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In a Big Reversal, Zohran Mamdani Tells NYC Agencies They Can Use TikTok

In a Big Reversal, Zohran Mamdani Tells NYC Agencies They Can Use TikTok

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New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, who rode a social media-fueled campaign to Gracie Mansion, is reversing an Eric Adams–era directive barring TikTok from government-owned devices. Local agencies will now be able to post about their projects on the app, though with new guardrails to protect city networks.

“The Mamdani administration is committed to using every tool in our toolbox to communicate with New Yorkers,” says the email to agencies, obtained by WIRED. “At a moment when people are turning to city government for information about free services, emergency situations, upcoming events, and more, we want to open up new avenues of communication with the public and help deliver the information New Yorkers need.”

In August 2023, then-mayor Adams barred the use of TikTok on government devices, joining the ranks of other state and federal agencies that at the time deemed the app a major security risk. Adams spokesperson Jonah Allon said then that the city’s Cyber Command office had decided that TikTok, which was owned by the Chinese-based company ByteDance, “posed a security threat to the city’s technical networks and directed its removal from city-owned devices.”

The directive resulted in a number of popular city-run accounts shutting down, including accounts for the NYC Departments of Sanitation and Parks and Recreation. As of Tuesday morning, the accounts’ bios read, “This account was operated by NYC until August 2023. It’s no longer monitored.”

Now, these TikTok accounts will be allowed to reopen with a few new rules aimed at protecting the security of NYC’s networks and devices while allowing agencies to communicate with citizens on the popular app. In order to use TikTok, agencies will be required to use separate, government-issued devices for the app that “cannot contain sensitive or restricted data, and they cannot be used for email, internal systems, or privileged access,” according to the email to agencies. Agencies will designate specific staff from media and press offices to run the TikTok accounts with city government emails, not personal ones.

“In a fragmented media landscape, more and more people—especially younger people—are looking beyond the four corners of their television screen to stay informed,” Mamdani said in a statement to WIRED. “Our responsibility is simple: Meet people where they are. That means stepping outside our comfort zones and communicating in ways that reflect how New Yorkers actually live, work, and connect.”

Mamdani’s rule reversal comes after his November election that relied heavily on social media to conduct voter outreach. Mamdani leveraged TikTok to recruit volunteers and amplify his policy platform. Over his first few months in office, Mamdani has continued to leverage social media platforms, publishing a variety of public-service announcements related to city-run programs.

Ahead of dangerous winter weather in January, Mamdani published a video to the official @nycmayor account on Instagram asking New Yorkers to sign up for the city’s free emergency communications program, NotifyNYC. The program netted more than 32,000 new subscribers in the four days after the video was released, according to stats provided by Mamdani’s office. Last year, New York City Emergency Management ran a $240,000 advertising round for NotifyNYC, acquiring around 48,000 new subscribers. Mamdani also created a handful of videos asking New Yorkers to join a Department of Sanitation snow-shoveling program. Around 5,000 people signed up, tripling the number previously enrolled in the program.

The situation has also changed for the app. In January 2026, TikTok finalized a deal with the Trump administration to form a new US-based version of the company run by American investors, including Oracle. The consortium of American investors staved off a nationwide ban of the app.



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April 26 is Alien Day, and Disney’s celebrating the occasion with a big new piece of xenomorph merch.

That would be an animatronic Xenomorph that stands at 6 feet and 8 inches tall. Sculpted in detail to look like it came from the movies, the animatronic also moves like the iconic monster—it’s got an inner mouth, and the torso moves in a side-to-side motion. For Alien fans with indoor space or a covered porch to put it and $450 to spend, the Xenomorph animatronic may be for you, and you can order it from Spirit Halloween starting today.

 

The Alien franchise got some recent news courtesy of Noah Hawley. Speaking about Alien: Earth, Hawley told Deadline shooting for season two would happen this summer, and teased he’s got an endpoint in mind. Whether he gets there or not is entirely up to the audience, but he thinks the show and overall franchise could go on for “a very long time if we nurture them.”

As for the movies, there’s not much news on the sequel to Alien: Romulus other than it exists. Last year, we learned Fede Álvarez would return to co-write its script and produce, but not direct. Instead, that duty will go to someone else, but Disney’s yet to announce a name. We’ll report once the news breaks.

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Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Scare #Neighbors #LifeSize #Alien #Animatronic #ExclusiveAlien,Alien: Earth,Alien: Romulus,Xenomoprh">Scare Your Neighbors With Life-Size ‘Alien’ Animatronic (Exclusive) April 26 is Alien Day, and Disney’s celebrating the occasion with a big new piece of xenomorph merch. That would be an animatronic Xenomorph that stands at 6 feet and 8 inches tall. Sculpted in detail to look like it came from the movies, the animatronic also moves like the iconic monster—it’s got an inner mouth, and the torso moves in a side-to-side motion. For Alien fans with indoor space or a covered porch to put it and 0 to spend, the Xenomorph animatronic may be for you, and you can order it from Spirit Halloween starting today.   The Alien franchise got some recent news courtesy of Noah Hawley. Speaking about Alien: Earth, Hawley told Deadline shooting for season two would happen this summer, and teased he’s got an endpoint in mind. Whether he gets there or not is entirely up to the audience, but he thinks the show and overall franchise could go on for “a very long time if we nurture them.” As for the movies, there’s not much news on the sequel to Alien: Romulus other than it exists. Last year, we learned Fede Álvarez would return to co-write its script and produce, but not direct. Instead, that duty will go to someone else, but Disney’s yet to announce a name. We’ll report once the news breaks. In the meantime, there’s the animatronic Xenomorph, which will be perfect for Halloween—or even just as a buddy any time you rewatch the Alien films. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Scare #Neighbors #LifeSize #Alien #Animatronic #ExclusiveAlien,Alien: Earth,Alien: Romulus,Xenomoprh

Alien Day, and Disney’s celebrating the occasion with a big new piece of xenomorph merch.

That would be an animatronic Xenomorph that stands at 6 feet and 8 inches tall. Sculpted in detail to look like it came from the movies, the animatronic also moves like the iconic monster—it’s got an inner mouth, and the torso moves in a side-to-side motion. For Alien fans with indoor space or a covered porch to put it and $450 to spend, the Xenomorph animatronic may be for you, and you can order it from Spirit Halloween starting today.

 

The Alien franchise got some recent news courtesy of Noah Hawley. Speaking about Alien: Earth, Hawley told Deadline shooting for season two would happen this summer, and teased he’s got an endpoint in mind. Whether he gets there or not is entirely up to the audience, but he thinks the show and overall franchise could go on for “a very long time if we nurture them.”

As for the movies, there’s not much news on the sequel to Alien: Romulus other than it exists. Last year, we learned Fede Álvarez would return to co-write its script and produce, but not direct. Instead, that duty will go to someone else, but Disney’s yet to announce a name. We’ll report once the news breaks.

In the meantime, there’s the animatronic Xenomorph, which will be perfect for Halloween—or even just as a buddy any time you rewatch the Alien films.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Scare #Neighbors #LifeSize #Alien #Animatronic #ExclusiveAlien,Alien: Earth,Alien: Romulus,Xenomoprh">Scare Your Neighbors With Life-Size ‘Alien’ Animatronic (Exclusive)Scare Your Neighbors With Life-Size ‘Alien’ Animatronic (Exclusive) April 26 is Alien Day, and Disney’s celebrating the occasion with a big new piece of xenomorph merch. That would be an animatronic Xenomorph that stands at 6 feet and 8 inches tall. Sculpted in detail to look like it came from the movies, the animatronic also moves like the iconic monster—it’s got an inner mouth, and the torso moves in a side-to-side motion. For Alien fans with indoor space or a covered porch to put it and $450 to spend, the Xenomorph animatronic may be for you, and you can order it from Spirit Halloween starting today.   The Alien franchise got some recent news courtesy of Noah Hawley. Speaking about Alien: Earth, Hawley told Deadline shooting for season two would happen this summer, and teased he’s got an endpoint in mind. Whether he gets there or not is entirely up to the audience, but he thinks the show and overall franchise could go on for “a very long time if we nurture them.” As for the movies, there’s not much news on the sequel to Alien: Romulus other than it exists. Last year, we learned Fede Álvarez would return to co-write its script and produce, but not direct. Instead, that duty will go to someone else, but Disney’s yet to announce a name. We’ll report once the news breaks. In the meantime, there’s the animatronic Xenomorph, which will be perfect for Halloween—or even just as a buddy any time you rewatch the Alien films. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Scare #Neighbors #LifeSize #Alien #Animatronic #ExclusiveAlien,Alien: Earth,Alien: Romulus,Xenomoprh

April 26 is Alien Day, and Disney’s celebrating the occasion with a big new piece of xenomorph merch.

That would be an animatronic Xenomorph that stands at 6 feet and 8 inches tall. Sculpted in detail to look like it came from the movies, the animatronic also moves like the iconic monster—it’s got an inner mouth, and the torso moves in a side-to-side motion. For Alien fans with indoor space or a covered porch to put it and $450 to spend, the Xenomorph animatronic may be for you, and you can order it from Spirit Halloween starting today.

 

The Alien franchise got some recent news courtesy of Noah Hawley. Speaking about Alien: Earth, Hawley told Deadline shooting for season two would happen this summer, and teased he’s got an endpoint in mind. Whether he gets there or not is entirely up to the audience, but he thinks the show and overall franchise could go on for “a very long time if we nurture them.”

As for the movies, there’s not much news on the sequel to Alien: Romulus other than it exists. Last year, we learned Fede Álvarez would return to co-write its script and produce, but not direct. Instead, that duty will go to someone else, but Disney’s yet to announce a name. We’ll report once the news breaks.

In the meantime, there’s the animatronic Xenomorph, which will be perfect for Halloween—or even just as a buddy any time you rewatch the Alien films.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Scare #Neighbors #LifeSize #Alien #Animatronic #ExclusiveAlien,Alien: Earth,Alien: Romulus,Xenomoprh

Kindle Holders

Hate holding up your Kindle? Or struggle with chronic pain that makes holding it feel terrible? These holders will literally take the weight out of your hands.

Lamicall

Gooseneck iPad Holder

This holder works for Kindles and tablets alike, and even my Nintendo Switch. The clamp base lets you attach it to tables and furniture, and it’s easy to position in front of or even above you if you wanted to lie down and read.

Lamicall

Tablet Pillow Stand Holder

If you want something that’s freestanding, this pillow tablet stand holder works great for a Kindle. I use it on the couch, and I can sit up or lounge back and adjust the stand arm to suit my position. There are also two built-in cup and snack holders. Lamicall says they’re food safe, but I just use it to hold my tea mug and phone.

A Freestanding Charger

Looking to keep your Kindle charged without adding another cord to the floor of your desk or bedside table? Same. Here’s a more stylish solution if you have one of the Signature editions.

Anker

Wireless Charging Dock for Kindle

This wireless charging dock is made by Anker for Kindles, specifically for Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft’s seven-inch Signature editions. Those versions have wireless charging capabilities, and this stand takes advantage of that with charging coils that line up with the back of the Kindle, where the wireless charging is. You’ll want to take off any MagSafe cases; leaving mine on made the little light on the charging dock flash until I took it off.

A Kindle Page Turner

The hottest new item to get as a Kindle lover is a page turner. They’re especially handy for holders like the ones above, where your hands aren’t already on the device, and can make for a great accessibility accessory for readers with different needs.

My biggest irritation with these devices so far is that you have to charge them both individually, and if one runs out of battery, the whole thing is useless. I also don’t love that the turner does tend to block at least one letter while I read, and you can’t place it on the lower or upper margins since it’ll activate the menus instead of turning the page. Still, it makes reading ultra comfortable, especially for my strained wrists.

Here’s my favorite one so far, that’s been solid at holding a charge, and next I’m testing this remote ($15) with a wearable ring clicker instead of a remote.

#Kindle #Accessories #Heres #Startkindle,e-books,books,e-readers,tablets,shopping">Your Kindle Is Better With Accessories. Here’s Where to StartKindle HoldersHate holding up your Kindle? Or struggle with chronic pain that makes holding it feel terrible? These holders will literally take the weight out of your hands.LamicallGooseneck iPad HolderThis holder works for Kindles and tablets alike, and even my Nintendo Switch. The clamp base lets you attach it to tables and furniture, and it’s easy to position in front of or even above you if you wanted to lie down and read. LamicallTablet Pillow Stand HolderIf you want something that’s freestanding, this pillow tablet stand holder works great for a Kindle. I use it on the couch, and I can sit up or lounge back and adjust the stand arm to suit my position. There are also two built-in cup and snack holders. Lamicall says they’re food safe, but I just use it to hold my tea mug and phone. A Freestanding ChargerLooking to keep your Kindle charged without adding another cord to the floor of your desk or bedside table? Same. Here’s a more stylish solution if you have one of the Signature editions.AnkerWireless Charging Dock for KindleThis wireless charging dock is made by Anker for Kindles, specifically for Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft’s seven-inch Signature editions. Those versions have wireless charging capabilities, and this stand takes advantage of that with charging coils that line up with the back of the Kindle, where the wireless charging is. You’ll want to take off any MagSafe cases; leaving mine on made the little light on the charging dock flash until I took it off. A Kindle Page TurnerThe hottest new item to get as a Kindle lover is a page turner. They’re especially handy for holders like the ones above, where your hands aren’t already on the device, and can make for a great accessibility accessory for readers with different needs.My biggest irritation with these devices so far is that you have to charge them both individually, and if one runs out of battery, the whole thing is useless. I also don’t love that the turner does tend to block at least one letter while I read, and you can’t place it on the lower or upper margins since it’ll activate the menus instead of turning the page. Still, it makes reading ultra comfortable, especially for my strained wrists.Here’s my favorite one so far, that’s been solid at holding a charge, and next I’m testing this remote () with a wearable ring clicker instead of a remote.#Kindle #Accessories #Heres #Startkindle,e-books,books,e-readers,tablets,shopping

struggle with chronic pain that makes holding it feel terrible? These holders will literally take the weight out of your hands.

Lamicall

Gooseneck iPad Holder

This holder works for Kindles and tablets alike, and even my Nintendo Switch. The clamp base lets you attach it to tables and furniture, and it’s easy to position in front of or even above you if you wanted to lie down and read.

Lamicall

Tablet Pillow Stand Holder

If you want something that’s freestanding, this pillow tablet stand holder works great for a Kindle. I use it on the couch, and I can sit up or lounge back and adjust the stand arm to suit my position. There are also two built-in cup and snack holders. Lamicall says they’re food safe, but I just use it to hold my tea mug and phone.

A Freestanding Charger

Looking to keep your Kindle charged without adding another cord to the floor of your desk or bedside table? Same. Here’s a more stylish solution if you have one of the Signature editions.

Anker

Wireless Charging Dock for Kindle

This wireless charging dock is made by Anker for Kindles, specifically for Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft’s seven-inch Signature editions. Those versions have wireless charging capabilities, and this stand takes advantage of that with charging coils that line up with the back of the Kindle, where the wireless charging is. You’ll want to take off any MagSafe cases; leaving mine on made the little light on the charging dock flash until I took it off.

A Kindle Page Turner

The hottest new item to get as a Kindle lover is a page turner. They’re especially handy for holders like the ones above, where your hands aren’t already on the device, and can make for a great accessibility accessory for readers with different needs.

My biggest irritation with these devices so far is that you have to charge them both individually, and if one runs out of battery, the whole thing is useless. I also don’t love that the turner does tend to block at least one letter while I read, and you can’t place it on the lower or upper margins since it’ll activate the menus instead of turning the page. Still, it makes reading ultra comfortable, especially for my strained wrists.

Here’s my favorite one so far, that’s been solid at holding a charge, and next I’m testing this remote ($15) with a wearable ring clicker instead of a remote.

#Kindle #Accessories #Heres #Startkindle,e-books,books,e-readers,tablets,shopping">Your Kindle Is Better With Accessories. Here’s Where to Start

Kindle Holders

Hate holding up your Kindle? Or struggle with chronic pain that makes holding it feel terrible? These holders will literally take the weight out of your hands.

Lamicall

Gooseneck iPad Holder

This holder works for Kindles and tablets alike, and even my Nintendo Switch. The clamp base lets you attach it to tables and furniture, and it’s easy to position in front of or even above you if you wanted to lie down and read.

Lamicall

Tablet Pillow Stand Holder

If you want something that’s freestanding, this pillow tablet stand holder works great for a Kindle. I use it on the couch, and I can sit up or lounge back and adjust the stand arm to suit my position. There are also two built-in cup and snack holders. Lamicall says they’re food safe, but I just use it to hold my tea mug and phone.

A Freestanding Charger

Looking to keep your Kindle charged without adding another cord to the floor of your desk or bedside table? Same. Here’s a more stylish solution if you have one of the Signature editions.

Anker

Wireless Charging Dock for Kindle

This wireless charging dock is made by Anker for Kindles, specifically for Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft’s seven-inch Signature editions. Those versions have wireless charging capabilities, and this stand takes advantage of that with charging coils that line up with the back of the Kindle, where the wireless charging is. You’ll want to take off any MagSafe cases; leaving mine on made the little light on the charging dock flash until I took it off.

A Kindle Page Turner

The hottest new item to get as a Kindle lover is a page turner. They’re especially handy for holders like the ones above, where your hands aren’t already on the device, and can make for a great accessibility accessory for readers with different needs.

My biggest irritation with these devices so far is that you have to charge them both individually, and if one runs out of battery, the whole thing is useless. I also don’t love that the turner does tend to block at least one letter while I read, and you can’t place it on the lower or upper margins since it’ll activate the menus instead of turning the page. Still, it makes reading ultra comfortable, especially for my strained wrists.

Here’s my favorite one so far, that’s been solid at holding a charge, and next I’m testing this remote ($15) with a wearable ring clicker instead of a remote.

#Kindle #Accessories #Heres #Startkindle,e-books,books,e-readers,tablets,shopping

There are a lot of valid reasons for looking for a hookup and you certainly don’t need to justify your quest for a fling to us.

If you want to protect your privacy or at least keep a low profile while you swipe through sexy singles in your area, there are a few different approaches you can take, some general guidance that works across all apps and sites, and some more targeted advice depending on the service you’re using.

General tips for browsing hookup apps discreetly

The following tips work well across all hookup sites. Think of them as general guidelines for limiting your exposure:

Hookup apps for everyone

AdultFriendFinder — readers’ pick for casual connections

Tinder — top pick for finding hookups

Hinge — popular choice for regular meetups

  • Sign up using an alternative email address. Not only does this spare you in the event of a data breach (and trust us: they’re more common than you would think), but it also means that no one who catches a glance at your inbox will ever find out which hookup sites you frequent.

  • Anonymize your photos as far as possible. You don’t have to blur your face, but neither should you be taking photos of yourself that could show someone what neighborhood you live in or where you work. Additionally, ensure you leave out any identifying marks, such as unique tattoos, from any of your profile photos.  

  • Don’t link your social media in your profile. Too many people share their Instagram pages or TikTok handles in their profiles, but doing so dramatically increases your exposure, since every image and story you post there could inadvertently contain identifying information about you, from who your friends are to where you hang out.  

  • Take advantage of gift cards or prepaid credit cards. If you opt to purchase a premium membership to a hookup app or site, the paper trail linking your bank account or credit card to the service is a definite liability. To maximize your anonymity, use a prepaid card or purchase a gift card rather than using your main credit or debit card to register your membership. 

App-specific tips to retain your anonymity

Feeld

For the privacy-conscious dater, Feeld’s Incognito mode is a game-changer: you can scout the Discover feed without leaving a digital footprint, remaining invisible to anyone you haven’t explicitly “liked.” The app also supports private photo vaults that only unlock for confirmed connections.

Tinder

Tinder offers a few unique features that can help you lower your profile, even as you swipe away. First, consider turning off Discovery mode when you’re trying to keep a low profile. This will make it impossible for new people to find your profile in search without preventing you from speaking to the people you’ve already matched with.

If you really want to take things up a notch and you already have a Tinder Plus, Gold or Platinum membership, you can use Passport Mode to browse singles in a nearby city, or a place you’re travelling to for work or on a vacation. This is a great way to prevent your local friends and family from accidentally coming across your profile. 

You can also block phone numbers if you really don’t want certain individuals coming across your profile, like your boss or sibling.

Grindr

The first line of defence on Grindr is a relatively new feature called Profile Hide that works on one user at a time. Say, for example, you come across a co-worker on the app, and don’t want them to know you’re also using it. Simply click on their profile and find the Hide icon. If you tap this, your profile will become invisible to them and their profile will become invisible to you, like magic.

If you want to take things up a notch, you’ll need a Grindr Unlimited membership, which unlocks a really useful privacy feature called Incignito mode, which essentially allows you to use the service in total secrecy, without anyone knowing you’re there until you initiate an interaction. 

AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder is like the Wild West of hookup sites, a place where seemingly anything goes, but that carefree attitude can also be a privacy nightmare. We strongly recommend you limit the amount of identifiable information you put on your profile, including being very selective about which photos you choose to share.

One good way to strike a balance between total anonymity and a modicum of privacy is to take advantage of AFF’s many photo features, specifically their photo permissions options. You can make your main profile photo something reasonably discrete, such as a full-length picture of you wearing a hat or a photo shot from a distance or even a photo with your face blurred out, but then you can create a photo album of more identifiable, personal photos that you choose to share only with friends. 

That way, you become the final gatekeeper over your photos, allowing you to be selective about who you share them with.

#tips #hookup #apps #discretely #advice #Feeld #Tinder #AdultFriendFinder #Grindr">4 tips for using hookup apps discretely — advice for Feeld, Tinder, AdultFriendFinder, and Grindr There are a lot of valid reasons for looking for a hookup and you certainly don’t need to justify your quest for a fling to us.If you want to protect your privacy or at least keep a low profile while you swipe through sexy singles in your area, there are a few different approaches you can take, some general guidance that works across all apps and sites, and some more targeted advice depending on the service you’re using.General tips for browsing hookup apps discreetlyThe following tips work well across all hookup sites. Think of them as general guidelines for limiting your exposure: Hookup apps for everyone AdultFriendFinder — readers’ pick for casual connections Tinder — top pick for finding hookups Hinge — popular choice for regular meetups Sign up using an alternative email address. Not only does this spare you in the event of a data breach (and trust us: they’re more common than you would think), but it also means that no one who catches a glance at your inbox will ever find out which hookup sites you frequent.Anonymize your photos as far as possible. You don’t have to blur your face, but neither should you be taking photos of yourself that could show someone what neighborhood you live in or where you work. Additionally, ensure you leave out any identifying marks, such as unique tattoos, from any of your profile photos.  Don’t link your social media in your profile. Too many people share their Instagram pages or TikTok handles in their profiles, but doing so dramatically increases your exposure, since every image and story you post there could inadvertently contain identifying information about you, from who your friends are to where you hang out.  Take advantage of gift cards or prepaid credit cards. If you opt to purchase a premium membership to a hookup app or site, the paper trail linking your bank account or credit card to the service is a definite liability. To maximize your anonymity, use a prepaid card or purchase a gift card rather than using your main credit or debit card to register your membership. App-specific tips to retain your anonymityFeeldFor the privacy-conscious dater, Feeld’s Incognito mode is a game-changer: you can scout the Discover feed without leaving a digital footprint, remaining invisible to anyone you haven’t explicitly “liked.” The app also supports private photo vaults that only unlock for confirmed connections. TinderTinder offers a few unique features that can help you lower your profile, even as you swipe away. First, consider turning off Discovery mode when you’re trying to keep a low profile. This will make it impossible for new people to find your profile in search without preventing you from speaking to the people you’ve already matched with. Mashable Trend Report If you really want to take things up a notch and you already have a Tinder Plus, Gold or Platinum membership, you can use Passport Mode to browse singles in a nearby city, or a place you’re travelling to for work or on a vacation. This is a great way to prevent your local friends and family from accidentally coming across your profile. You can also block phone numbers if you really don’t want certain individuals coming across your profile, like your boss or sibling.GrindrThe first line of defence on Grindr is a relatively new feature called Profile Hide that works on one user at a time. Say, for example, you come across a co-worker on the app, and don’t want them to know you’re also using it. Simply click on their profile and find the Hide icon. If you tap this, your profile will become invisible to them and their profile will become invisible to you, like magic.If you want to take things up a notch, you’ll need a Grindr Unlimited membership, which unlocks a really useful privacy feature called Incignito mode, which essentially allows you to use the service in total secrecy, without anyone knowing you’re there until you initiate an interaction. AdultFriendFinderAdultFriendFinder is like the Wild West of hookup sites, a place where seemingly anything goes, but that carefree attitude can also be a privacy nightmare. We strongly recommend you limit the amount of identifiable information you put on your profile, including being very selective about which photos you choose to share.One good way to strike a balance between total anonymity and a modicum of privacy is to take advantage of AFF’s many photo features, specifically their photo permissions options. You can make your main profile photo something reasonably discrete, such as a full-length picture of you wearing a hat or a photo shot from a distance or even a photo with your face blurred out, but then you can create a photo album of more identifiable, personal photos that you choose to share only with friends. That way, you become the final gatekeeper over your photos, allowing you to be selective about who you share them with. #tips #hookup #apps #discretely #advice #Feeld #Tinder #AdultFriendFinder #Grindr

hookup and you certainly don’t need to justify your quest for a fling to us.

If you want to protect your privacy or at least keep a low profile while you swipe through sexy singles in your area, there are a few different approaches you can take, some general guidance that works across all apps and sites, and some more targeted advice depending on the service you’re using.

General tips for browsing hookup apps discreetly

The following tips work well across all hookup sites. Think of them as general guidelines for limiting your exposure:

Hookup apps for everyone

AdultFriendFinder — readers’ pick for casual connections

Tinder — top pick for finding hookups

Hinge — popular choice for regular meetups

  • Sign up using an alternative email address. Not only does this spare you in the event of a data breach (and trust us: they’re more common than you would think), but it also means that no one who catches a glance at your inbox will ever find out which hookup sites you frequent.

  • Anonymize your photos as far as possible. You don’t have to blur your face, but neither should you be taking photos of yourself that could show someone what neighborhood you live in or where you work. Additionally, ensure you leave out any identifying marks, such as unique tattoos, from any of your profile photos.  

  • Don’t link your social media in your profile. Too many people share their Instagram pages or TikTok handles in their profiles, but doing so dramatically increases your exposure, since every image and story you post there could inadvertently contain identifying information about you, from who your friends are to where you hang out.  

  • Take advantage of gift cards or prepaid credit cards. If you opt to purchase a premium membership to a hookup app or site, the paper trail linking your bank account or credit card to the service is a definite liability. To maximize your anonymity, use a prepaid card or purchase a gift card rather than using your main credit or debit card to register your membership. 

App-specific tips to retain your anonymity

Feeld

For the privacy-conscious dater, Feeld’s Incognito mode is a game-changer: you can scout the Discover feed without leaving a digital footprint, remaining invisible to anyone you haven’t explicitly “liked.” The app also supports private photo vaults that only unlock for confirmed connections.

Tinder

Tinder offers a few unique features that can help you lower your profile, even as you swipe away. First, consider turning off Discovery mode when you’re trying to keep a low profile. This will make it impossible for new people to find your profile in search without preventing you from speaking to the people you’ve already matched with.

If you really want to take things up a notch and you already have a Tinder Plus, Gold or Platinum membership, you can use Passport Mode to browse singles in a nearby city, or a place you’re travelling to for work or on a vacation. This is a great way to prevent your local friends and family from accidentally coming across your profile. 

You can also block phone numbers if you really don’t want certain individuals coming across your profile, like your boss or sibling.

Grindr

The first line of defence on Grindr is a relatively new feature called Profile Hide that works on one user at a time. Say, for example, you come across a co-worker on the app, and don’t want them to know you’re also using it. Simply click on their profile and find the Hide icon. If you tap this, your profile will become invisible to them and their profile will become invisible to you, like magic.

If you want to take things up a notch, you’ll need a Grindr Unlimited membership, which unlocks a really useful privacy feature called Incignito mode, which essentially allows you to use the service in total secrecy, without anyone knowing you’re there until you initiate an interaction. 

AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder is like the Wild West of hookup sites, a place where seemingly anything goes, but that carefree attitude can also be a privacy nightmare. We strongly recommend you limit the amount of identifiable information you put on your profile, including being very selective about which photos you choose to share.

One good way to strike a balance between total anonymity and a modicum of privacy is to take advantage of AFF’s many photo features, specifically their photo permissions options. You can make your main profile photo something reasonably discrete, such as a full-length picture of you wearing a hat or a photo shot from a distance or even a photo with your face blurred out, but then you can create a photo album of more identifiable, personal photos that you choose to share only with friends. 

That way, you become the final gatekeeper over your photos, allowing you to be selective about who you share them with.

#tips #hookup #apps #discretely #advice #Feeld #Tinder #AdultFriendFinder #Grindr">4 tips for using hookup apps discretely — advice for Feeld, Tinder, AdultFriendFinder, and Grindr

There are a lot of valid reasons for looking for a hookup and you certainly don’t need to justify your quest for a fling to us.

If you want to protect your privacy or at least keep a low profile while you swipe through sexy singles in your area, there are a few different approaches you can take, some general guidance that works across all apps and sites, and some more targeted advice depending on the service you’re using.

General tips for browsing hookup apps discreetly

The following tips work well across all hookup sites. Think of them as general guidelines for limiting your exposure:

Hookup apps for everyone

AdultFriendFinder — readers’ pick for casual connections

Tinder — top pick for finding hookups

Hinge — popular choice for regular meetups

  • Sign up using an alternative email address. Not only does this spare you in the event of a data breach (and trust us: they’re more common than you would think), but it also means that no one who catches a glance at your inbox will ever find out which hookup sites you frequent.

  • Anonymize your photos as far as possible. You don’t have to blur your face, but neither should you be taking photos of yourself that could show someone what neighborhood you live in or where you work. Additionally, ensure you leave out any identifying marks, such as unique tattoos, from any of your profile photos.  

  • Don’t link your social media in your profile. Too many people share their Instagram pages or TikTok handles in their profiles, but doing so dramatically increases your exposure, since every image and story you post there could inadvertently contain identifying information about you, from who your friends are to where you hang out.  

  • Take advantage of gift cards or prepaid credit cards. If you opt to purchase a premium membership to a hookup app or site, the paper trail linking your bank account or credit card to the service is a definite liability. To maximize your anonymity, use a prepaid card or purchase a gift card rather than using your main credit or debit card to register your membership. 

App-specific tips to retain your anonymity

Feeld

For the privacy-conscious dater, Feeld’s Incognito mode is a game-changer: you can scout the Discover feed without leaving a digital footprint, remaining invisible to anyone you haven’t explicitly “liked.” The app also supports private photo vaults that only unlock for confirmed connections.

Tinder

Tinder offers a few unique features that can help you lower your profile, even as you swipe away. First, consider turning off Discovery mode when you’re trying to keep a low profile. This will make it impossible for new people to find your profile in search without preventing you from speaking to the people you’ve already matched with.

If you really want to take things up a notch and you already have a Tinder Plus, Gold or Platinum membership, you can use Passport Mode to browse singles in a nearby city, or a place you’re travelling to for work or on a vacation. This is a great way to prevent your local friends and family from accidentally coming across your profile. 

You can also block phone numbers if you really don’t want certain individuals coming across your profile, like your boss or sibling.

Grindr

The first line of defence on Grindr is a relatively new feature called Profile Hide that works on one user at a time. Say, for example, you come across a co-worker on the app, and don’t want them to know you’re also using it. Simply click on their profile and find the Hide icon. If you tap this, your profile will become invisible to them and their profile will become invisible to you, like magic.

If you want to take things up a notch, you’ll need a Grindr Unlimited membership, which unlocks a really useful privacy feature called Incignito mode, which essentially allows you to use the service in total secrecy, without anyone knowing you’re there until you initiate an interaction. 

AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder is like the Wild West of hookup sites, a place where seemingly anything goes, but that carefree attitude can also be a privacy nightmare. We strongly recommend you limit the amount of identifiable information you put on your profile, including being very selective about which photos you choose to share.

One good way to strike a balance between total anonymity and a modicum of privacy is to take advantage of AFF’s many photo features, specifically their photo permissions options. You can make your main profile photo something reasonably discrete, such as a full-length picture of you wearing a hat or a photo shot from a distance or even a photo with your face blurred out, but then you can create a photo album of more identifiable, personal photos that you choose to share only with friends. 

That way, you become the final gatekeeper over your photos, allowing you to be selective about who you share them with.

#tips #hookup #apps #discretely #advice #Feeld #Tinder #AdultFriendFinder #Grindr

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