Quitting Google: Advice from a Privacy Specialist

Tips from a Privacy Specialist on Ditching Google.

Some companies are simple to abandon when you lose interest. If you decide not to buy Coca-Cola products, for example, you can easily stop consuming them. Although Coca-Cola creates a wide range of goods, you can still research to understand their product line and choose what you want to avoid.

However, quitting Google isn't as straightforward. It produces numerous items that you rely on for your digital life. Disengaging from a company like this is like getting divorced, according to Janet Vertesi, a sociologist at Princeton who specializes in human-computer interaction. She states, "It's not easy, but you feel so much better on the other side."

Vertesi is familiar with the process, as she conducted research on NASA's robotic spacecraft teams and publishes works on human-computer interaction. In 2012, following Google's significant adjustment to its privacy policies, she ceased using their services. Vertesi also manages "The Opt Out Project," a site dedicated to guiding individuals through the process of disengaging from "Big Tech" platforms and discovering community-based, DIY alternatives. She is, in essence, an expert on the subject.

In February 2018, Aussiedlerbote published a detailed guide on quitting Google and provided a list of the top competitors for each of their products. While the information remains valid, leaving Google isn't merely a technical process; it's a massive project. Here's some advice on how to tackle it.

Gradually cut ties

Vertesi urged me not to rush into quitting Google all at once.

"People fall off before even trying because they think it's too daunting," she explained. "You can't eat the elephant all at once; you've got to do it one bite at a time."

Practically speaking, this means selecting one Google service and migrating to a different one. For instance, you could begin by investigating the best Google search alternatives and testing them for a couple of weeks. Switching from your default browser is another potential first step, with Vertesi favoring Firefox for its focus on privacy and community. But don't be hasty; researching and experimenting with multiple browsers is recommended.

Vertesi's personal recommendation is to transition from Chrome to Firefox first. She appreciates Firefox's prioritization of privacy and community. Thus, changing your browser is a great initial step, and Firefox simplifies the transition. However, don't forget that Chrome is just one of Google's products affecting your life. Quitting Google involves listing all the applications, tasks, and services they provide and replacing them one by one.

Avoid going straight into another corporation's alternatives

You might consider switching to another company's entire suite of apps, particularly when thinking about replacing all Google products at once. Vertesi urges against this.

"You don't jump out of the frying pan into someone else's frying pan," she explained. This option has several advantages. First, it prevents one corporation from having access to all your information. Second, it keeps you open to experimenting with various tools.

Vertesi suggested multiple tools during our conversation-Proton and Zoho for email, Dropbox and Resilio Sync for files syncing, and CryptPad for online document editing. Combining different apps distributes your data across multiple places and lets you choose the best tools for different situations.

Consider switching your operating systems

If you own an Android phone, Google likely tracks your activities. You don't necessarily need to acquire a new phone, though; you might be able to install /e/OS instead. This is an open-source operating system that can be installed on Pixel phones, completely free of any Google applications or influence. Alternatively, an iPhone might be a feasible option, provided you were planning to replace your phone.

Chromebooks, like Android devices, are difficult to detach from Google without altering the operating system. Vertesi recommended considering ElementaryOS, a Linux distribution that's relatively easy to install and use.

Alternatively, if embracing this level of change feels overwhelming, Vertesi conceded that Apple's products are generally better for privacy. "Apple's products are the best at being user-friendly and also privacy and security-focused," she said, adding that she "doesn't think Windows is a viable option anymore for privacy."

I prefer using Google Docs to collaborate with the majority of my editors; it's widely recognized as a standard within the industry. If, like me, you rely on Google for various tasks, Vertesi advises signing into your Google account using a separate web browser. This ensures that Google can't monitor your other online activities, which is beneficial from a privacy standpoint. However, there are other advantages as well.

Vertesi stated that it takes self-control, but once you've separated your work browser, it contributes to a healthier work-life balance. Using a dedicated browser for work keeps you from juggling tasks during personal time.

Breaking Free from Google

Google users often rely on the company for an array of services. Conversely, Google relies on its users to generate the data required for its highly successful advertising business. Vertesi refers to this as an unhealthy codependent relationship.

She shared, "Google has infiltrated every aspect of our lives. Leaving a codependent relationship is beneficial, but it's not easy. However, there's a silver lining: many of these corporate tools can be replaced with more idealistic alternatives."

Vertesi praised companies like Signal, Mozilla, and Proton, as well as various open-source projects that aren't beholden to shareholders or venture capitalists. The takeaway? While we can critique Google for its shortcomings, it's also important to seek out organizations and tools that embody the values we admire. That's the brighter side.