I have been working hard, but slowly, understanding the universal rule that privacy is a marathon and not a mile. I bought a tp-link router 6 months ago and downloaded the app via QR code, called Thether, that was located on the box. I know that this forum isnt a hardware advice forum, but a few days ago I read the Terms of Use policy of both the Tether app and the TP-Link ToU. It absolutely blew my mind and I was frozen for 48 hours not knowing what to do or even using internet or if i should delete Tether app from iphone without properly deleting it, as it stores all my devices MAC and IP address’s, browsing history, contacts, devices on network, etc. I learned about how insane Terms Of Use Policies are from reading my Ford vehicle’s and Smart TV’s ToU. Im stuck on a router to get that doesnt have insane ToU. Its almost impossible to have a sligjt bit of security with anything you do because somewhere along your chain of using a service or device is completely ruined from some bullshit Terms of Use. Im stuck with my Ford vehicles ToU. Stuck with my TV ToU, the list goes on exhaustivly. Is their a freaking home router that is available on this planet that doesnt have a 40 page ToU policy that collects everything that you are trying to protect. Its overwhelming and seems pointless.
I feel you.
This is why PG recommends OpenWRT and OPNsense. I hope it is not too late to do a product return. If you cant do a product return, I think you can mitigate this by running a VPN on the client device side and enabling the equivalent of a KillSwitch feature.
If you can do a return, the router I use is Protectli and I flash the community version of pfSense on it. Its not a recommended software but I have less headache with it vs OPNsense. The other reason I use it is that ProtonVPN has a written an official guide for it and it currently uses Wireguard.
If the android app is the one collecting information lime contact, you can probably just delete it. The router probably does not need the app to work, its probably used for configuration only.
Thank you for your advice and help. Could you pleae send me a link to the proton article or lead me to the right area where its located in their menu? My curent TP-linc router offers the ability to install seperate software and a vpn but their ToU declares that tampering with the software is against their policy. Ive read about the router you suggested and the software to use. Thanks again!
I used this guide: