Brick by brick

**Google's "private" browsing wasn't private at all.** A lawsuit revealed the tech giant tracked users even in Incognito mode, collecting billions of records from 2016-2020. **Key developments:** - Google agreed to delete or de-identify collected Incognito data - Settlement exposes gap between privacy promises and reality - Users discovered their "private" browsing was being monitored **The bigger picture:** This case highlights fundamental issues with current privacy models. As one expert noted, *"Privacy you can revoke isn't privacy at all."* Web3 solutions are emerging that embed privacy directly into protocols rather than relying on corporate promises. These systems aim to make privacy a **default feature** rather than a revocable setting. **What this means:** The settlement serves as a wake-up call that users need verifiable privacy protections, not just assurances that can be quietly ignored. [Read the full analysis](https://decentrnet.medium.com/when-incognito-isnt-invisible-what-google-s-settlement-reveals-about-the-false-promise-of-ddec28e171ef)

**Decentr Privacy Suite Expands with New PDF Tool** Decentr has launched **Secure PDF Reader & Signer**, a privacy-focused mobile app that handles PDF documents entirely offline. The app joins Decentr's growing privacy ecosystem alongside their File Manager and Password Manager. **Key Features:** - **100% offline processing** - no cloud storage or internet required - **Professional digital signatures** with timestamps and legal compliance - **Zero data collection** - even Decentr cannot access user files - **Ad-free and subscription-free** experience **Complete Privacy Control** All document processing stays on the user's device, ensuring total privacy for sensitive files. The app supports viewing, signing, and saving PDFs without any external connections. Available now on [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.decentr.securepdfreader&hl=en_SG) as part of Decentr's mission to give users complete control over their digital data. Read more details in their [Medium announcement](https://decentrnet.medium.com/introducing-secure-pdf-reader-signer-8f13985bb625).

A DNS resolution issue in AWS DynamoDB brought down major platforms including **Snapchat, Reddit, Fortnite, and Medium**, affecting millions of users worldwide. The outage highlighted the internet's dangerous dependence on centralized infrastructure. When one major cloud provider fails, entire sections of the web go dark. **Key impacts:** - Banking and gaming services disrupted - Social media platforms inaccessible - Publishing platforms offline Meanwhile, **decentralized alternatives like Aleph.im remained operational**, proving that distributed infrastructure works when centralized systems fail. The incident demonstrates why **diversity and decentralization** matter for internet resilience. Single points of failure create widespread vulnerabilities that affect millions. [Read the full analysis](https://decentrnet.medium.com/when-amazon-web-services-sneezes-half-the-internet-catches-a-cold-0324e8bc6c77)

Decentr has launched File Manager Secure, a privacy-focused Android file manager that prioritizes on-device data storage with decentralized backup options. Key Features: - Local-first design with no automatic cloud uploads - Military-grade encryption - Integration with multiple decentralized networks: • Aleph Cloud for real-time processing • Jackal Protocol for zero-knowledge sharing • Filecoin for redundant storage • Arweave for permanent preservation The app targets security-conscious users like activists and journalists. Available on [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.decentr.filemanager) or via [direct APK download](https://decentr.net/filemanager1.0.apk).

The latest Windows release of Decentr Browser (v1.9.5) introduces support for @massachain domains alongside crucial security enhancements. Key updates: - Full integration with Massa Chain domains - Latest security patches implemented - Windows version now available for download Development team is actively working on: - Mac version - Linux version - Mobile applications - PDV and VPN component updates Download the latest Windows build: [Decentr Browser v1.9.5](https://decentr.net/Win_x64_Decentr_1.9.5.zip)