Switch to Privacy-Centric Email, Web Browser, and Search Services, Ditching United States-Based Solutions
With an increasing apprehension towards US-based tech giants, the digital landscape in Europe is undergoing significant shifts. The dominance of tech titans like Google, Microsoft, and Apple has raised concerns about data privacy, sovereignty, and geopolitical risks.
Amidst this backdrop, efforts are being made to diversify digital services. European organizations and government bodies are transitioning away from some US cloud giants in favor of locally-handled data services. The drive towards homegrown tech is also gaining momentum as officials seek alternatives with fewer perceived risks.
For instance, the French and German governments have developed their own word processor called 'Docs' to rival Google Docs. Meanwhile, a consumer poll in March reported that 62% of people from nine European countries consider large US tech companies as a threat to the continent's sovereignty. Search lists for non-US tech alternatives have seen a surge in visitorship.
As for regularly used tech services – email, web browsing, and search engines – we have compiled a list of privacy-focused alternatives. These companies strive to minimize the data they collect and prioritize privacy. However, it's crucial to note that despite being based outside the US, they might still utilize Big Tech services, such as cloud hosting.
For web browsing, Mullvad, a Swedish organization, has partnered with digital anonymity service Tor to create the Mullvad Browser. Known for its VPN, this open-source browser collects no user data and promises to stop tracking via browser fingerprinting. Vivaldi, a Norwegian browser, is another option that does not profile user behavior.
In the realm of search engines, Qwant French search engine has built its own search index and uses Bing to 'supplement' search results it hasn't indexed. Mojeek, based in the UK, has also built its own web crawler and claims its search results are 100% independent. Startpage removes personal data when search requests are made and acts as an intermediary between users and search providers. Nonprofit search engine Ecosia, based in Germany, uses the money it makes to plant trees and promises not to collect excessive data.
Lastly, email providers like Proton, based in Switzerland, and Tuta, based in Germany, focus on end-to-end encryption for emails and offer both free and paid account options.
- Amidst the growing concerns about US tech dominance and data privacy, European initiatives are focusing on creating alternative apps, such as the French-German word processor 'Docs', to contest US titans like Google Docs.
- In the realm of email services, European providers like Proton (based in Switzerland) and Tuta (based in Germany) prioritize end-to-end encryption for emails and offer both free and paid account options.
- The surge in visitorship of search lists for non-US tech alternatives implies a shift in lifestyle preferences and an increasing need for privacy-focused alternatives, even if they rely on Big Tech services like cloud hosting.
- For privacy-conscious web browsing, European services like Mullvad (Swedish) and Vivaldi (Norwegian) collect minimal user data and maintain a focus on anonymity, thereby addressing concerns over surveillance.
- In the newsletters sector, initiatives like Qwant (French), Mojeek (UK), Startpage, and nonprofit Ecosia (Germany) prioritize privacy and minimize data collection, fitting into the broader trend of diversifying digital services in Europe.
