I left over a year and a half ago. Anything Google gone. I never used Gmail for email or search, but I did have to have an account for YouTube and Apple ID of all things. So lost my history for YouTube, can still access if I know what I’m looking for. And as time goes on I’m okay without it. Apple changed its policy with Apple ID and so I no longer needed a Gmail addy. I have DuckDuckGo for my search engine, so no tracking of saving info, a VPN that keeps them guessing I hope. I used to faithfully trust Apple, but after what Tim has done with DT that’s out the window. How to get around them now? I’ve never used Siri and Apple AI, well, I’m not a fan of an enormous algorithm anyway, let me determine the path I take to find out things not some anonymous programmer that can change parameters at a whim to give me the answers he wants to have. I want ‘real’ intelligence not just an artificial one trying to be real.
Google is the most insidious tech company there is. Their entire business model is to use the money they got from search to worm their way into every single aspect of your life. That's the whole reason why they offer nearly everything for free.
To gain your dependence on them while they maintain a complete profile of your entire existence. Your data and dependence is what keeps them alive. Their whole aim is to control every single aspect of what you do. Their censorship on YouTube (banning any account they don't like with 0 recourse) and requiring you to give your ID is just the start.
Thanks for spreading the word on this Grade A shit of a company. The more people that ditch them the better.
Yes. I actually think Facebook and Anything For A Buck Zuck are worse, but it’s a matter of degrees. I left FB, or tried to (that’s another story) 9 years ago. It was much easier leaving FB than Gmail, for sure.
I can definitely see that, but ultimately I just think Google hides it better and while yes they provide more to people (service and software wise), it's still ALL in the name of strengthening their grip on your life. The way in which they continue to turn YouTube to shit year after year alone is INSANE.
I do see what you mean though. They are all horrendous for the entire population (as you kinda said with the degrees).
FB literally banned my account for liking my friends pictures (about 3 posts). They tried to get me to send a video of my face to get it back without realizing that they just made it 1000x easier for me to leave the company entirely. They are such a joke and the attempt at data harvesting even more is so obvious.
It's actually nice once you develop some sense (and a backbone) as a user because anytime these companies pull some dumb shit it's a breeze to leave (and for many of them never sign up in the first place).
They literally showed me how easy it was to completely live without it (I only checked in a few minutes a month anyways).
Thanks so much for this! A few months ago I decided it was time to move away from Google/gmail. But when I started my list of everything that would need updating, etc got overwhelmed and frustrated. I decided it would have to be a project for the new year and this post will help me get organized.
Does Proton Mail have a 'Drive' feature? I have so much in my Google Drive, and I'm totally open to moving it elsewhere. Any advice for those of us who need more than just a new email server? I want to move but have to make sure I can move all my music files, spreadsheets, etc.
Understood. Yea I’ve had the idea percolating for a bit that Google is garbage and I should probably find a new home for my email and files but your article just crystallized all of the discomfort and vague concerns I’ve been thinking. So thank you!
Good question. I use other services, some of which I build for myself on other websites i have. But here’s link to prton’s page. I’m not necessarily endoring them. There are other services, their just worked for my situation.
I do have to say it's not been easy. 20 years of suing the same address, it was associated with more things than I expected and new ones kept popping up. So I wasn't able to pull the plug on Dec. 11. I forgot it was also associated with the log in for our bank account. When I tried to change it the bank website freaked out. I have to go in and change it in person. So, yes it takes some patience.
I’m using protonmail. One advantage is it’s end-to-end encrypted and the cost includes a VPN, the ability to create more than one address and couple of other features.
I like the alias email feature where I don’t have to use my main account for regular email. I use different email addresses for different purposes. I get 60GB of storage/cloud space. Have never had a security issue for over two decades. $3.75/mo.
Yes, thank you for mentioning them. I was painfully saddened when I was doing my research and consistently came across just how few viable options there are for a solid free service that actually respects your privacy.
I could live if there aren't a ton of big companies in the space, but the fact that decentralized or self hosted options aren't readily available is what's really unfortunate.
Those are the things the world needs most because you can never trust big corporations period. Over time (especially when they scale) they show their true intentions.
Proton is doing better than most in that space. And anyone who leaves Google is doing good service to the world. They are SUCH a horrible company in SO many ways, it's just that so few people are able to see it.
Trying to get other people I know who know better to leave Google and FB has been frustrating. And proton isn’t an American company and that kinda makes it better.
It’s easier to convince people to stop using FB. It has less utility. Google offers stuff like calendars and google drive, etc. Staying with it is easier than finding alternatives.
Since you seem to be promoting Google products, it not a surprise you would not have have many objections to what this dishonest company does. Hope the Kool-Aid at least tasted good.
I left over a year and a half ago. Anything Google gone. I never used Gmail for email or search, but I did have to have an account for YouTube and Apple ID of all things. So lost my history for YouTube, can still access if I know what I’m looking for. And as time goes on I’m okay without it. Apple changed its policy with Apple ID and so I no longer needed a Gmail addy. I have DuckDuckGo for my search engine, so no tracking of saving info, a VPN that keeps them guessing I hope. I used to faithfully trust Apple, but after what Tim has done with DT that’s out the window. How to get around them now? I’ve never used Siri and Apple AI, well, I’m not a fan of an enormous algorithm anyway, let me determine the path I take to find out things not some anonymous programmer that can change parameters at a whim to give me the answers he wants to have. I want ‘real’ intelligence not just an artificial one trying to be real.
You realize the evil of monopolies when you try to fully de-Googlefy.
Google is the most insidious tech company there is. Their entire business model is to use the money they got from search to worm their way into every single aspect of your life. That's the whole reason why they offer nearly everything for free.
To gain your dependence on them while they maintain a complete profile of your entire existence. Your data and dependence is what keeps them alive. Their whole aim is to control every single aspect of what you do. Their censorship on YouTube (banning any account they don't like with 0 recourse) and requiring you to give your ID is just the start.
Thanks for spreading the word on this Grade A shit of a company. The more people that ditch them the better.
Google reading your emails:
[https://substack.com/@vladyyy/note/c-186544850?r=4x5a94&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web]
Yes. I actually think Facebook and Anything For A Buck Zuck are worse, but it’s a matter of degrees. I left FB, or tried to (that’s another story) 9 years ago. It was much easier leaving FB than Gmail, for sure.
I can definitely see that, but ultimately I just think Google hides it better and while yes they provide more to people (service and software wise), it's still ALL in the name of strengthening their grip on your life. The way in which they continue to turn YouTube to shit year after year alone is INSANE.
I do see what you mean though. They are all horrendous for the entire population (as you kinda said with the degrees).
FB literally banned my account for liking my friends pictures (about 3 posts). They tried to get me to send a video of my face to get it back without realizing that they just made it 1000x easier for me to leave the company entirely. They are such a joke and the attempt at data harvesting even more is so obvious.
It's actually nice once you develop some sense (and a backbone) as a user because anytime these companies pull some dumb shit it's a breeze to leave (and for many of them never sign up in the first place).
They literally showed me how easy it was to completely live without it (I only checked in a few minutes a month anyways).
Thanks so much for this! A few months ago I decided it was time to move away from Google/gmail. But when I started my list of everything that would need updating, etc got overwhelmed and frustrated. I decided it would have to be a project for the new year and this post will help me get organized.
For those looking for some common alternatives: https://substack.com/@jaron478137/p-175678534
Does Proton Mail have a 'Drive' feature? I have so much in my Google Drive, and I'm totally open to moving it elsewhere. Any advice for those of us who need more than just a new email server? I want to move but have to make sure I can move all my music files, spreadsheets, etc.
Understood. Yea I’ve had the idea percolating for a bit that Google is garbage and I should probably find a new home for my email and files but your article just crystallized all of the discomfort and vague concerns I’ve been thinking. So thank you!
Good question. I use other services, some of which I build for myself on other websites i have. But here’s link to prton’s page. I’m not necessarily endoring them. There are other services, their just worked for my situation.
https://proton.me/l/business/mail/secure-business-email-and-calendar-pfm-bft?utm_campaign=namer-all-2b-mail-gro_src-g_acq-pmax&utm_medium=src_ad&utm_source=bing.com&utm_content=1345804780716094&utm_term=proton.me
I do have to say it's not been easy. 20 years of suing the same address, it was associated with more things than I expected and new ones kept popping up. So I wasn't able to pull the plug on Dec. 11. I forgot it was also associated with the log in for our bank account. When I tried to change it the bank website freaked out. I have to go in and change it in person. So, yes it takes some patience.
Which email providers do you recommend as an alternative? What is the advantage of a paid email?
I’m using protonmail. One advantage is it’s end-to-end encrypted and the cost includes a VPN, the ability to create more than one address and couple of other features.
Hello Nazi. Goodbye Nazi. God hates you.
Fastmail
I like the alias email feature where I don’t have to use my main account for regular email. I use different email addresses for different purposes. I get 60GB of storage/cloud space. Have never had a security issue for over two decades. $3.75/mo.
You're making the world a better place! Plus there are free options available.
There are. I used the free version of Protonmail before I opted to pay for it. The price comes with a VPN and some other features.
Yes, thank you for mentioning them. I was painfully saddened when I was doing my research and consistently came across just how few viable options there are for a solid free service that actually respects your privacy.
I could live if there aren't a ton of big companies in the space, but the fact that decentralized or self hosted options aren't readily available is what's really unfortunate.
Those are the things the world needs most because you can never trust big corporations period. Over time (especially when they scale) they show their true intentions.
Proton is doing better than most in that space. And anyone who leaves Google is doing good service to the world. They are SUCH a horrible company in SO many ways, it's just that so few people are able to see it.
Trying to get other people I know who know better to leave Google and FB has been frustrating. And proton isn’t an American company and that kinda makes it better.
Well it's great that you try! I wonder what their issue is.
It's a shame more people don't talk about leaving these awful companies.
It’s easier to convince people to stop using FB. It has less utility. Google offers stuff like calendars and google drive, etc. Staying with it is easier than finding alternatives.
I was able to get my Gmail account by circumventing the invite. I don't remember how I did it.
Since you seem to be promoting Google products, it not a surprise you would not have have many objections to what this dishonest company does. Hope the Kool-Aid at least tasted good.