I recently deleted my Google account, marking a significant step in my ongoing effort to minimize the data I share with giant tech companies. For years, I have been increasingly wary of the cost hidden behind the "free" services these companies offer. While they don't charge money, they do require payment in the form of personal data. Every search, email, and location history entry becomes part of a vast trove of information used to build detailed profiles, often shared with advertisers and other third parties, raising concerns about the potential misuse of this data by AI systems for surveillance, manipulation, and biased decision-making.

The process is rather straight forward, and I do give credit to Google for making it easy. Before deleting your account make sure your gmail is not being used for anything important, such as accessing important accounts. Furthermore make sure you download all your data. Google has a service called Google Takeout which allows users to download or delete data from Google like services.

Mobile phone

LineageOS is an open-source operating system for smartphones that emphasizes user privacy and control. It runs android. Developed as a fork of the now-defunct CyanogenMod, Lineage OS offers a customizable and bloatware-free experience, giving users greater flexibility and security. It supports a wide range of devices and allows for regular updates, ensuring that users can maintain up-to-date security features without the reliance on traditional manufacturer updates. By opting for Lineage OS, users can reduce their dependence on giant tech companies and retain more control over their personal data and device functionality.

Email

ProtonMail is an encrypted email service designed to prioritize user privacy and security. Based in Switzerland, ProtonMail benefits from strong privacy laws that protect user data from external surveillance. All emails are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can read the contents. ProtonMail also offers features such as self-destructing messages and encrypted contact lists. By using ProtonMail, individuals can safeguard their communications from unauthorized access and maintain a higher level of confidentiality compared to traditional email services.

Using DuckDuckGo for search and videos

DuckDuckGo offers a privacy-focused alternative to traditional search engines, and it includes features that enhance user privacy when interacting with other services, such as YouTube. By using DuckDuckGo to search for YouTube videos, users can watch content directly from the search results without having to visit YouTube itself, thereby avoiding YouTube's extensive tracking and data collection practices. This method allows users to enjoy the vast content available on YouTube while maintaining a higher degree of privacy. Additionally, DuckDuckGo does not track search histories or personal data, providing an added layer of anonymity and peace of mind for those concerned about their online privacy.

OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap is a collaborative project that creates a free, editable map of the world, maintained by a community of mappers who contribute and update data about roads, trails, cafés, railway stations, and much more. Unlike traditional mapping services provided by giant tech companies, OSM is open-source, meaning anyone can use and contribute to it without the constraints of proprietary licenses. This makes it an excellent alternative for those seeking greater control over their mapping data and who value community-driven projects. OpenStreetMap's open data policy empowers users to customize maps for specific needs, supports various applications, and enhances the accessibility and accuracy of geographic information worldwide.