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Draft:Privacy.sexy

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privacy.sexy
Developer(s)undergroundwires
Stable release
0.13.7 / December 4, 2024
Written inTypeScript, Vue, JavaScript, SCSS, Python
Operating systemWindows, macOS, Linux
Available inEnglish
TypePrivacy software, Security software, System utility
LicenseAGPL-3.0
Websiteprivacy.sexy

privacy.sexy (often stylized in lowercase) is a free and open-source tool designed to help users enforce privacy and security best practices on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.[1]

It provides a collection of scripts and configuration templates aimed at removing pre-installed applications (bloatware), disabling unwanted telemetry, optimizing privacy settings, and enhancing overall system security. Users can generate custom scripts online or use its desktop application to apply changes directly.

Overview

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privacy.sexy offers both an online version—allowing users to generate configuration scripts without installation—and an offline desktop application. The desktop application can run generated scripts directly, while the online version provides instructions for manual execution.[2] The tool supports a wide range of operations, including disabling operating system data collection, configuring privacy-focused application settings, removing unwanted apps, enhancing operating system security measures, and implementing safeguards against malicious code execution.

Changes made by privacy.sexy are designed to be transparent and, where possible, reversible. Many scripts include corresponding "revert" entries, allowing users to roll back adjustments if they encounter compatibility issues or unexpected behavior. The project codebase and infrastructure are open-source, ensuring community oversight, continuous testing, and frequent updates.[1]

Features

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  • Extensive script library: Offers hundreds of scripts for various privacy and security enhancements, including disabling telemetry and removing pre-installed software.[3][4]
  • Cross-platform support: Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.[2]
  • Transparency and open source: Source code is publicly available, allowing auditability and community contributions.[1]
  • Reversibility: Many configuration changes can be reverted, enabling safer experimentation.
  • No compile requirement for web version: The web interface allows script generation without downloading or running compiled binaries.

Reception

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Tech publications and download platforms have noted the utility and approachability of privacy.sexy. The New York Times (via its Wirecutter guide) highlighted privacy.sexy as a "good place to start" when securing a computer,[5] while Wired praised its ease of use and the convenience it offers for configuring privacy and removing bloatware on new machines.[6] MajorGeeks rated it 5 out of 5, describing it as "a great resource for buttoning down your machine," while recommending users review changes carefully before applying them.[7] Reviews from sources like gHacks and Softpedia highlight its flexible approach and the importance of cautious use due to the broad range of system modifications it can perform.[2][8]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "privacy.sexy GitHub repository". GitHub. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Martin Brinkmann (22 August 2023). "Privacy is Sexy: custom privacy scripts for Windows, Linux and macOS". gHacks. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  3. ^ "privacy.sexy – Secure Your PC and Delete Unused Data". Softpedia. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  4. ^ "privacy.sexy Official Website". Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  5. ^ "A Practical Guide to Securing Your Mac". The New York Times. 4 March 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  6. ^ Whitson Gordon. "How to Quickly Remove Bloatware and Invasive Apps From Your Computer". Wired. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  7. ^ "privacy.sexy". MajorGeeks. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  8. ^ "privacy.sexy – Free Download". Softpedia. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
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