Independent directory for privacy-focused software and services.
What it does
Curates comprehensive lists of encrypted software, secure web browsers, and privacy-focused online service providers.
Provides transparent threat-level guidance and open-source verification criteria for digital tools.
Aggregates community-driven reviews and recommendations to evaluate alternative applications.
Publishes educational resources and guides to help users minimize digital tracking and data leakage.
Why it works
Operates as a community-driven open resource model maintaining independence from major tech conglomerates.
Positions as a trusted centralized clearinghouse for decentralized, encrypted, and open-source alternatives.
Leverages organic search distribution and deep open-source community contributions.
Provides transparent, non-commercial evaluations of software security features.
Independent directory for privacy-focused software and services.
Overview
Privacy Tools is an independent digital resource and directory dedicated to helping users discover privacy-respecting alternatives to mainstream online tools. The platform provides carefully vetted recommendations for secure web browsers, encrypted email providers, virtual private networks, and open-source applications. It aggregates community-driven ratings and threat-level guidance to evaluate digital security options. Individuals and privacy advocates rely on the platform to safeguard personal data against global mass surveillance.
Founded year:2015
Founder:Marco Wollank (BurungHantu)
Team size:2-10
Popularity:Hundreds of thousands of monthly visitors seeking privacy software alternatives
HQ:Berlin, Germany
Status:Active
Funding status:Bootstrapped
Customer type:B2B2C
Funding:Crowdfunded via community donations and sponsorship support
Pricing:Free (Open Source)
Tech stack:HTML5, Markdown, Static Site Generators, GitHub Pages, Decentralized Protocols
Curates comprehensive lists of encrypted software, secure web browsers, and privacy-focused online service providers.
Provides transparent threat-level guidance and open-source verification criteria for digital tools.
Aggregates community-driven reviews and recommendations to evaluate alternative applications.
Publishes educational resources and guides to help users minimize digital tracking and data leakage.
Who it's for
Privacy Advocates
Cybersecurity Professionals
Information Security Enthusiasts
Everyday Internet Users
Why it works
Operates as a community-driven open resource model maintaining independence from major tech conglomerates.
Positions as a trusted centralized clearinghouse for decentralized, encrypted, and open-source alternatives.
Leverages organic search distribution and deep open-source community contributions.
Provides transparent, non-commercial evaluations of software security features.
Founder story
Privacy Tools was created in 2015 by Marco Wollank, known online as BurungHantu, in response to the revelations regarding global mass surveillance. The resource grew into a prominent open-source community project powered by numerous contributors worldwide. Despite structural transitions over the years, the platform remains a cornerstone directory for digital privacy discovery.
Alternatives
Comparison overview
Focuses on community-vetted, open-source privacy software listings with transparent threat-level tagging rather than automated software aggregation.
Emphasizes decentralized communication channels and strict cryptographic standards for recommended tools.