How to make a Kobo private and vendor-independent ?

[Uschiekid]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

To buy eBooks, one has to give information such as payment details. That means name and address. You cannot buy eBooks without giving more information then just a valid email address..

Actually, you don't have to give personal info to buy ebooks from kobo.
1) go to a store, buy a kobo gift card
2) use whatever name you want
3) use ... for every section of your address (this is from memory, it might be dashes not ellipses), only your province/state needs to be entered to make sure you are paying the correct amount of tax (possibly also a valid postal code/zip code is needed).

How are you being forced to give your personal info in order to buy books?

[salamanderjuice]

Originally Posted by Uschiekid

Actually, you don't have to give personal info to buy ebooks from kobo.
1) go to a store, buy a kobo gift card
2) use whatever name you want
3) use ... for every section of your address (this is from memory, it might be dashes not ellipses), only your province/state needs to be entered to make sure you are paying the correct amount of tax (possibly also a valid postal code/zip code is needed).

How are you being forced to give your personal info in order to buy books?

I don't believe that Kobo gift cards are available in all regions so that may not work everywhere.

[Uschiekid]

Originally Posted by salamanderjuice

I don't believe that Kobo gift cards are available in all regions so that may not work everywhere.

True. But JSWolf implied that there is no way to buy books from Kobo without giving your personal information. That is just not true. The OP is from France, so it may be true in their case, but other people might read this thread, and it seemed unfair to imply that it is impossible for everyone.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by John F

They can still have a valid email address for buying books, and use a separate/fake address for the reader. It would solve both problems: they could still buy books, and limit the information going from the reader back to Kobo.

The problem with that is there is no syncing doing it that way. We don't know exactly what the OP wants to do.

[John F]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The problem with that is there is no syncing doing it that way. ...

Which was mentioned back in post 16.

... We don't know exactly what the OP wants to do.

That didn't seem to concern you previously.

[rashkae]

Knowing the SQL commands to achieve this is a useful lore for the community, but the easiest way to bypass registration on a Kobo e-ink device is to copy over a database with a blank, (or fake) User. You are welcome to use the one I created for this purpose:

http://www.transfer.sh/1C1MipV/KoboReader.sqlite

Connect the Kobo to a computer via usb, and replace the existing file in the .kobo directory. (it might be in a sub, directory.) Eject your device, and restart it.

I'm not really advocating you do this. Disadvantages include: No longer any syncing, which also means no updates to firmware without manually updating it yourself. Also, the Kobo will not be able to download any new dictionaries. If the pre-installed dictionaries are not all the ones you want, or get deleted, (very easy to do by accident.), you have to manually download and install them yourself.

It should be obvious, but this also means the kobo will only be able to use e-books with no drm.. Whether they are purchased that way, 'found' that way, or made that way yourself, is an exercise for the reader.

The advantages, if you go down this path,, once you have the files you want, you can bootstrap your kobo, (or any other kobo) any time you want without the hassle of connecting to wifi and filling out the registration form.

[John F]

Originally Posted by rashkae

...

It should be obvious, but this also means the kobo will only be able to use e-books with no drm.. Whether they are purchased that way, 'found' that way, or made that way yourself, is an exercise for the reader.

...

If you "made that way yourself", then you may be using ADE, in which case you could still use DRM by authorizing the device through ADE. I seem to recall comments about copying ADE authorization files to bypass registering devices With ADE?

[Odessa]

Thank you all for your advice. Narrowing down from your answers :

• I'd rather not use the fake registration hack.
  
• I need to have Wifi access at least at times, because looking up words in Wikipedia or Google is a killer feature to me.
  
• I have an infinite supply of email addresses through Anonaddy (and I recommend it).

New question : where are notes and highlights stored ? I assume they are on the Libra, but aren't they also on the server ? Otherwise, how could they sync ? That's a feature I'll use.

Originally Posted by davidfor

Kobo knows nothing about your sideloaded books. There is some usage tracking but, my understanding is that it tracking how you use the device without necessarily tracking what actual books you are reading. This reporting can be turned off in the settings.

How do you turn off the reporting in the settings ? I haven't been able to find the option.

Originally Posted by davidfor

And if you never connect via WiFi, it won't be uploaded to Kobo.

The important word here is never, right ?

Also, do you mean no tracking occurs when the Libra is synced while plugged into the PC ? Because I would need to update the firmware from time to time, and this can be done through USB instead of Wifi, can't it ?

Originally Posted by davidfor

That should delete the account, remove your access to any books.

Meaning, you lose your money and have to buy the books again, unless you have de-DRMed them beforehand. Correct ?

Originally Posted by John F

So the OP could use a real email (or fake) for purchases, use a seperate fake email for registering his Kobo (or use the database hack), turn off wifi on the Kobo, and Kobo would have as little information as possible. Assuming he downloads and strips drm and sideloads.

This would mean creating two Kobo accounts, wouldn't it ?

Would this entail the loss of some features ?

Originally Posted by salamanderjuice

As others mentioned using a kobo without an account has led to issues in the past with firmware updates destroying everything. You need to either use the fake registration hack and deal with the consequences or have an account logged in. You can log out to switch accounts or to sell it but to use it, it must be logged in.

So one could create several accounts ? Since "logging out" on the Libra is a pain, because you need to do the whole setup again, could there be any significant advantages to having several accounts ?

[Uschiekid]

Originally Posted by Odessa

New question : where are notes and highlights stored ? I assume they are on the Libra, but aren't they also on the server ? Otherwise, how could they sync ? That's a feature I'll use.

If this is the case, you pretty much rule out everything that means Kobo doesn't track something.

Syncing highlights and notes, by it's very nature, means Kobo has information on you. You either get ease of use, or privacy. Not just with Kobo. This is true of any company that syncs information for you.

If I've not misunderstood, and you want your notes, annotations and highlights to sync across devices, this severely limits how you can set things up. 1) they have to be books bought from Kobo. 2) the devices have to be logged in the same account as you bought them 3) you have to turn on your wifi to sync.

You can however turn off sharing analytics with Kobo.

If you just want to make annotations, highlights, etc, but have no interest in syncing across more than one device, then ignore above. If you just want them backed up, but are not so concerned of having them be able to be restored in the case you need to factory reset, this is also possible. But if you want them to be backed up and restored after a reset, on new devices, phones or anything similar, then the above does apply.

Sideloaded books, even ones converted to kepub format, don't allow for syncing. Some people are really frustrated by this and complain it's not like Kindle, but it's afaik because of the stricter privacy laws in Canada (kind of home of Kobo) that this is the case.

[Odessa]

Originally Posted by Uschiekid

If you just want to make annotations, highlights, etc, but have no interest in syncing across more than one device, then ignore above. If you just want them backed up, but are not so concerned of having them be able to be restored in the case you need to factory reset, this is also possible.

That's it. I want to be able to highlight and take notes, and not lose them if my Libra breaks, Kobo goes bankrupt, or it does not like me anymore and bans my account -- or whatever.

I'm prepared to move files myself. I don't need the sync proper, meaning different devices would get updated automatically with the notes included.

Currently, I can take notes on sideloaded, non-Kobo books.

So let me ask the question again : where are highlights and notes stored ? Is it possible to have them inside the file, not on Kobo's server, and have them follow the file wherever it goes (backups and moves) ? Are they part of the .epub format ?

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by Odessa

Thank you all for your advice. Narrowing down from your answers :

• I'd rather not use the fake registration hack.
  
• I need to have Wifi access at least at times, because looking up words in Wikipedia or Google is a killer feature to me.
  
• I have an infinite supply of email addresses through Anonaddy (and I recommend it).

New question : where are notes and highlights stored ? I assume they are on the Libra, but aren't they also on the server ? Otherwise, how could they sync ? That's a feature I'll use.

All annotations are stored in the database on the device. For purchased books, they are synced to the Kobo servers. For epubs, there is another copy the "Digital Editions" directory. There is a lot of discussion on how to handle annotations in this forum. I suggest that you search for them and have a look.

How do you turn off the reporting in the settings ? I haven't been able to find the option.

It is the last option on the "Energy saving and privacy" page of the settings.

The important word here is never, right ?

Correct.

Also, do you mean no tracking occurs when the Libra is synced while plugged into the PC ? Because I would need to update the firmware from time to time, and this can be done through USB instead of Wifi, can't it ?

If you are using the Kobo desktop to sync the device, I have no idea what goes up to Kobo. It might upload the activity. But, if that is turned off on the device, it should not be uploaded. There is the same data sharing option in the Kobo desktop as on the device. Turning that off should block any upload of usage data.

Meaning, you lose your money and have to buy the books again, unless you have de-DRMed them beforehand. Correct ?

Yes. But, that is your decision. If you close the account, then you also cut off any of the services associated with that account. And that would include the license to read the books.

This would mean creating two Kobo accounts, wouldn't it ?

Would this entail the loss of some features ?



So one could create several accounts ? Since "logging out" on the Libra is a pain, because you need to do the whole setup again, could there be any significant advantages to having several accounts ?

There are people using two or more Kobo accounts. The device is registered using an account, but, they do not buy any books using that account. Books are bought using other accounts, downloaded and then sideloaded to the devices. Which is basically what you need to do if you buy books from other sources.

The only advantage I can see for this is some sense of privacy. Kobo will know that you are buying books, but, they will not know that you are actually reading those books. But, you lose the benefits of the books being available to you anywhere and the reading status syncing to another device or one of the Kobo apps.

[DNSB]

And for those in countries where Kobo Plus is enabled, you would not be able to make use of it without a valid account. To put it in terms that some may find familiar, Kobo Plus is similar to Kindle Unlimited without the 10 book maximum. I keep finding myself surprised when I find a book I want to purchase says it is available with Kobo Plus so no extra cost.

[Odessa]

[How do you turn off the reporting in the settings ?]

Originally Posted by davidfor

It is the last option on the "Energy saving and privacy" page of the settings.

Actually, in my country, that last option says : "For your privacy settings, see www.kobo.com/privacy".

I went there, and found a page which I had never discovered before. The only way to get there, apart from knowing the URL, is an excessively discreet link at the bottom of the homepage of the website, which says Privacy Settings.

Those settings are not available through Settings on the Libra, they are not available through Settings on Kobo Desktop, and they are not even available through My Account / Account Settings on the website !

In other words, Kobo makes it really difficult for you to even be aware that this privacy page exists, and that you can adjust the settings.

To be honest, I found that by default, the most private options were selected. However, you cannot opt out of the following :

Essential Tracking (required to use the site)
Always Enabled

We use cookies to enable essential website operations and to ensure certain features work properly, like log-in or adding products to your shopping cart. These cookies allow you to be remembered as you explore our site in a single session or if you request, from session to session.

This tracking is always enabled, otherwise, you can’t view the website or shop online. They are usually only set in response to an action made by you that amounts to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling out forms. They also assist security issues and help the site conform to regulation. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of our site will not then work.

Examples

Wishlist and shopping cart functionality
Purchase records
Reading notes, highlights, bookmarks and reading statistics

The point is, the privacy policy is really frightening by its scope. Some excerpts :

For example, we collect information about how you use the Kobo Services, such as pages you view, the rate at which you consume e-content (how often and for how long), genres, authors or subject matter you prefer and searches you make or share, the ebooks or audiobooks you have liked, comments you have left and also websites you have viewed through links in the comments. We collect this information across the various devices, applications, and other tools via which you access and interact with the Kobo Services.

We collect certain technical information about your device - such as your IP address, device type, device model and manufacturer, device identifier and your device operating system type and version.

There's also something called Rakuten ID.

Additionally, we may draw inferences about your preferences and characteristics from any of your Personal Information that we collect to develop a record of your potential preferences, characteristics, predispositions, behaviour, attitudes, abilities, and aptitudes.

We may share the information we collect, including Personal Information, with law enforcement or to otherwise comply with any statutory or regulatory requirement or the order of a court or other public authority agency, regulator, government authority or other third party where we believe this is necessary to comply with a legal or regulatory obligation, or otherwise to protect our rights or the rights of any third party.

Furthermore, it's very difficult to understand the link between those abilities and the privacy settings. It's not clear at all what you can prevent by choosing the most private options.

Is the Kobo private ? Hell, no !

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by Odessa

[How do you turn off the reporting in the settings ?]

Actually, in my country, that last option says : "For your privacy settings, see www.kobo.com/privacy".

Someone mentioned this recently. It is apparently a requirement of the jurisdiction you are in.

I went there, and found a page which I had never discovered before. The only way to get there, apart from knowing the URL, is an excessively discreet link at the bottom of the homepage of the website, which says Privacy Settings.

You mean the link on the bottom of every page in one of the two places I would look for it? And the same link that is on the account settings page? And the same link that was shown to you when you signed up for a Kobo account? Or included in every email that I have received from Kobo?

No, it is not shoved in your face all the time, but, it is there and if you couldn't find that, then you haven't exactly looked very hard.

Those settings are not available through Settings on the Libra, they are not available through Settings on Kobo Desktop, and they are not even available through My Account / Account Settings on the website !

And as stated, those settings are there because of the law in your country.

In other words, Kobo makes it really difficult for you to even be aware that this privacy page exists, and that you can adjust the settings.

Again, it is there and if you couldn't find it, you should have looked. Or just asked Kobo.

To be honest, I found that by default, the most private options were selected. However, you cannot opt out of the following :

Essential Tracking (required to use the site)
Always Enabled

We use cookies to enable essential website operations and to ensure certain features work properly, like log-in or adding products to your shopping cart. These cookies allow you to be remembered as you explore our site in a single session or if you request, from session to session.

This tracking is always enabled, otherwise, you can’t view the website or shop online. They are usually only set in response to an action made by you that amounts to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling out forms. They also assist security issues and help the site conform to regulation. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of our site will not then work.

Examples

Wishlist and shopping cart functionality
Purchase records
Reading notes, highlights, bookmarks and reading statistics

Actually, you can opt out. By not using the Kobo web site.

The reasons for why you can't opt out are valid. They need some information to be able to actually sell the book to you and make sure you get it.

The point is, the privacy policy is really frightening by its scope. Some excerpts :

For example, we collect information about how you use the Kobo Services, such as pages you view, the rate at which you consume e-content (how often and for how long), genres, authors or subject matter you prefer and searches you make or share, the ebooks or audiobooks you have liked, comments you have left and also websites you have viewed through links in the comments. We collect this information across the various devices, applications, and other tools via which you access and interact with the Kobo Services.

We collect certain technical information about your device - such as your IP address, device type, device model and manufacturer, device identifier and your device operating system type and version.

There's also something called Rakuten ID.

Additionally, we may draw inferences about your preferences and characteristics from any of your Personal Information that we collect to develop a record of your potential preferences, characteristics, predispositions, behaviour, attitudes, abilities, and aptitudes.


We may share the information we collect, including Personal Information, with law enforcement or to otherwise comply with any statutory or regulatory requirement or the order of a court or other public authority agency, regulator, government authority or other third party where we believe this is necessary to comply with a legal or regulatory obligation, or otherwise to protect our rights or the rights of any third party.

Furthermore, it's very difficult to understand the link between those abilities and the privacy settings. It's not clear at all what you can prevent by choosing the most private options.

Is the Kobo private ? Hell, no !

So basically they say:

• We collect information to be able to supply you the services you want from us.
• We collect information about how you use the services that we supply.
• We use the collected information to try and give you a better service.
• We collect information to satisfy any legal requirements we are under.
• We share information where we are legally required to.

Exactly how is all that different from every other privacy statement out there?

[Odessa]

Originally Posted by davidfor

You mean the link on the bottom of every page in one of the two places I would look for it?

That's not where I would look for it, and I have been using computers for 40 years now. I explained where I would look for it : where everybody else puts it, with good reasons. And I explained why it was hidden.

Originally Posted by davidfor

Exactly how is all that different from every other privacy statement out there?

This is one of the most non-private privacy statements I've come across. But I won't pick a fight with you over this. Privacy is important to some users, obviously it's not a concern of yours.