Getting off US tech: a guide
10 months ago
- #digital sovereignty
- #privacy
- #tech alternatives
- The article discusses the author's journey to reduce dependence on US tech services due to concerns over US corporate dominance and regulatory issues.
- Proton is highlighted as a comprehensive alternative suite for email, cloud storage, VPN, and more, despite some controversy around its CEO.
- Other non-US service suites mentioned include Zoho and Mailbox, with options like Framasoft and NextCloud for more tech-savvy users.
- For essential services, alternatives like ProtonMail for email, Ecosia and Qwant for search, and Vivaldi for browsing are recommended.
- Office software alternatives include OnlyOffice, Collabora Office, and LibreOffice, with challenges noted in escaping Google Docs due to widespread use.
- The article covers alternatives in social media (Mastodon, PeerTube), messaging (Signal, Wire), and maps (Here WeGo, OpenStreetMap).
- Entertainment alternatives focus on local streaming services over US-based ones, with mentions of Deezer for music and open-source podcast apps.
- Hardware alternatives include non-US brands like Sony, Asus, and FairPhone, though the author remains in the Apple ecosystem for now.
- The importance of digital sovereignty and reducing screen time is emphasized, alongside the need for government action to support alternatives.
- Additional resources are provided for finding non-US alternatives in various regions.