How to Decouple Yourself from Google
Google is known for collecting data from its users. However, there are ways to protect your privacy. You can use alternatives to Google products, and you can take steps to limit the amount of data Google collects from you.
Google?s goal is to make all information available with a few keystrokes or mouse clicks-including yours. The company tracks your every move on the Internet and stores this information in its databases even when you don?t sign up for an account (although signing up does allow them greater access). This includes what websites you visit, what searches you conduct, and what ads or videos that catch your eye along the way. It also logs how long it takes before clicking away from a video ad or offers detailed information about your location.
When it comes to its users, Google’s big data is a double-edged sword: it?s both beneficial and potentially dangerous for the consumer. Companies like Netflix use Google?s massive databases to tailor original shows and movies around what viewers often search for online. This allows them to make more informed decisions on how they produce their content.
However, Google?s intelligence poses privacy issues of its own. It can be used for targeted advertising by corporations and political campaigns, which is why Google allows you to turn off certain features of data collection.
Alternatives to Google Services
If you wish to protect your online privacy, there are several readily available alternatives to Google services. Several of the most popular are listed below with their respective features compared to those of Google?s.
Google Search Alternatives
DuckDuckGo is a search engine that doesn?t track its users or filter results based on past searches. It also has several unique features you won?t find on other search engines.
Additionally, there are a variety of ?privacy-friendly? search engines that you can use. These engines strip out all identifying information about you when you perform a search and do not store your IP address. Some of these engines include StartPage, Ixquick, and Yippy.
Google Chrome Alternatives
Google Chrome is a most usable browsers in the world. However, it has come under fire for its privacy issues. Chrome collects data from its users, and this data can be used for targeted advertising. Chrome also has several security features that help to protect your privacy and keep your data safe. However, there are better alternatives if you want to protect your privacy.
Cliqz is a privacy-focused browser that is based on the Firefox browser. It was developed by the company that created Ghostery, a privacy-protection tool. Cliqz has several features that set it apart from other browsers, including the following:
- It blocks trackers and ads that can follow you around the Internet.
- It has a built-in anti-phishing feature that protects you from dangerous websites.
- It encrypts your data to protect your privacy.
Tor is free software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It is based on the Firefox browser. The Tor browser was created to protect the privacy of people who use the internet. It is also used to protect the freedom of speech of people who live in countries where the internet is censored.
YouTube Alternatives
YouTube is a video-sharing website where users can upload, view, and share videos. YouTube collects data from its users. This data can be used to target ads to viewers or to create personalized recommendations. YouTube also keeps track of the videos you watch and the channels you subscribe to.
There are a few different video-sharing alternatives to YouTube: Vimeo, Dailymotion, and Metacafe.
Google Play Store Alternatives
Google Play Store is an app store for Android devices. It allows you to download and install apps, games, music, books, and magazines on your Android device. Google Play Store collects data from its users to target ads or to create personalized recommendations. Google Play Store also keeps track of the apps you install.
There are some different app stores available for Android devices, including the following: Aptoide and F-Droid.
Gmail Alternatives
Gmail is a very popular email service, but it’s not the only option. If you’re looking for an alternative to Gmail, check out these services:
–ProtonMail: ProtonMail is a secure email service that uses end-to-end encryption to protect your emails from prying eyes. It also has a built-in anti-spam filter to keep your inbox clean.
–Hushmail: Hushmail is a secure email service that encrypts your emails to protect your privacy. It also has a built-in virus scanner to keep your computer safe.
–Zoho Mail: Zoho Mail is a free email service that offers a lot of features, including 25GB of storage space and support for IMAP.
–Tutanota: Tutanota is another free email service that provides end-to-end encryption to protect your emails. It also offers a built-in anti-spam filter and support for IMAP.
Google Drive Alternatives
Google Drive is a cloud-based storage service that allows you to store files online and access them from any device. Google Drive also keeps track of the files you upload and the folders you share.
You can use these alternative cloud-based storage services, including the following: Dropbox, iCloud, and Microsoft OneDrive.
Google Maps Alternatives
Google Maps is a popular mapping application, but it isn’t the only game in town. If you’re seeking an alternative, check out:
–OpenStreetMap: OpenStreetMap is a free and open-source mapping service that allows you to create your own maps. It also offers a street view and driving directions.
–Maps.me: Maps.me is a free and open-source mapping service that allows you to create your own maps. It also offers street view, driving directions, and public transportation information.
– HERE Maps: HERE Maps is a free mapping service that offers offline maps and turn-by-turn navigation.
Final Thoughts
Google is a very popular search engine, but it’s not the only option. There are several different search engines available, including the following: Yahoo, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. Google also offers different other services, including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Maps. If you’re looking for an alternative to any of these services, use the tools we’ve provided above.