I don’t have useful input on a new device, since I’ve had my e-reader for many years at this point.

I will say that on a purely ethical level, Kindles are easy to keep offline if you’re worried about spyware. Mine hasn’t been off airplane mode since the day I bought it.

That being said, you are still giving Amazon money so I’d definitely understand finding it objectionable.

Edit: Also consider going used. E-reader technology hasn’t improved much since we got illuminated screens.