Helping out a Vet...

[Ambrosia7177]

Resetting to factory just takes a click of a button. No need to reinstall the OS.

Oh.

You've never sold or gifted your iPhone to someone else?

Nope.

My first ever iPhone 6 Plus got stolen with my car.

I still have my other newer iPhones, and will keep them until hey break.

And yes, if you forget to do it before you return your iPhone, Apple will just wipe the iPhone themselves. I just always make sure to reset to factory because it makes me uneasy to give a phone with my personal things on it to a guy in a store, even if the store is Apple.

Agree 1000%

So if that one-tap step effective? Or is it like re-installing the OS but all of your personal data is still sitting on your drive waiting to be stolen?

Oh, and BestBuy probably will check to make sure you've reset to factory before accepting a return, because unlike Apple, they can't wipe it themselves.

Okay.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

The Best Personal Data Removal Services for 2025

As you enter personal information around the web, data aggregators gather and sell it. We tell you how to protect your privacy with the best personal data removal services we've tested.

www.pcmag.com

Others seem to be giving good advice on phones so i'll avoid that, but have you also thought about a data removal service? They can be quite cheap depending on the deals being offered. Im a young adult and using one has helped reduce my incoming spam a lot (calls and email), i can imagine with an older person there might be more data to remove/being sold. Might be a good idea if the spam being received is particularly predatory.

Interesting suggestion!

Do you have to give PII to remove PII, though? For example if you have to give your SSN, DOB, etc to have it removed then that seems to defeat the purpose!

Also, aren't these services in vain - you pay to remove your data and then it just re-appears?

Thanks for helping a vet!

Always happy to help!

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Sure, thats the point - even old ones are not cheap. I think 16e might be best choice out there. Yeah it is 600$ but if we think about it the other way it is a worthy investment for 5+ years. I personally try to buy new iPhone once in 5-7 years to keep costs low.

What is the iPhone 16e's angle? Is it a stripped down iPhone? Is it smaller than say my iPhone 11 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Pro Max?

You are saying they only cost $600 new??

These phones are tough enough (especially with cases), have huge software support and even longer effective life. My mom for example still uses her old 6 Plus as a second phone to occasionally browse Instagram and Facebook. While slower than usual it still works for that purpose.

My iPhone 11 Pro Max feel like it is mostly new. Only complaints is it has less storage for video and lacks some features that my iPhone 15 Pro Max has as far as the camera goes - and Lockdown Mode.

If I had an extra iPhone 11 Pro Max, I'd just give it to him.

I will probably still be rocking my 11 Pro as a second phone as well when I upgrade to 17 or 18 if those turn out to be good.

I could have also recommended SE3 but decided not to because it has multiple drawbacks such as small screen, old design and questionable build quality (feels cheap for its price). I used this phone while my 11 Pro was serviced and then gifted it to grandma (thats actually a good thing in owning iPhone: when you become tired of it you gift it to someone who will find effective use of it! Feels awesome to be able to Facetime my grandma every now-and-then)

Am I wrong in even suggesting that this vet considers upgrading to an iPhone?

I guess my main thinking I this... Similar to if you came to me and said, "Could you help me have greater privacy and security with my computer?" if I found out you had MS Windows, I would likely pass. (I don't think you can secure Windows, and even if you can, I have no desire to try and learn how. I feel the same way about Android vs iPhone.)

Of course I would never insist someone spends $$$, but if he can afford it, and seems open to the idea, is it still ethical to suggest the options we have discussed? (Or am I really not helping him in doing so?). :-/

 

[Night Spring]

So if that one-tap step effective? Or is it like re-installing the OS but all of your personal data is still sitting on your drive waiting to be stolen?

Resetting to factory wipes all the data, and restores the OS to the state it was when it came from the factory.

Oh, and here's where you can quickly look up all the different iPhone models.

iPhone - Compare Models

Compare features and technical specifications for iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone SE, and many more.

www.apple.com

 

[Ambrosia7177]

I'd also look on Swappa for iPhones.. if I were in the market for an iPhone I'd buy it via Swappa vs. eBay, at least with Swappa you'd have to go through the ESN verification process before the listing its approved, so what your getting Is confirmed to be working and ready to activate.

What is ESN verification?

eBay offers no such protections.

Okay.

personally, I'd go for a 16e/15 or perhaps even the 14 you'd get the many many years of security updates (both OS and regular security updates) and you wouldn't have to deal with the hassle of securing down Android..

So is it correct that.a brand new iPhone 16e is only $600?

now with that said, Pixel phones are pretty good and at least Google is going to support them for the long term, but for the sake of simplicity and the "it just works" I'd go with an iOS based device..

Agreed.

My father was a Vietnam Vet, and when often he would fall, I had it setup where the Watch would alert me when something happened so I can go over and help or have the watch dial 911 for him so first responders can get to him before I could.

Thank you for mentioning that!!

He may not be as open to the idea, but I bet his daughter - who I don't know - would support switching to Apple just for that extra benefit along!!

Will mention that to him as part of my "sales pitch"!! *LOL*

 

[Night Spring]

So is it correct that.a brand new iPhone 16e is only $600?

Yes. Check this.

 

[MacCheetah3]

That’s not a phone hardware problem, but a giving your number out problem and answering calls from numbers you don’t know problem. He could get a new number, but that may be more than he wants to do.

The national no call registry is a joke. Still get lots of junk calls and reporting is a long drawn out process.

Oh?

They allow too many and ridiculous exceptions:

• Political organizations
• Charitable organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Surveyors
• Bill collectors
• Businesses with which you have an existing business relationship for up to 18 months after your last transaction
• Businesses to which you have made an inquiry or submitted an application for up to three months
• Health or safety-related prerecorded messages or emergency calls
• Calls made within state lines, unless the state has its own do not call rules
• Calls that you have given prior consent to receive

The first two are the vast majority of offenders — by the way, technically most being AI-assisted robocall illegal charities.

One piece of advice I have for him is "No apps". Like he reads the news via an app, and I told him he needs to do that in a browser instead.

Less (or no third-party on iOS) is definitely a good strategy. So many of them want access to unnecessary stuff, such as Contacts. With a browser, blocking such activity is easier.

But if he buys a refurbished Apple iPhone, and say I install Firefox, and configure it (legally) a certain way, and so on, then we have to undo all of that or reinstall iOS?

That seems strange, because Apple will just wipe it clean when they get it back....

Resetting to factory just takes a click of a button. No need to reinstall the OS. You've never sold or gifted your iPhone to someone else?

And yes, if you forget to do it before you return your iPhone, Apple will just wipe the iPhone themselves. I just always make sure to reset to factory because it makes me uneasy to give a phone with my personal things on it to a guy in a store, even if the store is Apple.

Oh, and BestBuy probably will check to make sure you've reset to factory before accepting a return, because unlike Apple, they can't wipe it themselves.

So if that one-tap step effective? Or is it like re-installing the OS but all of your personal data is still sitting on your drive waiting to be stolen?

Simple version:

Erase iPhone

Erase all content and settings from your iPhone and restore it to factory settings.

support.apple.com

More details:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Use these steps to transfer information to your new device and, if applicable, remove your personal information from your old device.

support.apple.com

Prepare your iPhone or iPad for a service appointment - Apple Support

Before you bring in your iPhone or iPad for service, follow these steps to help protect your personal information and save time on your repair.

support.apple.com

Deregister iMessage on your iPhone or online - Apple Support

If you switched to a non-Apple phone and aren't getting RCS or SMS/MMS messages, you might need to deregister iMessage.

support.apple.com

The Best Personal Data Removal Services for 2025

As you enter personal information around the web, data aggregators gather and sell it. We tell you how to protect your privacy with the best personal data removal services we've tested.

www.pcmag.com

Others seem to be giving good advice on phones so i'll avoid that, but have you also thought about a data removal service? They can be quite cheap depending on the deals being offered. Im a young adult and using one has helped reduce my incoming spam a lot (calls and email), i can imagine with an older person there might be more data to remove/being sold. Might be a good idea if the spam being received is particularly predatory.

Thanks for helping a vet!

Interesting suggestion!

Do you have to give PII to remove PII, though? For example if you have to give your SSN, DOB, etc to have it removed then that seems to defeat the purpose!

I’ve considered such services, although, I have some of the same concerns. Basically, yes, am I just handing out my info again for little or no help. In other words, beyond added expense, should I trust them?

Also, aren't these services in vain - you pay to remove your data and then it just re-appears?

They are services (i.e., subscriptions). As such, part of their advertising is if you keep paying them, they keep your data out of the hands of data brokers — again, so they claim. It’s like credit/financial monitoring services.

My current method is using the block caller/contact feature. Mint Mobile has gotten much better at identifying “scam likely” numbers. They also tend to happen in waves. It’s not the greatest approach though helps a little. Thus far, I’ve blocked more than eight hundred phone numbers. I’m not someone to willy nilly give out my phone number, email address, or really any detail. However, more and more businesses, organizations, etc demand it and almost all of them sell it off. Suffice it to say, I have very, very, extremely violent thoughts and words regarding these scammers and the other extremely greedy %$@#& involved in this crap.

 

[xDeadTechx]

What is ESN verification?




Okay.




So is it correct that.a brand new iPhone 16e is only $600?




Agreed.




Thank you for mentioning that!!

He may not be as open to the idea, but I bet his daughter - who I don't know - would support switching to Apple just for that extra benefit along!!

Will mention that to him as part of my "sales pitch"!! *LOL*

IMEI or “ESN” verification is ensuring that the device is not stolen and re-sold, so the buyer would be scammed in buying a device that is essentially a brick.. yes you would have the eBay guarantees and such but it’s such a pain in the butt to go through all that.

I used to buy phones off of eBay back in the day but when I am in the market I buy off Swappa and encourage anyone in the market to look at phones on there so not to get scammed.

Even if he may not be open to the idea it may save his life one day, not to bring up past memories or sad stories but my father was suffering from the after effects of Agent orange so kidney, liver, heart functions were failing and one night he did fall (and unfortunately he passed away that night because of it) but in the tail end of that night I looked down at my watch and it kept alerting me that he had fallen..

I actually sent a message to Tim Cook and got a reply back from him telling him of my appreciation for the feature that for those countless times he did fall I was able to help him. It’s a sad reality which age and past battle wounds can do but when it does save someone’s life it’s worth it.. Pride aside it’s a great feature.

 

[kevcube]

I don't think an iPhone helps this guy one bit. his problem is spam callers, not North Korean hackers. Turn on google's call-waiting feature for him. don't switch his entire ecosystem.

 

[kevcube]

To add more to my response:

There is a Vietnam Vet that I know who is frustrated with all of the ads and spam and robocalls he is getting.

It's great of you to help, but it seems like he knows what his problem is.

The problem is that he has an Android phone, and I think that is half of the problem!

Is it the problem, or is it half the problem? 😛

Jokes aside, people of his age are more reluctant to change and you can end up causing much more headaches by switching him to iOS. He knows how to use his current phone to meet his existing needs.

From what I can tell, his needs are pretty simple...
- Ability to make calls
- Send/receive e-mail
- Surf the Internet
- Take an occasional photo

All these needs are already met by his current phone.

This forum is mostly for people who love iPhone/apple, but he is not one of those people. From my understanding of the situation, he has no need for a new phone, he just wants an end to the spam calls. I would search for solutions that don't cost hundreds of dollars.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

They allow too many and ridiculous exceptions:

• Political organizations
• Charitable organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Surveyors
• Bill collectors
• Businesses with which you have an existing business relationship for up to 18 months after your last transaction
• Businesses to which you have made an inquiry or submitted an application for up to three months
• Health or safety-related prerecorded messages or emergency calls
• Calls made within state lines, unless the state has its own do not call rules
• Calls that you have given prior consent to receive

The first two are the vast majority of offenders — by the way, technically most being AI-assisted robocall illegal charities.


Less (or no third-party on iOS) is definitely a good strategy. So many of them want access to unnecessary stuff, such as Contacts. With a browser, blocking such activity is easier.



Simple version:

Erase iPhone

Erase all content and settings from your iPhone and restore it to factory settings.

support.apple.com

More details:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Use these steps to transfer information to your new device and, if applicable, remove your personal information from your old device.

support.apple.com

Prepare your iPhone or iPad for a service appointment - Apple Support

Before you bring in your iPhone or iPad for service, follow these steps to help protect your personal information and save time on your repair.

support.apple.com

Deregister iMessage on your iPhone or online - Apple Support

If you switched to a non-Apple phone and aren't getting RCS or SMS/MMS messages, you might need to deregister iMessage.

support.apple.com

I’ve considered such services, although, I have some of the same concerns. Basically, yes, am I just handing out my info again for little or no help. In other words, beyond added expense, should I trust them?


They are services (i.e., subscriptions). As such, part of their advertising is if you keep paying them, they keep your data out of the hands of data brokers — again, so they claim. It’s like credit/financial monitoring services.

My current method is using the block caller/contact feature. Mint Mobile has gotten much better at identifying “scam likely” numbers. They also tend to happen in waves. It’s not the greatest approach though helps a little. Thus far, I’ve blocked more than eight hundred phone numbers. I’m not someone to willy nilly give out my phone number, email address, or really any detail. However, more and more businesses, organizations, etc demand it and almost all of them sell it off. Suffice it to say, I have very, very, extremely violent thoughts and words regarding these scammers and the other extremely greedy %$@#& involved in this crap.

Thanks for all of the links above - and everyone contributing as well. (I think you guys are helping me as much as I'm trying to help this vet!)

 

[ayephoner]

And I think ID.me should be made illegal - it certainly doesn't help keep his info offline.

ID.me is used by the veteran's administration for a number of things. I've helped my dad set his up for his medical appointments with his VA doctors and my mom to set hers up as his primary caregiver. It is used for a lot of identity verification and is very secure.

As for your phone recs, I'd try to get as new a phone as possible. I think the 16e is probably a good option. It will be future proof both with OS updates (ie security updates) and with battery life.

I think telling this gentleman that all apps are bad and that he should only ever access anything via a browser is a bit of overkill. If nothing else, apps are going to be restricted to the functionality of that app (assuming he uses decent apps). Having him clicking around randomly on the internet seems like a bigger risk than anything else you've described. Just my 2 cents. Good on you for helping this vet and good luck with your efforts.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

IMEI or “ESN” verification is ensuring that the device is not stolen and re-sold, so the buyer would be scammed in buying a device that is essentially a brick.. yes you would have the eBay guarantees and such but it’s such a pain in the butt to go through all that.

I used to buy phones off of eBay back in the day but when I am in the market I buy off Swappa and encourage anyone in the market to look at phones on there so not to get scammed.

Even if he may not be open to the idea it may save his life one day, not to bring up past memories or sad stories but my father was suffering from the after effects of Agent orange so kidney, liver, heart functions were failing and one night he did fall (and unfortunately he passed away that night because of it) but in the tail end of that night I looked down at my watch and it kept alerting me that he had fallen..

I actually sent a message to Tim Cook and got a reply back from him telling him of my appreciation for the feature that for those countless times he did fall I was able to help him. It’s a sad reality which age and past battle wounds can do but when it does save someone’s life it’s worth it.. Pride aside it’s a great feature.

Thank you for sharing that personal story - and thanks to your father and all those that served, and paid the ultimate price for their service. (Such a sad period of American history.)

I will be certain to share this story with this vet I am trying to help out.

And I will be sure to research this topic more as it is not only a good idea for people like your father, but hey, I'm not getting any younger myself!

It's neat you got a response back from Tim Cook.

 

[UnknownTechGuy]

1.) Is it possible to buy an unlocked iPhone online that is safe? (Personally, I always buy new iPhones directly from Apple.)

2.) Are there any programs/organizations that might offer used iPhone to U.S. Veterans at no cost or low cost?

3.) What would be the oldest iPhone that would make sense to work with? (Looking at older to save $$$)

4.) Any other advice on the easiest and most affordable way to get this Vet into a decent iPhone and into the safety of the Apple ecosystem?

NO. 1 Answer: You could go to Amazon Renewed Store

NO. 2 Answer: Apple has a veterans program for 10% off, but they won't be used iPhones

NO. 3 Answer: Go with iPhone X or later

NO. 4 Answer: Make sure you transfer all his/her contacts and information to the iPhone

 

[uacd]

What is the iPhone 16e's angle? Is it a stripped down iPhone? Is it smaller than say my iPhone 11 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Pro Max?

You are saying they only cost $600 new??

Yes, it is a stripped down version of an 800USD regular iPhone 16. As specs suggest, it has same specifications, same amount of RAM and even same camera but a single module instead of three cameras in Pro models (which I doubt he would ever need anyway since new 48MP cameras offer almost ideal digital 2X crop zoom). 600$ is for 128GB version which in my opinion is enough for most people

Am I wrong in even suggesting that this vet considers upgrading to an iPhone?

No, totally not wrong! iPhone has been a security and privacy enclave for more than 17 years already. Over the years I had also tried few Android phones but was left totally unimpressed, and privacy was real concern - to have at least some sort of privacy on Android one needs to download Brave browser to have built-in adblock. And Brave is much slower than Chrome or any webkit-based browser. Even on older iPhones Safari still seems to work faster than “default” Chrome on flagship Samsung phones.

Also Apple is an American company. Yes, Google is too and their Pixels are too but my logic is I would better have CIA reading my texts than CIA and CCP reading my texts and Google selling my data all over Internet for advertisement.

I absolutely love that on iOS the only purpose of Google for me is my burner mail account that I use for Youtube (and I don’t even have app installed! On Android it is preinstalled and you can only disable it but not delete). And tbh I almost don’t use YouTube nowadays, it feels obsolete in the era of Instagram and short videos.

Oh and btw, Grok! Android still has no access to one of the most advanced AI models out there. Apple always gets access to new tech first of the first. Although iPhone 16 series have access to new Siri and ChatGPT, I found the latter rather limited and incapable of serious research and discussion. Thats my opinion but yeah. Instead of “Google search” I now “just Grok it” much more regularly.

Thus Google/Alphabet imo has been already obsolete for many years already. Yeah they offer some “circle to search”, but it is kinda fun they now have AI access to whole Android operating system including submenus, apps and so on. I tried to use their Gemini but honestly it was a total flop, not only I got obsolete information but also model never provided me answers to my questions

 

[Ambrosia7177]

I don't think an iPhone helps this guy one bit. his problem is spam callers, not North Korean hackers. Turn on google's call-waiting feature for him. don't switch his entire ecosystem.

The next time I see him I will do a deeper dive into his "problems".

I believe he doesn't like all the ads and pop-ups he gets mostly, although he may get some spam calls.

My impression is his issue is Android, and Google, and using Android apps, and not having a locked down phone.

An iPhone would do a better job addressing most of that.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

To add more to my response:

It's great of you to help, but it seems like he knows what his problem is.

Is it the problem, or is it half the problem? 😛

I'll tell you more after doing a deep dive, but I would say that his OS and apps are a significant issue.

Jokes aside, people of his age are more reluctant to change and you can end up causing much more headaches by switching him to iOS.

Which is why I will just offer him options and let him decide. (I gain nothing by wasting his time and money.)

He knows how to use his current phone to meet his existing needs.

No, he doesn't know how to use his phone which is the other half of the problem.

I think an iPhone would be much easier to use, but that is his decision.

All these needs are already met by his current phone.

I briefly looked at his phone, and it is the equivalent of a 30 year old PC running Windows Millennium edition, with Internet Explorer 6 and Facebook... ;-)

This forum is mostly for people who love iPhone/apple, but he is not one of those people.

He said he would consider looking at iPhones.

From my understanding of the situation, he has no need for a new phone

His phone is cracked, beat up, and doesn't meet his current needs.

(I appreciate you playing devil's advocate, but I know him and I saw his phone, and I briefly saw what he dislikes about his current smartphone situation.)

he just wants an end to the spam calls.

No, that isn't his first concern.

I would search for solutions that don't cost hundreds of dollars.

As mentioned, I will give him choices and he can decide what he wants to do.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

ID.me is used by the veteran's administration for a number of things. I've helped my dad set his up for his medical appointments with his VA doctors and my mom to set hers up as his primary caregiver. It is used for a lot of identity verification and is very secure.

I disagree, but won't debate this point.

As for your phone recs, I'd try to get as new a phone as possible. I think the 16e is probably a good option. It will be future proof both with OS updates (ie security updates) and with battery life.

Yeah, an new, warrantied iPhone 16e makes sense.

I think telling this gentleman that all apps are bad and that he should only ever access anything via a browser is a bit of overkill.

If you can do the same thing in a browser, you should always choose the browser option.

If you cannot do something without an app - like to run my teleprompter on my iPad - then choose the app if you feel you can trust it.

If you use social media apps, or the FoxNews app, and so on, then you get what you deserve...

If nothing else, apps are going to be restricted to the functionality of that app (assuming he uses decent apps).

They can also harvest MUCH MORE data, they can geo-track you, and on and on.

Having him clicking around randomly on the internet seems like a bigger risk than anything else you've described.

Setting up a new iPhone 16e, with pre-agreed upon websites, bookmarks, and maybe some apps would be safest. (I told him we need to get him parental control software to restrict his online activities and he chuckled! =)

Just my 2 cents.

I appreciate any and all thoughts!

Good on you for helping this vet and good luck with your efforts.

We'll see if he has an appetite for what I have thought up.

But it's his phone, his $$$, his usage, and his life.

I am just here to help give him a better, safer, more private experience IF he wants that. He can also do nothing and keep what he has. His call...

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Yes, it is a stripped down version of an 800USD regular iPhone 16. As specs suggest, it has same specifications, same amount of RAM and even same camera but a single module instead of three cameras in Pro models (which I doubt he would ever need anyway since new 48MP cameras offer almost ideal digital 2X crop zoom). 600$ is for 128GB version which in my opinion is enough for most people

Okay, thanks for clarifying.

No, totally not wrong! iPhone has been a security and privacy enclave for more than 17 years already.

That was my main thought.

Over the years I had also tried few Android phones but was left totally unimpressed, and privacy was real concern - to have at least some sort of privacy on Android one needs to download Brave browser to have built-in adblock. And Brave is much slower than Chrome or any webkit-based browser. Even on older iPhones Safari still seems to work faster than “default” Chrome on flagship Samsung phones.

Right.

Also Apple is an American company. Yes, Google is too and their Pixels are too but my logic is I would better have CIA reading my texts than CIA and CCP reading my texts and Google selling my data all over Internet for advertisement.

Valid point.

I absolutely love that on iOS the only purpose of Google for me is my burner mail account that I use for Youtube (and I don’t even have app installed! On Android it is preinstalled and you can only disable it but not delete).

Excellent point!

And tbh I almost don’t use YouTube nowadays, it feels obsolete in the era of Instagram and short videos.

I am a YouTube junky, so I disagree on that one.

Oh and btw, Grok! Android still has no access to one of the most advanced AI models out there. Apple always gets access to new tech first of the first. Although iPhone 16 series have access to new Siri and ChatGPT, I found the latter rather limited and incapable of serious research and discussion. Thats my opinion but yeah. Instead of “Google search” I now “just Grok it” much more regularly.

I'm not a fan of AI, but if I had to pick my poison, I would choose Apple over others.

Thus Google/Alphabet imo has been already obsolete for many years already. Yeah they offer some “circle to search”, but it is kinda fun they now have AI access to whole Android operating system including submenus, apps and so on. I tried to use their Gemini but honestly it was a total flop, not only I got obsolete information but also model never provided me answers to my questions

Okay.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Sorry for the delayed responses - it was tax day today!

Finally got all of my corporate and personal taxes done, and dodged some major bullets.

I so dread when it is tax season - so glad it is all over except for printing out my personal taxes and mailing them in.

 

[Night Spring]

If you can do the same thing in a browser, you should always choose the browser option.

I think in general, this is a good principle, but there are exceptions. For example, I find the YouTube app much better on my iPad than going to the YouTube website in a browser. The app is much easier to navigate. I have t bothered to install the YouTube app on my iPhone because I hardly ever watch videos on the iPhone, but if I was going to use YouTube regularly on the iPhone, I'd certainly give the app a try.

 

[ayephoner]

If you use social media apps, or the FoxNews app, and so on, then you get what you deserve...

They can also harvest MUCH MORE data, they can geo-track you, and on and on.

Setting up a new iPhone 16e, with pre-agreed upon websites, bookmarks, and maybe some apps would be safest. (I told him we need to get him parental control software to restrict his online activities and he chuckled! =)

I use facebook pretty regularly. It's become the only source of yard sale items in my area, as well as the only source for local concert and similar events. I'm sure data is being mined and stored and sold and shared, but I'm just not sure why I need to be frantic about someone/anyone knowing that I bought a used desk for my home office.

Apple was great about making this a forced pop-up option for every app. You have to grant permission for apps to access data and share data. Maybe I'm naive, but I'm willing to trust Apple with doing what should be done when I click the "don't share" button.

Do you know what model phone this gentleman has now? It sounds pretty old and/or cheap.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

I use facebook pretty regularly. It's become the only source of yard sale items in my area, as well as the only source for local concert and similar events. I'm sure data is being mined and stored and sold and shared, but I'm just not sure why I need to be frantic about someone/anyone knowing that I bought a used desk for my home office.

(Said respectfully) Then you don't understand privacy and the implications of modern technology.

Short answer is this... This isn't the 1990s where companies (and their cookies) knew that you liked cat videos or shop at Banana Republic. We live in a modern surveillance state and people should be terrified.

This is such a voluminous topic I wouldn't know where to begin. (I've been do this for a living for 25+ years, so I "know".)

Not to hijack my own thread, but maybe start here if you are genuinely interested in learning...

YouTube: the facebook dilemma

The Facebook Dilemma, Part One (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

The Facebook Dilemma, Part Two (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

YouTube: frontline surveillance state

YouTube: frontline data privacy

YouTube: frontline data brokers

Apple was great about making this a forced pop-up option for every app. You have to grant permission for apps to access data and share data. Maybe I'm naive, but I'm willing to trust Apple with doing what should be done when I click the "don't share" button.

But Apple can't always protect you. And you can't trust every app on the Apple Store. And if you give permission to an app to access your iPhone, then it can do all kinds of things you don't know about.

Do you know what model phone this gentleman has now? It sounds pretty old and/or cheap.

I am clueless about Android, but it looks pretty old and beaten up to me. If I had to guess, I'd say it is 5-7 years old.

It seems to me that he is due for a new smartphone regardless of the type.

We have a blizzard coming in, so I might not see him this week, but at least thanks to every at MacRumors, I have lots of options to discuss with him! ;-)

 

[Ambrosia7177]

I think in general, this is a good principle, but there are exceptions. For example, I find the YouTube app much better on my iPad than going to the YouTube website in a browser. The app is much easier to navigate. I have t bothered to install the YouTube app on my iPhone because I hardly ever watch videos on the iPhone, but if I was going to use YouTube regularly on the iPhone, I'd certainly give the app a try.

Yes, it is about balance and trade-offs.

But using a browser on mobile should ALWAYS be the default.

(Do you realize how many mobile users don't even know what a browser is or how to use one??)

 

[ayephoner]

(Said respectfully) Then you don't understand privacy and the implications of modern technology.

Short answer is this... This isn't the 1990s where companies (and their cookies) knew that you liked cat videos or shop at Banana Republic. We live in a modern surveillance state and people should be terrified.

This is such a voluminous topic I wouldn't know where to begin. (I've been do this for a living for 25+ years, so I "know".)

Not to hijack my own thread, but maybe start here if you are genuinely interested in learning...

YouTube: the facebook dilemma

The Facebook Dilemma, Part One (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

The Facebook Dilemma, Part Two (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

YouTube: frontline surveillance state

YouTube: frontline data privacy

YouTube: frontline data brokers

I literally teach college level cybersecurity and a number of other computer-related fields.

I've been trying to be as respectful as possible, and I will continue that effort, and try to stay on topic to the thread. It sounds like this guy asked you for help minimizing pop-ups and you took that as an opportunity to get on your soap box about data mining and the "surveillance state". I'm not claiming that you're entirely wrong, but you are definitely as far in the tin-foil hat direction as one can go on this topic. If this guy shares your views and you are truly helping him with stuff that he feels he needs help with, then I'm in no place to argue. But if he truly just wants less pop-ups, I think you're pretty far from giving him the help he wants. Either way, good luck.