Emberleaf

I imagine via donations like most other open source projects.

Your parent keep bringing it up because your smell is offensive. They’re trying to help you learn the things that will help you get a job, or have friends, or go on dates. In short, they’re being a parent. Help them help you.

Wow! I didn’t know these folks existed! Thanks so much for the recommendation!

Why is this news??

I dunno. Doesn’t seem like a big deal to me, but your mileage may certainly vary.

I’m sorry you feel that way. I’m afraid I disagree, but I respect your opinion.

I found this and actually like it better than Alpaca. Your mileage may vary, but they claim that it’s 100% private, no internet necessary:

GPT4All

Another vote for Mullvad, here. It’s arguably one of the best VPNs out there and at 5 bucks a month, you really can’t go wrong. If you want cheaper than that, you have bigger problems than a VPN.

It’s a start.

I’ve been trying to get my family to use encrypted chat apps like Signal FOR YEARS. They just don’t give a shit. Convenience is more of a priority for them. Unfortunately, I think this is true of most people.