The Privacy-Friendly Tech to Replace Your US-Based Email, Browser, and Search
1 min read
Summary
Increasing numbers of European companies are shifting from US Big Tech services to those that handle data locally, according to Wired.
This comes as a result of Elon Musk’s perceived influence over the US government, as well as its aggressive stance on foreign policy, raising concerns about US-based digital services’ security.
Several European governments have also taken to creating home-grown tech services with less perceived risk.
A March poll suggested that 62% of people from nine European countries believe large US tech companies pose a threat to the continent’s sovereignty.
Various privacy-focused alternatives to US digital services have seen a surge in popularity.
For example, the Swedish browser Mullvad is focused on digital anonymity and blocks tracking.
Vivaldi, another browser recommended by Wired, is headquartered in Norway and doesn’t profile behaviour or access users’ data.
Qwant, Mojeek, Startpage and Ecosia offer alternative search engines to those offered by Big Tech.
Proton and Tuta are privacy-focused email providers that offer end-to-end encryption and are based in Switzerland and Germany respectively.
