Hi, my post is focusing specifically on YouTube since I observed the following categories have less intrusive solutions or privacy focused solutions, even if they are paid:

  • Operating Systems (Linux, for example)
  • Instant Messaging (Element, for example)
  • Community Messaging (Revolt, for example)
  • E-Mail (Proton, for example)
  • Office (libreoffice, for example)
  • Password Managers (Bitwarden, for example)

However, how do we distribute videos and watch them without data collection? I am NOT asking how do I use a privacy-focused front-end for YouTube, by the way, I am aware they exist.

I am wondering how we obtain a FOSS solution to something super critical such as YouTube. It is critical since it contains a lot of educational content (I’d wager more than any other platform), and arguably the most informative platform, despite having to filter through a lot of trash. During COVID, we even saw lecturers from universities upload their content on YouTube and telling students to watch those lectures. (I have first-hand experience with this at a respectable university).

I refuse to accept that there is nothing we can do about it.

  • smnwcj@fedia.io
    92·
    4 months ago

    Unfortunately this financing requires a populace widely adopting cryptocurrency…making it a pipe dream for mainstream use.

    Tips are generally a bad model as well, which creates an incentive for rapid and pandering work (like ad supported content).

    Patreon had frankly built all of YouTube that is worth watching. I think a simple payment system using real banks can be integrated into smaller hosting services.

    It’s all academic though, YouTube is unrivaled in ad revenue and helping you expand an audience.

    • makeasnek@lemmy.mlEnglish
      38·
      4 months ago

      25% of Americans own crypto, usage continues to grow year after year both domestically and internationally. Most people have a crypto-capable wallet on their phone (CashApp, Venmo, Paypal). It solves problems traditional financial systems can’t solve well. That’s a trend that has been happening for 15 years. You can be mad at it, but it doesn’t change that it’s true.

      • beeng@discuss.tchncs.de
        2·
        4 months ago

        People want something (YouTube but not YouTube) but don’t want to learn new techniques and technology (crypto). Eventually you have to leave them behind.

        I didn’t know about this Nostr, but I do believe you’re right with the content Creator coming for the money, it’s always the money.

        I’m going to give it a go!