"Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say." - Edward Snowden
Hello fellow Internet Users,
This covid 19 pandemic really has made me think about my privacy on the internet. I really think that we are all taking the internet too lightly, not knowing where, when and what kind of trace/footsteps we leave behind and what its worth for Google.
Google, yes that big G. Most of us use it, well because it works and its free... Here comes the big BUT.
Free in $ terms, but we are paying so much more with all of our data.Myself included, I use(slowly moving) Gmail, Google Search, Google Translate, Google Photos, Google Maps just to name a few.
Now just looking at this, Google knows so much about me. Starting from my Search History, where I been, pictures of other people I know...
Im not just putting my privacy on a Platter, I'm putting family and friends privacy there too...
Yes, Google makes our lifes easier and yes the alternatives will be different. They will probably not be as good as the Google Product, so it might be useful to start slow.
You don't have to replace all of them, if you for example stop using Google Mail, thats one info less they have...
So let me give you fellow users some tips to
#degoogle- The When
- The Why
- The How
- The Alternatives
- Useful Addons
- Bonus: Highlights of Data Breaches
The WhenWell how important is your privacy? your familes and friends privacy?
I for myself had that thought after talking to a couple of friends and immediately started.
The time is NOWLet me just point out some highlights how Google is taking your privacy for granted.
Recaptcha ring a bell?
To you it seems you're clicking on pictures of cars, signs, crosswalks to prove to Google that you are not a robot. In part its true, but one of the main reasons is its helping Google's AI learn, be even smarter. With just your simple clicks they track mouse movements, response time and the worst of all ping your captcha box to determine your location.
Official Quote from the Google Blog:
we developed an Advanced Risk Analysis backend for reCAPTCHA that actively considers a user's entire engagement with the CAPTCHA--before, during, and after--to determine whether that user is a human. This enables us to rely less on typing distorted text and, in turn, offer a better experience for users.
The Why- You have a right to privacy
- Surveillance
- Stop giving Google all your information
Take a few minutes, think about what Service you're using and what Data you are leaving behind...
Its pretty scary when you think about it.
You wouldn't act this way in public, you wouldn't tell/show those things to strangers.
Just take a look of all the data Google has saved on you:
Spoiler: Deleting Mail in your gmail? You will notice they will still be there.
The HowFirst of all, yes Google makes our lifes easier.
Getting rid of Google, most likely near impossible... BUT there are steps to slowly
#degoogle.
You arent ready to leave Google all the way, at least make sure to update some privacy settings, at the very least.
The AlternativesI will be using the common term of 5-Eyes, 9-Eyes and 14-Eyes if available
In short its the international surveillance alliances.
5-Eyes: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, USA
9-Eyes: 5-Eyes+Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway
14-Eyes: 9-Eyes+Germany, Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Spain
Chrome BrowserThis one should be relatively easily to replace... If you don't want a big change, use Mozilla Firefox and use some of the addons I have listed further down to make your surfing experience more private.
MailI have shown you links previously, Google Mail is free Info for them. Yes it has a huge amount of storage, a clean interface but we are all paying with our data.
SearchGoogle Search, who doesn't use it? Hey lets google this and that. Google has built a huge database of everyone of us... Lets stop giving them more info!
PhotosHere are some Google Photos alternatives. Google has everything from us, don't let them also take control of your pictures...
Hangouts (Instant Messaging)I have listed some alternatives to Google Hangouts or in general. Dont get me started on Whatsapp.
Telegram is not on this list, the chat might be encrypted but Telegram hold all the encryption keys so they could easily decrypt it.
Keybase has been removed (thanks ETFbitcoin)
Maps/Street ViewI have to admit that Google Maps is one of the best map software around. It has the most up to date Data, best User Interface. I have listed some below but I have to admit Google Maps stays ahead of the game.
Google Play StoreAndroid - NOTE: Bootloader needs to be unlocked How to With the alternative OS you will be able to replace Stock Android with an Android System that has been made more secure with an emphasis on privacy.
Google Drive/Storage
Alternative OSNothing to do with Google but I will list some alternative OS that have the priority on Security and Privacy!
Useful Browser AddonsThese are some useful addons to make your surfing experience safer and more private.
I have listed a few. All of them are for Firefox which I have linked up in the alternatives for Google Chrome.
Bonus: Highlights of Data Breaches (not only Google relatedThis is just a small list, this list can go on possibly forever.
There have been so many data breaches or where companies openly admit they have been selling or storing your data.
Google admits its new smart speaker was eavesdropping on users5 Million Google Passwords LeakedFacebook: Your Personal Info for SaleGoogle and Mastercard Cut a Secret Ad Deal to Track Retail Sales Marriott - passport numbers and credit card information -- of up to 383 million guests.How PayPal Shares your dataHundreds of millions of Facebook and Instagram users credentials were exposed Hundred of millions of insurance documents leaked by real estate giant First American Financial Corp4 billion social media profile records were exposed
Sources:Google Can Now Tell You're Not a Robot With Just One ClickGoogle Now Using ReCAPTCHA To Decode Street View AddressesGoogle’s new reCAPTCHA has a dark sideFive Eyes, Nine Eyes, 14 Eyes – ExplainedFacebook: Your Personal Info for Sale2019 Data Breach Hall of ShameApple and Google are building contact tracing technology that uses Bluetooth in people's smartphones to track the spread of COVID-19Google and Apple announce the Contact Tracing API
Thank youThank you for reading or glancing over this article.
I have put alot of work into this article.
I hope it can make you think about your digital footprint and your privacy, at least a bit!
Please let me know if you have suggestions, I will add them to the opening post.
Find errors? Let me know and I will correct them!
Interested in translating this to your local board?
Please do! Let me know here so I can give you credit.
Contributions20kevin20 Lucius ETFbitcoin German Board
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