Honestly, that mindset is way too narrow. For instance, companies and services like GrapheneOS, Fossify, Proton services, and many others are free or have free versions, but that doesn’t mean they’re selling your info to aliens from Mars or whatever. They might be supported by donations (like GrapheneOS and Fossify) or have paid versions of the product (like Proton and Tutanota services).
Either way, saying “if you’re not paying for something, you’re the product” as if it applies every single time is a really outdated way of thinking.
If its free - you are the product. Always.
Honestly, that mindset is way too narrow. For instance, companies and services like GrapheneOS, Fossify, Proton services, and many others are free or have free versions, but that doesn’t mean they’re selling your info to aliens from Mars or whatever. They might be supported by donations (like GrapheneOS and Fossify) or have paid versions of the product (like Proton and Tutanota services). Either way, saying “if you’re not paying for something, you’re the product” as if it applies every single time is a really outdated way of thinking.
Did you see Rossman’s vids on Graphene creator and the huge nutjob that he is?
No
Go look those up. Rossman was a proponent and pushing this OS until he had a couple chats with its creator and all hell broke loose.