DDG 'App Tracking Protection' with Tor Browser on Android

[jchan]

Sorry, I’m a newbie.

I’ve just bought a new phone and wish to set it up to be as private as possible. I have DuckDuckGo as my default browser and am planning to download Tor Browser. The DDG app has an option for App Tracking Protection, which I have enabled. Does this VPN interfere with Tor in anyway. Also, if I was to download Orbot too would there be any conflict?

Also, does anyone know of a really good guide on how a layperson can ‘deGoogle’ their smartphone without breaking it, and how to compartmentalise their browsing?

[Licaon_Kter]

Depends on phone, is it supported by Calyx: Install CalyxOS or Divest: Devices - DivestOS Mobile ?

[Licaon_Kter]

@jchan

The DDG app has an option for App Tracking Protection, which I have enabled. Does this VPN interfere with Tor in anyway.

DDG won’t do anything as it can’t see what you browse via Tor. Won’t help, won’t hamper

[SkewedZeppelin]

Orbot and Tor Browser can be run at the same time.

DDG tracker blocker shouldn’t be able to interfere with Tor Browser or Orbot.

Orbot can only work for most apps if it takes the VPN slot, and DDG tracker blocker also works by using the VPN slot. Android only allows use of one VPN at a time per profile.

If you want an app based tracker blocker consider instead the far more powerful Rethink app: Rethink: DNS + Firewall + VPN | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository

Please also note that the DDG Browser is a WebView browser and if you’re on stock, you’re using the proprietary Google WebView with telemetry under the hood: Browsers - DivestOS Mobile

And lastly please note that DDG Browser in the past sent every website you visited to DDG: Domains visited get leaked to DDG servers · Issue #527 · duckduckgo/Android · GitHub

As for “degoogling” your device, the only real way is with an aftermarket system which requires device support.
There is a comparison of them here: Comparison of Android ROMs

[shuvashish76]

@SkewedZeppelin

Orbot can only work for most apps if it takes the VPN slot, and DDG tracker blocker also works by using the VPN slot. Android only allows use of one VPN at a time per profile.

If you want an app based tracker blocker consider instead the far more powerful Rethink app: Rethink: DNS + Firewall + VPN | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository

Alternatively run InviZible Pro in Proxy mode with your desired apps e.g NetGuard, personalDNSfilter, RethinkDNS etc.

[jchan]

Thanks everyone for the help. I am going to review those suggestions.

I’m not yet brave enough to go with a custom ROM, but I hope to one day. Heard good things about CalyxOS. For now I am getting to grips with how to work around Google et al.