In March, I had a fascinating conversation with a cybersecurity expert at a tech event. We covered a wide range of topics, including the Ukrainian War, U.S. and French politics, social media, and various anxiety-inducing issues. He explained the many ways governments can spy on us, thanks to the tech industry. I was shocked to learn that even data we think is “safe,” like messages on WhatsApp—which Meta claims are encrypted—can actually be accessed by Meta and governments willing to pay for it. Let’s just say I didn’t sleep well that night.
This conversation made me realize how naive I had been. For years, I had heard the saying that if we don’t pay for a product, we are the product. I knew that companies like Meta and Google were collecting our data in exchange for their “free” services, but I thought it was mainly for targeted ads. I had even run Facebook ad campaigns using this data. Like a frog in slowly boiling water, I didn’t see how GAFAMs had gained so much control over our data and how dependent we had become on them.
Initially, I thought there weren’t any alternatives for someone like me who isn’t a software developer. I either didn’t know that options like GrapheneOS existed or believed that alternatives like Linux were too complicated for me. However, since this blog is all about learning and building, I decided to change how I use digital tools and switch to open-source, privacy-focused, or European-based alternatives. I’m excited to share my learnings along the way.
To kick things off, I tackled my dependence on Google Suite. This was a tough challenge since I created my Gmail address 15 years ago, and I’ve always loved using Google’s tools—I practically lived my life through Google Calendar. However, after joining Reddit groups like r/Degoogle, I was shocked to discover just how much Google knows about us. Even something that seems as innocent as Google Tasks had users sharing stories about how their tasks and appointments were later used for targeted ads.
I had heard a few times that it was safer to have multiple email accounts and use our own domain names, but I didn’t know how to set that up. I thought this would be my first big hurdle. Surprisingly, getting a Proton account and setting up the DNS for my new emails turned out to be quite easy; I just followed a tutorial. I signed up for the full Proton Suite with a yearly plan and moved all my important email logins from Gmail to my new accounts. For Google Tasks, I switched to Todoist, which was recommended as a privacy-focused alternative.
While I still have my Gmail and Google accounts active, it will take some time to migrate all my emails and let my contacts know about my new addresses. Yes, I still watch YouTube using my Google account, but I plan to switch to alternatives like NewPipe or GrayJay soon. It might take a while to fully move away from Google Suite and reach the point where I can delete my account, but I’m committed to this long-term process.
Recently, I removed Google Analytics from my personal website and deleted my account without even checking my analytics. I’m looking into Plausible Analytics as an open-source alternative, but I’m still unsure if I want to track views for my personal site anymore. While the data is anonymous and protects your privacy as a reader, I’m still undecided about whether I want to keep tracking stats.
Since I have a Google Pixel, everything on it is powered by Google. I started by removing most of the Google apps that I could replace with Proton alternatives. I switched from Google Authenticator to Aegis, an open-source option. I later learned that even our keystrokes were collected by Google, so I installed FUTO Keyboard, another open-source alternative, and even made a donation to support their project. While searching for Google alternatives on r/Degoogle, I discovered GrapheneOS, which is an open-source alternative to Google’s Android. I also learned that Android was originally an open-source project that Google took over, but that’s a different story. I haven’t installed GrapheneOS yet, but it’s on my to-do list for next week.
Two weeks ago, I started the project to switch from Microsoft to Linux. I had been a Microsoft fan for years—I even worked there for two years and have used their products since I got my first computer. However, I started to feel uneasy about the direction Microsoft was heading, with more bloated software, mandatory installs, and the introduction of Microsoft Recall. I thought my only choices were Microsoft and Apple, and I believed Linux was just for elite tech users. The idea of switching to Linux intimidated me, especially since Microsoft had provided me with comfort all these years. But when they began launching software like Microsoft Recall and forcing Copilot everywhere, that was the last straw. I even have a Copilot keycap on my work Dell computer!
After watching a few video tutorials and spending a lot of time on Reddit looking for support, I finally installed Linux Mint. To ensure I wouldn’t go back, I opted not to set it up with dual boot; I’m going all in on Linux. So far, it’s been easier than I expected. There are plenty of beginner resources available to help learn about Linux and using the terminal. I really regret taking so long to make the switch!
In addition to this, I decided to leave Spotify for Qobuz after learning that Spotify funded Trump’s inauguration. Plus, Qobuz is a European alternative that pays creators better and doesn’t allow AI-generated music.
I started this journey to move away from GAFAM, initially driven by fear and anxiety, but I’ve learned a few things that have made the experience truly valuable. First, I’m discovering that alternatives exist, and I get to follow and “e-meet” their creators and open-source communities. I’m also picking up new technical skills, like customizing my Linux setup, and the more I learn, the more I want to explore. One future project might involve diving into the world of self-hosting.
As I navigate this journey, I’m also learning how to regain control over my digital habits. Let me explain. Leaving platforms like Google Suite means stepping away from the comfort of interconnected apps. I was used to having all my tools linked—like Google Tasks connected to Google Calendar and my calendar tied to my emails. However, with alternatives like Proton or Todoist, those integrations aren’t there. I now have to manually enter tasks, which means I tend to enter fewer of them.
At first, this felt like an inconvenience, but I soon realized it actually helps me spend less time on my phone or computer. If an action now takes a few extra steps, I tend to think twice before doing it, and often I realize that it wasn’t necessary in the first place.
If you’re also concerned about privacy and would like to follow a similar journey, here are my tips:
- Don’t aim for perfection. I still have and use my WhatsApp account because I haven’t convinced all my important contacts to move to Signal yet. I feel bothered every time I have to use it, but I’m okay with it for now.
- Don’t try to change everything at once. Take it slow. Since that conversation in March, I’ve aimed to do one migration every two weeks. This is why I haven’t installed GrapheneOS yet; I’ve been busy migrating to Linux. I still use plenty of Google applications, and I’m taking my time to do it step by step.
- Don’t be afraid, do not to say, “I’m not technical enough.” There are plenty of tutorials and communities out there to help you when you need it.
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