#DeGoogle - Take back control of your privacy

[xxjumperxx]

"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 When

Well 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 NOW

Let 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.

• Take a look of all the data Google has of you
• Download a summary of all the data they have of you. You will be shocked
• Android Phone? Use Google Maps? Google knows where you have been
• All your Order History if you use Gmail (Scroll to bottom)

The How

First 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.

• Disable all trackings (your saves searches, locations)
• Delete tracking history, your searches and visited websites
• Delete the ad profile Google created about you
• Delete the permissions granted to others
• Opt Out of Google's Shared Endorsements

The Alternatives

I 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 Browser

This 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.

• Tor Browser - Firefox-based browser routed through the onion network
• Firefox - Built by Mozilla. Huge extension library; great for privacy
• Ungoogled Chromium - Based on Chromium without all the Google Nonsense
• Really Good Browser by DuckDuckGo - great for privacy

Mail

I 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.

• Protonmail - One of the top privacy-focused email providers
• FastMail - Paid email provider, located in Australia and US - 5 Eyes
• Runbox - Privacy focusued email provider - 9-Eyes

Search

Google 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!

• DuckDuckGo - One of the best privacy-focused search engines - 5-eyes
• Mojeek - Mojeek has their own crawler and index - 5-eyes
• Infinity Search - does not log any information about its users. - 5-Eyes
• Qwant - Respects your privacy - 9-Eyes
• Metager - open source Metasearch Engine with a Focus on Privacy
• searx- configurable search engine that has privacy in mind

Photos

Here are some Google Photos alternatives. Google has everything from us, don't let them also take control of your pictures...

• ownPhotos - Self-hosted and open-source Google Photos alternative
• JottaCloud - Norway based cloud storage provider with free and paid plans - 9-eyes
• Piwigo - Self-hosted and open-source cloud photo manager - 9-Eyes

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)

• Signal - recommended by Whistleblower and privacy advocate Edward Snowden - 5-Eyes
• Threema - Swiss-based instant messenger. no phone number/email is required. End-to-end encrypted - Paid
• Conversations (FREE from F-Droid; Expert Settings has an option to enable Tor routing)
• Briar (FREE from Play Store; this one is completely decentralised, works through any connection (Bluetooth, local hotspot, Wi-Fi, Mobile Data but might drain the battery faster)

Maps/Street View

I 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.

• OpenStreetMap - Collaborative project to create a free, editable map of the world - 9-Eyes
• Benmaps - maps alternative based on OpenStreetMap
• Qwant Maps - Maps from the makers of Qwant search engine - 9-Eyes
• Maps.me - Open Source, downloadable Maps

Google Play Store

• App Store no Google Account required / older Versions of a map are downloadble (if new versions cause problems

Android - 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.

• LineageOS - Open-source and based on Android, but with Privacy.- 5-Eyes
• GrapheneOS.- A "secure" version of Android -  5-Eyes
• Replicant - Android. The emphasis is put on "freedom and privacy/security". - 5-Eyes

Google Drive/Storage

• Owncloud/Nextcloud - If you have an own Server it is advised to use owncloud/nextcloud to have full control of your data on your own cloud

Alternative OS

Nothing to do with Google but I will list some alternative OS that have the priority on Security and Privacy!

• Qubes OS - A reasonably secure operating system based on Linux and Xenhypervisor (multiple VMs)

Useful Browser Addons

These 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.

• Noiszy is a browser plugin that creates meaningless web data - digital "noise." Camouflaging your true behavior.
• Privacy Badger - automatically learns to block invisible trackers
• Decentraleyes - Protects you against tracking through "free", centralized, content delivery
• HTTPS Everywhere - enables HTTPS encryption automatically on sites that are known to support it,
• Temporary Containers - automatically managed disposable containers. Containers isolate data websites store (cookies, storage, and more) from each other,
• Cookie AutoDelete - Self Destructing Cookies When a tab closes, any cookies not being used are automatically deleted. Whitelist the ones you trust
• uBlock Origin - an efficient wide-spectrum content blocker. Easy on CPU and memory.
• Cookie AutoDelete - deletes Cookies after closing browsed Website
• Privacy Badger - prevents Tracking

Bonus: Highlights of Data Breaches (not only Google related

This 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 users
5 Million Google Passwords Leaked
Facebook: Your Personal Info for Sale
Google 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 data
Hundreds of millions of Facebook and Instagram users credentials were exposed
Hundred of millions of insurance documents leaked by real estate giant First American Financial Corp
4 billion social media profile records were exposed


Sources:

Google Can Now Tell You're Not a Robot With Just One Click
Google Now Using ReCAPTCHA To Decode Street View Addresses
Google’s new reCAPTCHA has a dark side
Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, 14 Eyes – Explained
Facebook: Your Personal Info for Sale
2019 Data Breach Hall of Shame
Apple and Google are building contact tracing technology that uses Bluetooth in people's smartphones to track the spread of COVID-19
Google and Apple announce the Contact Tracing API


Thank you

Thank 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.



Contributions

20kevin20
Lucius
ETFbitcoin

German Board
aundroid
aundroid[/list]

[20kevin20]

I'm glad to see people finally waking up to the reality & see how their data is mined and used. Well done!

One little mention: when you listed the Android custom ROMs, you can remove the "Rooted Device required" note. As soon as you have an unlocked bootloader, you can flash a custom ROM (I personally prefer TWRP) through which you can easily backup your current OS and install a fresh new one. But root isn't necessary.

I'm very curious, why did you list all 3 ROMs (LineageOS, Graphene OS and Replicant) as "5 Eyes"?

Here are two more IM (Instant Messenger) apps I suggest to those willing to Degoogle:

• Conversations (FREE from F-Droid; Expert Settings has an option to enable Tor routing)
• Briar (FREE from Play Store; this one is completely decentralised, works through any connection (Bluetooth, local hotspot, Wi-Fi, Mobile Data but might drain the battery faster)

If you wish, you could also include some computer Operating Systems as (free) replacements for Windows:

• Qubes OS - Runs each app in a separate Virtual Machine but has pretty high system requirements
• Parrot OS - Runs on Debian and has lots of interesting features especially when it comes to cryptography, hacking etc, the one I like the most being Anonsurf (running system-wide Tor for anonymity)
• Tails - Temporary amnesic OS that resets & deletes any change upon reboot. You could flash it on an >8GB USB stick. I use it the most for browsing and downloading stuff I only need temporarily.
• Basically any Linux system - Most Linux systems are better than Windows when it comes to privacy. The most-known distros such as Debian, Arch Linux, Ubuntu etc also have amazing support from the community in case you ever have a problem (and most issues are easily solvable through simple Internet searches).

The first thing we should do in my opinion is changing the OS of your mobile phones and computers. Swapping Chrome for Tor Browser, for example is of no use if the system itself scraps data off your computer/mobile. Remember, do NOT flash the GApps file on your phone! Only the Custom ROM; installing GApps will install all the Google stuff.

Overall, it's a great post. If someone could give the OP 5 Merits from me, I'd be grateful

I'm interested in translating this topic to my Local board. Let's spread the word!

[xxjumperxx]

I'm glad to see people finally waking up to the reality & see how their data is mined and used. Well done!

One little mention: when you listed the Android custom ROMs, you can remove the "Rooted Device required" note. As soon as you have an unlocked bootloader, you can flash a custom ROM (I personally prefer TWRP) through which you can easily backup your current OS and install a fresh new one. But root isn't necessary.

Thanks alot, very much appreciated. I have added a contribution area where I will list everyone that has contributed to the list.
I remove the hint and replaced it with a guide of how to unlock your Bootloader.
Sadly it cant be done for all phones.

I'm very curious, why did you list all 3 ROMs (LineageOS, Graphene OS and Replicant) as "5 Eyes"?

Here are two more IM (Instant Messenger) apps I suggest to those willing to Degoogle:

• Conversations (FREE from F-Droid; Expert Settings has an option to enable Tor routing)
• Briar (FREE from Play Store; this one is completely decentralised, works through any connection (Bluetooth, local hotspot, Wi-Fi, Mobile Data but might drain the battery faster)

The "Eyes" Concept is based on where the company is located that made the specific program.
Multiple sources I have looked at told me they are based in a location thats part of the 5 Eye Alliance.

If you wish, you could also include some computer Operating Systems as (free) replacements for Windows:

• Qubes OS - Runs each app in a separate Virtual Machine but has pretty high system requirements
• Parrot OS - Runs on Debian and has lots of interesting features especially when it comes to cryptography, hacking etc, the one I like the most being Anonsurf (running system-wide Tor for anonymity)
• Tails - Temporary amnesic OS that resets & deletes any change upon reboot. You could flash it on an >8GB USB stick. I use it the most for browsing and downloading stuff I only need temporarily.
• Basically any Linux system - Most Linux systems are better than Windows when it comes to privacy. The most-known distros such as Debian, Arch Linux, Ubuntu etc also have amazing support from the community in case you ever have a problem (and most issues are easily solvable through simple Internet searches).

These would probably be good alternatives to the Google OS thats installed on Chromebooks.
Replacing windows is a whole other chapter =)

The first thing we should do in my opinion is changing the OS of your mobile phones and computers. Swapping Chrome for Tor Browser, for example is of no use if the system itself scraps data off your computer/mobile. Remember, do NOT flash the GApps file on your phone! Only the Custom ROM; installing GApps will install all the Google stuff.

Overall, it's a great post. If someone could give the OP 5 Merits from me, I'd be grateful

I'm interested in translating this topic to my Local board. Let's spread the word!

Agreed, even small steps will change your privacy to the better!
Thanks for the kind words and please do translate and share the word.
Just link back to the original and get a conversation started there!

[Lucius]

A very good post with a lot of useful information, and what I especially appreciate is that every service from Google have an alternative which means online life without Google is possible, but still not quite as simple as pressing a button.

I can only say that privacy is not something that worries most people too much these days, especially since some governments around the world have put security ahead of privacy and most people have accepted it for granted. I personally can say for myself that I would like to have a much higher degree of privacy than I have today, but it is not easy to throw out some habits.

I definitely agree that it is quite insane to stop using all Google services at some point, so gradually replacing individual applications is the best solution. I've been using Firefox again for a while now, and I'm also seriously considering putting Gmail out of use altogether. I think it’s a good start, definitely something anyone can do.

For those unfamiliar with what Google (and Apple) is currently doing for the purpose of fighting against COVID-19, read the following articles. Although the intention is generally good, it is still a matter of mass data collection, their use and the issue of adequate protection.

https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-contact-tracing-government-apps-vs-apple-google-covid-19-2020-4
https://www.xda-developers.com/google-apple-contact-tracing-coronavirus/

[xxjumperxx]

A very good post with a lot of useful information, and what I especially appreciate is that every service from Google have an alternative which means online life without Google is possible, but still not quite as simple as pressing a button.

I can only say that privacy is not something that worries most people too much these days, especially since some governments around the world have put security ahead of privacy and most people have accepted it for granted. I personally can say for myself that I would like to have a much higher degree of privacy than I have today, but it is not easy to throw out some habits.

I definitely agree that it is quite insane to stop using all Google services at some point, so gradually replacing individual applications is the best solution. I've been using Firefox again for a while now, and I'm also seriously considering putting Gmail out of use altogether. I think it’s a good start, definitely something anyone can do.

Thanks for the kind words.
Yes its not going to be an easy task, since Google really has some quality products and I have been using Gmail for so long.
https://www.xda-developers.com/google-apple-contact-tracing-coronavirus/

For those unfamiliar with what Google (and Apple) is currently doing for the purpose of fighting against COVID-19, read the following articles. Although the intention is generally good, it is still a matter of mass data collection, their use and the issue of adequate protection.

https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-contact-tracing-government-apps-vs-apple-google-covid-19-2020-4
https://www.xda-developers.com/google-apple-contact-tracing-coronavirus/

I added the links in the Original post and linked you in the contributions.
I didnt even know this was going on.
Yes seems like they are helping, but they dont mind the extra data they can harvest from us using COVID-19 as reasoning!

[ABCbits]

• Keybase - encrypted chat like Signal. Does not require a phone number to sign up  - 5-eyes

Recently when i'm looking news about Zoom, i found out Keybase was bought by Zoom. Zoom is known to have bad security, bad privacy and lying about feature of their service.
I don't use Keybase, but i'd have some concern if i were to use Keybase.

Source : https://keybase.io/blog/keybase-joins-zoom

[xxjumperxx]

• Keybase - encrypted chat like Signal. Does not require a phone number to sign up  - 5-eyes

Recently when i'm looking news about Zoom, i found out Keybase was bought by Zoom. Zoom is known to have bad security, bad privacy and lying about feature of their service.
I don't use Keybase, but i'd have some concern if i were to use Keybase.

Source : https://keybase.io/blog/keybase-joins-zoom

This is what I love about this community!
Thanks for pointing that out, I will remove it. Yes Zoom has been the center of attention with their security flaws.

[20kevin20]

Thanks alot, very much appreciated. I have added a contribution area where I will list everyone that has contributed to the list.
I remove the hint and replaced it with a guide of how to unlock your Bootloader.
Sadly it cant be done for all phones.

Thanks for the credits. Yes, the Bootloader unlocking guide is different from phone to phone. But as long as people know it's needed, a quick search is enough.

The "Eyes" Concept is based on where the company is located that made the specific program.
Multiple sources I have looked at told me they are based in a location thats part of the 5 Eye Alliance.

Oh, now it makes sense. Thought some source said they were created by the surveillance alliances.

These would probably be good alternatives to the Google OS thats installed on Chromebooks.
Replacing windows is a whole other chapter =)

Also true, you'd switch from a very intuitive UI to an OS where you'd have to use Terminal quite often. It's a pretty fun journey though for those interested in switching from privacy-lacking Windows

Agreed, even small steps will change your privacy to the better!
Thanks for the kind words and please do translate and share the word.
Just link back to the original and get a conversation started there!

Thank you for the great thread & for the merit! Will return the favor as soon as I can, I'll make sure to translate the thread in the following few days

~
I definitely agree that it is quite insane to stop using all Google services at some point, so gradually replacing individual applications is the best solution. I've been using Firefox again for a while now, and I'm also seriously considering putting Gmail out of use altogether. I think it’s a good start, definitely something anyone can do.
~

It's only insane because we've been taught to use their services and their mass-data-collecting apps. If we were to use FOSS apps and software and get accustomed to them from the start, right now it'd be insane to move to Google. I've made the change within a few days and it is a bit harder to get used to it, but it's indeed worth it.


EDIT: Here you go! I've translated the topic to the Romanian board. We usually don't have that many members active over there, but every little step matters.

[reinow]

I'm glad to see people finally waking up to the reality & see how their data is mined and used. Well done!

I fully agree!

I use duckduckgo, firefox, my own email service, a secure Linux distro, and will also have a look at the Android alternatives.

I am considering to translate the original post to Swedish and publish it.

[BADecker]

^^^ Isn't Firefox owned by Google?     

[Velkro]

Great great guide. Very important topic that people neglect in our times.
It will only get worse with time if we won't do anything about it. There are signalists saying this already since years, but it will take time to reach critical mass of people that get it.

I'm glad to see people finally waking up to the reality & see how their data is mined and used. Well done!

I don't think they are yet sadly. First quotation in this topic is on point.
Many people will say i have nothing to hide so i don't care about privacy. Biggest mistake they could make. If they will need privacy for whatever reason, it will be too late.

[xxjumperxx]

^^^ Isn't Firefox owned by Google?     

Google paid Mozilla some decent amount of cash to have Google Search set as default search engine.
But Google does not own Mozilla nor Firefox.

[20kevin20]

^^^ Isn't Firefox owned by Google?     

Even if it was to be owned by Google, it would mean nothing as soon as it's open-source. Tor Browser is based on Firefox on both mobile and PC (even on Tails). There are lots of Firefox forks. Android is created by Google and yet it's open-source and can be modified as much as one is willing to. You could create a super-spyware-filled OS or you could create what Replicant currently is. You're free to do anything

I don't think they are yet sadly. First quotation in this topic is on point.
Many people will say i have nothing to hide so i don't care about privacy. Biggest mistake they could make. If they will need privacy for whatever reason, it will be too late.

I, myself, have convinced over 10 people to get rid of all this data-stripping crap. If someone isn't conscious enough to understand that nothing is completely free and your data is worth much more than you'd ever pay for these services, it only means they need to be woken up to reality by someone who knows. We're so used to Google and Facebook that we don't even notice anymore that we may have an eavesdropping device sitting in every room in our house (Echo/Home). We have been taught this way.

[Jarmo van de Seijp]

I've been using DuckGoGo for a while as my standard engine now. After watching the documentary of netflix, I started looking into it a bit more serioiusly and was quite shocked.

- Written from my chromebook

[xxjumperxx]

I've been using DuckGoGo for a while as my standard engine now. After watching the documentary of netflix, I started looking into it a bit more serioiusly and was quite shocked.

I have switched to DuckDuckGo and I have been getting used to it.
Siwtched over to Firefox also, so slowly moving away.

- Written from my chromebook

 

[Ucy]

People close to you could regard you as something similar to what the world calls conspiracy theory if you try to tell them about the privacy risks on the internet.
We should also be aware that we are being watched/spied and programmed not just by our fellow humans through this things.( I have felt the "evil one" programming and spying on people few months or weeks ago.) We should be making it very hard for them to abuse these things or spy on us.

I am not sure the centralized alternatives are safe either. I think well decentralized crypto-based alternative would be better alternatives.

Your post is useful though. Saved it for the future

[jrrsparkles]

But the reality is, most of the people don't care about their privacy or they think there is nothing to hide from the whole world so they just let the google to steal all their data.We can look for alternatives to google products but still we can't claim 100% anonymity.Smartphones means no privacy.

[xxjumperxx]

But the reality is, most of the people don't care about their privacy or they think there is nothing to hide from the whole world so they just let the google to steal all their data.We can look for alternatives to google products but still we can't claim 100% anonymity.Smartphones means no privacy.

Thats exactly the problem.
I don't think its not caring, but it just seems like too much work to move elsewhere.
I mean I bet 95% of the people using Gmail or Google in general don't know that there are settings to increase your privacy.
Google is literally tracking your every move, where you go and which stores you go in to.
This has so much value, which ads to show, which products you are interested in and this combined with your gmail. -> Treasure Cove!

[jrrsparkles]

But the reality is, most of the people don't care about their privacy or they think there is nothing to hide from the whole world so they just let the google to steal all their data.We can look for alternatives to google products but still we can't claim 100% anonymity.Smartphones means no privacy.

Thats exactly the problem.
I don't think its not caring, but it just seems like too much work to move elsewhere.
I mean I bet 95% of the people using Gmail or Google in general don't know that there are settings to increase your privacy.
Google is literally tracking your every move, where you go and which stores you go in to.
This has so much value, which ads to show, which products you are interested in and this combined with your gmail. -> Treasure Cove!

We can turn of location tracking on google apps but still google can trace your moving with any app you have installed because we all are using Playstore.

[xxjumperxx]

-snip-
We can turn of location tracking on google apps but still google can trace your moving with any app you have installed because we all are using Playstore.

Does the Playstore have access to your location?

I don't have an android phone, but I thought you can give each app permissions?