Hi! I started learning about privacy a few months ago and there is a few (many) things I’m struggling to understand and I would thank you if you could share some documentation/sites to learn more

One of the issues is about DuckDuck Tracker Blocker on android phone (low/moderate threat level), which takes the VPN spot. Is it really useful? I’ve uninstalled several apps and replaced with FOSS when possible, so it’s not blocking a lot of stuff lately (or so it says) I’ve also been trying Proton Free+nextDNS (also not sure how to choose lists) but IDK how to decide which one is better, but I’m wondering: does DNS make the blocker app redundant? Isn’t it kinda the same job (different lists, maybe)?

Thanks in advance!

  • catloaf@lemm.eeEnglish
    4·
    10 months ago

    If your DNS provider also provides filtering to block trackers, yes, they would be redundant.

    • lemmyrolingaOP
      2·
      10 months ago

      Yes, NextDNS has set by default an “Ads&Tackers Blocklist” and a few more to turn on.

  • LWD@lemm.ee
    4·
    10 months ago

    Either is always better than neither.

    Some DNS filtering apps like Rethink let you add a VPN so you really can have your cake and eat it too, although they’re not easy to make.

      • headroomEnglish
        11·
        9 months ago

        The only purpose of vpns is to hide your ip address, which is already dynamic and is shared by many people or access location restricted content.