Invidious Tracks Users Despite Tor, Tails, and Qubes — Users Say Google's Data Collection Is Unstoppable

Post date: August 22, 2026 · Discovered: August 22, 2026 · 3 posts, 0 comments

Users report that websites like Invidious continue to track their activity across devices and sessions, even when using advanced privacy tools like Tor, Tails, and Qubes. This suggests that entities like Google are capable of pervasive data collection, regardless of the user's efforts to remain anonymous.

The community is divided on the cause of this tracking. Some argue that Google's data collection extends beyond its services, including through features like Google Wireless Access Point. Others believe that complete privacy is unattainable due to the inherent nature of online tracking. The user 'lemmingsareawesome' highlights frustration with the ineffectiveness of privacy tools, suggesting that the problem lies in the fundamental architecture of online tracking rather than the tools themselves.

The consensus is that even with extensive privacy measures, users are still being tracked by entities like Google. However, there is controversy over whether this is due to Google's pervasive data collection or the limitations of current privacy tools. The community remains divided, with some feeling that privacy efforts are futile and others believing that the issue lies in the broader online ecosystem.

Key Points

#1Users report persistent tracking by Invidious despite using Tor, Tails, and Qubes.

The user 'lemmingsareawesome' claims that websites like Invidious still track user activity across devices and sessions, indicating that Google's data collection is pervasive and persistent.

#2Google's data collection is seen as a fundamental issue in online privacy.

The user 'lemmingsareawesome' argues that even with proper anonymity tools, complete privacy is unattainable due to the nature of online tracking.

#3Privacy tools are perceived as ineffective and cumbersome.

The user 'lemmingsareawesome' expresses frustration with the complexity of tools like Qubes and Whonix, which may contribute to the perceived lack of effectiveness.

#4Users feel that privacy tools hinder usability and practicality.

The user 'lemmingsareawesome' states that privacy tools lead to slower internet and broken websites, undermining their usability and practicality.

#5There is a sense of helplessness among users regarding privacy concerns.

The user 'lemmingsareawesome' mentions frustration with the lack of support or solutions for privacy concerns, leading to a sense of helplessness and potential abandonment of privacy efforts.

Source Discussions (3)

This report was synthesized from the following Lemmy discussions, ranked by community score.

42
points
what am i doing wrong? i feel like i have no privacy or connivence.
[email protected]·55 comments·8/22/2026·by lemmingsareawesome
10
points
what am i doing wrong? i feel like i have no privacy or connivence.
[email protected]·23 comments·8/22/2026·by lemmingsareawesome
-2
points
what am i doing wrong? i feel like i have no privacy or connivence.
[email protected]·18 comments·8/22/2026·by lemmingsareawesome