4h ago

Supporting EU Innovation: My Shift Away from US Tech Giants

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/26584999

I've decided to make some significant changes in my digital life. I've taken the plunge and am rooting out most US-based services from my usage list. This includes canceling all my streaming subscriptions, putting my Reddit account in cold storage, and deleting my Twitter accounts. Additionally, I'm in the process of removing my presence from Meta platforms. This shift is part of my effort to simplify and re-evaluate my online habits and dependencies.
One of the primary reasons for this change is the importance of bolstering the EU economy. By supporting European companies and services, I believe we can foster innovation and growth within our own region. This not only strengthens our economic independence but also encourages the development of solutions tailored to our specific needs and values.
In my exploration of EU-based alternatives, I've found that while they may be slightly more expensive, they often offer superior technology and usability. The focus on quality, privacy, and user experience in many European products aligns with my personal values and expectations. By investing in these solutions, I'm not only supporting local businesses but also benefiting from advanced and reliable services.
This transition is about more than just personal preference; it's about contributing to a stronger, more self-sufficient European digital landscape. I'm excited to continue discovering and integrating more EU-based services into my daily life.
Despite the costs and effort needed to make this change, I would like to encourage and motivate everyone else considering doing the same. It will undoubtedly be tough for a while, but if we push forward together, it will be better for all of us in the end. Let's support each other in this journey towards a more independent and innovative digital future.

BuyFromEU @feddit.org

183 29

18 comments

Stremio is illegal (piracy). Don't use it!

BlueSky is US-based and not really decentralised. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluesky
Prefer Mastodon and other fediverse services.

As alternative to WhatsApp, there is also ArcaneChat that is more user-friendly for normies: https://arcanechat.me/
- Why not Signal?

I've made similar changes....but I've stopped recommending these to people. Almost everything here takes plenty of knowhow and setup effort. Good to have a reference like this....but this is not for normies.
Also, Lemmy tends to shoot on sight at the mention of Brave. Lemmy hivemind is close to doing the same with Firefox.
- I feel like there are quite a few normie-friendly alternatives out there... But generally speaking, I've gotta agree.
  However, I do think we could take it upon ourselves to help! It might be hard to set up, but it's worth it. I say: keep recommending it, but make yourself more available to guide and aid people less knowledgeable than yourself.
  If you're willing, of course.
  
  My mission has been to get people to at least use a password manager like Bitwarden. I've been unsuccessful for years and am stuck recovering accounts for everyone. You have to understand just how little normies are willing to do.

Isn't Stremio just a torrent client with integrated videoplayer and search? Kind of odd suggesting it as an alternative to legit services. Might get some less knowledgable people bonked with fines.
- These people use every opportunity to post about piracy. They think it's their mission to convert everyone to do piracy. No idea why.

I'm a huge advocate for switching to FOSS, but you're being disingenuous by portraying it as supporting the EU. You're boycotting US companies. I do the same for the benefit of privacy, frugality, and, honestly, fun. FOSS isn't for most people, though.
I have heard that Nextcloud is pretty buggy. Libre Office is a Microsoft Office replacement, which is mainly the function of Nextcloud.
Home Assistant has a pretty steep learning curve, but totally worth it in the end. The voice assistant software is still in its early stages, same with cellphone software.
I love that you're spreading awareness, but I wanted to warn others. There are many lists of FOSS alternatives out there!

I've switched away from google to https://www.infomaniak.com/en/ksuite
1.91 Euro/m for 1 Terabyte of storage, and it's hosted and operated from Switzerland

Welcome to Lemmy @Gigameister@lemmy.world
- Thank you!!

Don’t mind me, just a fed up US citizen looking for ways to stop supporting large corporations where possible.

I've been using some of these for years, already. Most certainly Firefox and Stremio.

18 comments