The Short Version
We recommend security, privacy or other applicable tools or services. Sometimes we get paid when you buy them. We only recommend things we actually use or have thoroughly tested.
Here's what you need to know:
- Some links on this site are affiliate links (we earn a commission if you buy)
- We don't let money influence what we recommend
- We'll tell you when a link is an affiliate link
- We don't accept sponsored content from companies we wouldn't recommend anyway
If you want the details, keep reading.
How We Make Money
Unpublic is a for-profit business. We exist to help creators protect their privacy, and we need revenue to keep doing that work.
Our revenue comes from:
- Services we provide (vulnerability audits, privacy consulting, ongoing monitoring)
- Paid memberships (premium content, threat intelligence, community access)
- Affiliate commissions (when you buy tools we recommend)
- Sponsorships (occasionally, from companies whose products we actually use)
- Direct support (tips, donations, and one-time contributions from people who find our free content valuable)
The majority of our revenue comes from services. Everything else is supplemental.
Our Affiliate Disclosure
Assume every product link is an affiliate link unless we say otherwise.
When we recommend security tools, privacy services, or other products, those recommendations may include affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Examples of what might be affiliate links:
- VPN services
- Password managers
- Data removal services
- Encrypted communication tools
- Security hardware
- Domain privacy services
- Virtual mailbox services
- Any other privacy or security product we recommend
What we DON'T do:
- Hide affiliate relationships
- Recommend products just because they have high commissions
- Let affiliate partnerships influence our honest assessments
- Feature products we haven't researched or wouldn't use ourselves
What We Recommend and Why
Our standard for recommendations:
We only recommend products and services that meet at least one of these criteria:
- We use it ourselves - It's part of our own security stack
- We've tested it thoroughly - We've put it through real-world scenarios
- We've researched it extensively - We've analyzed its security practices, privacy policies, and track record
- Our clients use it successfully - We've seen it work in practice
We will not recommend something just because:
- They offered us money
- They have a high commission rate
- Everyone else is recommending it
- It's trendy or popular
How We Handle Sponsorships
We occasionally accept sponsorships. Here's how we do it:
Our Sponsorship Rules
We will only accept sponsorships from:
- Companies whose products we already use or recommend
- Services that genuinely help creator privacy and security
- Businesses whose practices align with our values
We will not accept sponsorships from:
- Companies with questionable privacy practices
- Services we wouldn't recommend to our own clients
- Businesses that profit from creator data exploitation
- Anyone who wants editorial control over our content
Disclosure
When content is sponsored, we'll clearly label it. You'll see:
- "Sponsored by [Company]" at the top of the content
- Clear distinction between our honest assessment and sponsored messaging
- Our genuine opinion, even if it includes criticisms
Sponsorship doesn't mean endorsement of everything a company does. It means we think their product is valuable enough to feature, and they're paying to reach our audience.
How We Test and Evaluate Products
When we recommend something, here's what we do:
For security tools:
- Research the company's security practices and track record
- Test the product in real-world scenarios
- Evaluate privacy policies and data handling
- Check for any concerning ownership or partnerships
- Compare to alternatives in the same category
- Consider cost vs. value for creators specifically
For services:
- Vet their security and privacy practices
- Test their customer service and responsiveness
- Evaluate their effectiveness for creator-specific needs
- Check their reputation in the privacy/security community
- Assess their transparency about limitations
We include trade-offs. No product is perfect. We'll tell you:
- What it's good for
- What it's not good for
- Who should skip it
- Better alternatives if they exist
Our Commitment to You
We will:
- Always disclose affiliate relationships
- Give you our honest assessment, regardless of commission structure
- Tell you when something isn't worth the money
- Recommend free alternatives when they're better
- Update recommendations when better options emerge
- Admit when we were wrong about a product
We will not:
- Recommend garbage just to make money
- Hide negative aspects of products we profit from
- Create fake urgency to drive sales
- Use manipulative sales tactics
- Sell your trust for commission dollars
Direct Support and Tips
We offer ways to support our work directly if you find it valuable.
If you've found our free content helpful—whether it's newsletter security tips, educational resources, or open-source guides—you can support that work financially. No strings attached, no expectations.
How it works:
- One-time tips or recurring contributions (your choice)
- No minimum amount
- Completely optional (we mean it - our free content stays free regardless)
- You won't get special treatment or access (paid memberships are for that)
Why we do this: Creating quality privacy education takes time and research. Some people prefer to support that work directly rather than through affiliate purchases or paid services. We get it- that's how we support creators we believe in too.
What it's NOT:
- Not a paid membership (that's different - you get actual benefits with those)
- Not required to access free content
- Not a way to jump the line for services
- Not tax-deductible (we're a for-profit company, not a nonprofit)
Full transparency: Direct support helps cover the costs of creating free educational content and original research - research time, tools we test, website hosting, etc. It lets us keep sharing knowledge without paywalling everything.
Can you cancel recurring support? Yes, anytime. No questions asked.
If you've gotten value from our work and want to chip in, we appreciate it. If not, that's totally fine too.
FTC Compliance
This disclosure complies with the Federal Trade Commission's guidelines concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.
In accordance with FTC guidelines:
- We disclose material connections between us and the companies whose products we recommend
- Our reviews and recommendations reflect our honest opinions
- We do not make claims about products that aren't supported by evidence
- Any testimonials or results mentioned are not typical and your results may vary
Specific Disclosures
Affiliate Programs We Participate In
We participate in various affiliate programs for privacy and security tools, VPN services, password managers, and other creator-focused security products. These relationships do not influence which products we recommend, only whether we earn a commission when you purchase.
When we link to a product or service, you should assume it's an affiliate link unless we explicitly state otherwise.
Questions About Specific Products
Not sure if a link is an affiliate link? Assume it is, or just ask us.
Want to know our relationship with a company? Email us at heythere@gounpublic.com and we'll tell you.
Think we recommended something we shouldn't have? Tell us. We'd rather be corrected than be wrong.
Changes to This Policy
We'll update this policy when our business practices change. The "Last Updated" date at the top will reflect any changes.
If we make significant changes to how we handle affiliates or sponsorships, we'll notify our email list.
The Bottom Line
We built Unpublic because privacy matters, not to make quick money on affiliate commissions.
When we recommend something and include an affiliate link, it's because:
- We genuinely think it will help you
- You were probably going to buy it anyway
- We might as well get paid for the recommendation
We're not going to bullshit you to make a few dollars. Our reputation is worth more than any commission check.
If we recommend it, it's because we believe in it. If we profit from that recommendation, we'll tell you. If you have questions about any of our recommendations or partnerships, ask us.
That's it. No hidden agendas. No manipulation. Just honest recommendations from people who actually care about your safety.
