fake images since the early days of the internet, but manipulating video footage required a high degree of skill.

Deepfake technology allows anyone to create fake video footage of influential people saying anything the creator desires. It uses deep learning to study the facial expressions, movements, and speech of its subjects.

The output is convincing on a technical level. However, for now, many of the scammers who leverage deepfakes fail to craft a message that convincingly replicates how the real person would communicate. In short, bad writing and their predatory motives give them away.

Any video that pushes you to take immediate action should be viewed with suspicion whether it’s a deepfake or not. Messages that promise the viewer some type of gain rely on the oldest trick in the book. it if sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

Conclusion

McAfee’s Social Privacy Manager is an important step forward for online privacy. It’s a great idea for people who lack the time or technical chops to tweak their privacy settings on each platform.

Undoubtedly, other software developers will follow their lead.

Still, social media privacy settings alone won’t protect people from scams. Innovations that aid people in spotting bad actors and scams should be developed. If community notes can be added to fake news, so can community-driven warnings that content is believed to be a scam.

The power of community is the best way to keep people safe moving forward. Let’s build upon what’s already there.