In the digital world we live in today, nearly every tool you use online asks for your personal information before you can even begin. Want to read an article? Join a video call? Store a file? Most platforms require you to register — usually with your full name, email address, phone number, or even your social media profile. Some go further, asking for your location, date of birth, or home address, just to give you access to a “free” service.
But that information isn’t collected because it’s truly needed to make the tool work. In most cases, it’s collected because your personal data is valuable. Once you’re inside the platform, everything you do — from what you click to how long you stay — is tracked. That data is then used for advertising, profiling, and sometimes sold to third-party data brokers.
These companies combine your data across services to build detailed profiles: where you go, what you do, what you like - and what you’re likely to do next. Those profiles are sold to buyers ranging from advertisers and insurers to political campaigns.
What Is the Zero-Data Approach?
While data collection has become a built-in part of most digital services, a small but growing group of tools is moving in a different direction. Instead of tracking users or asking for permissions, these platforms are designed from the ground up to operate without depending on personal data.
This is known as the Zero-Data Approach. And while still rare, it represents a powerful shift in how digital tools are created — focused on delivering the service itself, not extracting value from users. That means no registrations, ads, or upselling funnels - just access to what you need, with no strings attached.
True Zero-Data tools don’t ask you to “sign up,” don’t monetize your behavior, and don’t leave you wondering what happens to your data later. While some platforms may still use limited technical data to improve basic functionality, Zero-Data tools draw a clear line: they don’t collect personal information or treat data as currency. Simply put, they don’t trade your personal data in exchange for “free” access. Instead, they put privacy at the heart of how they’re built — just like EXTRA SAFE Browser Lite.
Zero-Data Apps That Do It Right:
extrasafe.chat – The first video conferencing app that works without registration. It operates without any third-party servers handling your conversations, using peer-to-peer connections where all data stays directly between participants.
CryptPad – A privacy-first collaboration suite (docs, spreadsheets, polls) where the platform can’t access your data.
Tuta Mail (formerly Tutanota) – Encrypted email with no ads, no tracking, and a free plan for privacy-conscious users.
OnionShare – Anonymous file sharing and messaging tool using the Tor network. No accounts, no logs. Fully open-source and free.
5 Tips to Avoid Data Leaks with the Zero-Data Approach
Choose platforms that work without sign-ups: The less you share, the less you risk. Tools that don’t ask for email, phone, or social media accounts keep you safer by default like extrasafe.chat
Avoid services that sync your data to the cloud: Auto-sync can be a hidden threat. Even if messages are encrypted, backups stored in the cloud are often not. Stick to tools that don’t store your data anywhere, even temporarily.
Rely on P2P connections: This way, your files or messages go directly between devices - no servers involved, no data left behind. It’s a key part of how zero-data platforms protect your privacy.
Always check what data a service collects: Before you install or use any tool, take one minute to visit their Privacy Policy. If it’s long and vague, that’s a red flag. If they openly say they don’t collect anything - and can explain how - that’s what you want.
Discuss sensitive details only through proven zero-data tools: When the topic matters, so should the tool. For anything confidential that is personal, legal, or work-related - use platforms like EXTRA SAFE that leave no digital footprint after the conversation ends.
Unlike other platforms, extrasafe.chat is built on the Zero-Data Approach from the ground up. It uses peer-to-peer video calling with asymmetric encryption, so your conversation travels only between your device and your colleague’s - with no third-party servers involved. There’s no login, no app to install, and no personal details to share. Your encryption keys stay on your device, and everything is destroyed the moment the call ends.
👉 Try it now at extrasafe.chat - and experience zero-data communication done right.