The Unexpected Cost of Privacy with John McAfee

To what extremes are you willing to go for complete privacy and security? No one takes privacy as seriously as today's guest, John McAfee.

John McAfee is known for founding McAfee Antivirus, being a crypto currency evangelist and a privacy activist. In this episode, John shares the lengths he goes to protect his own privacy with significant unexpected costs. John lives and plays by his own rules and this interview is no exception. If you are sensitive to profanity, I suggest that you head over to EasyPrey.com/26 for a clean transcript.

Listen on to find out how John maintains his extremely private lifestyle.

Show Notes:

• [1:12] - John McAfee begins explaining the precautions he takes to keep his privacy safe by stating that he and his wife do not own cell phones.
• [1:39] - Even with a brand new mobile phone, when you call just three people, a government could find you and John explains how cell phones are susceptible to spyware.
• [2:05] - John also explains that he lives in a faraday cage, which blocks signals from coming in and out of the room. It is also sound proof.
• [2:52] - John also has a very serious VPN that goes through 9 different countries to ensure his privacy.
• [4:41] - While on trips and vacations, John and his wife take many pictures but don't post them immediately. This keeps people guessing where they actually are at any given time.
• [5:42] - John also adds bogus information to photos that are posted, like varying dates.
• [7:19] - Chris asks John how he feels about Tor and John explains that it was infiltrated by the CIA so it isn't possible to have any privacy or anonymity.
• [9:13] - If it is advertised at all, it is something that is owned by somebody and there is no privacy there.
• [10:09] - John explains that the only secure email out there is Google and it is also not very secure either.
• [10:37] - Google never trusts anybody. As long as they get their money, they're happy and they'll give you what privacy they can, given the constraints of reality.
• [10:58] - If you want any privacy at all, there's no way to do that other than Gmail.
• [11:40] - John explains that he does not have a bank account or credit cards. He strictly uses cryptocurrency only, including large purchases like homes and cars.
• [12:50] - He is also particular on what cryptocurrency he uses and does not suggest using large or older companies like Bitcoin.
• [14:07] - Bitcoin specifically is easily tracked and can be followed.
• [15:00] - The newer cryptocurrency companies are much better about keeping your information safe and private.
• [17:54] - John explains how when moving from country to country, he has multiple legal passports.
• [19:56] - Because he is frequently recognized when he's with his wife, they split up when traveling and meet up later. He wears hats, hoodies, various glasses, and due to Covid-19, masks.
• [21:40] - John also makes sure to lie to his friends and family as well so that his location at any given time is not revealed.
• [24:01] - John explains how the costs of good privacy are very steep.
• [25:06] - How important is this level of privacy to the average person? John doesn't advise this lifestyle for anybody. But for John and his wife Janice, it is critical.
• [25:50] - Striking a balance is tough, specifically if you own a smartphone.
• [27:45] - All this possible tracking done by smart phones is granted access by the actual user. You sign up to be spied on.
• [29:21] - John feels that he has to live the way he does in order to not be silenced by government agencies who don't want him spreading what he knows to be the truth.
• [31:50] - John founded his computer security company by understanding the reality of the world.
• [34:04] - When asked about Julian Assange, John says, "A hero is someone capable of accomplishing." John says Assange and Snowden are both very smart but were not prepared.
• [35:41] - John has been arrested 21 times in 11 different countries but because of how he chooses to live in private seclusion, he is free to speak out.

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