DeGoogle Yourself

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A community for those that would like to get away from Google.

Here you may post anything related to DeGoogling, why we should do it or good software alternatives!

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I am a victim of the network effect who wishes to degoogle. What do I do? (self.degoogle)

submitted 6 months ago by Vuraniute to c/[email protected]

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This post is going to be a bit personal (and maybe a little bit out of context, it's not just Google software I want to remove) but I'm tired of not knowing what to do about it. I want and have wanted to get rid of a bunch of proprietary software in my life, including but not limited to Google's software, for quite a while now, and I even got a Pixel 7A with hopes of installing GrapheneOS. But there are a few problems. First, my parents are understandably concerned and need me to use Google Maps' location sharing whenever I go to school. All my classmates use Instagram and we have that as our only messaging platform. I currently use DFInstagram, but I feel that it is not free from spyware. Finally, I also own a DJI Mini 3 Pro, and the associated DJI Fly app just refuses to work under GrapheneOS (I tested). Is there anything I can do to replace or limit the access of these aforementioned proprietary apps?

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[–] [email protected] 20 points 6 months ago (1 children)

When people say degoogle, most of the times what they mean is they want to use software (preferably free and opensource) that respects their privacy. How does switching to ios help with that? You are jumping from Google's ship to Apple's and your hardware is going to be even more restrictive. And all the proprietary services OP has to use now (like Instagram) will remain the same in ios. So I don't see how switching to ios solves OP's problems.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 6 months ago (2 children)

i'm not trying to argue with you or refute points you made, but instead to respond them in the context of the OPs question:

I want and have wanted to get rid of a bunch of proprietary software in my life, including but not limited to Google’s software, for quite a while now, and I even got a Pixel 7A with hopes of installing GrapheneOS.

my parents are understandably concerned and need me to use Google Maps’ location sharing whenever I go to school. All my classmates use Instagram and we have that as our only messaging platform. I currently use DFInstagram, but I feel that it is not free from spyware. Finally, I also own a DJI Mini 3 Pro, and the associated DJI Fly app just refuses to work under GrapheneOS (I tested). Is there anything I can do to replace or limit the access of these aforementioned proprietary apps?

so graphene isn't an option and the OP wants to get some control over google maps location sharing, instagram and be able to use their drone app.

ios has straightforward privacy controls that accommodate family sharing with a decent degree of granularity, can limit what applications like instagram can do in a very clear and easy to understand way and as far as i know the DJIFly app works on ios (its in the app store and has 4 stars. i don't use it so i can't speak to it).

[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

"graphene isn't an option" is just not true, there are ways around all the mentioned issues if you just read the rest of the thread/crossposts. And android also has a robust permissions system for apps. Going to iOS buys OP very little except a loss of control over their device to software even more proprietary than Android. And I say that as someone who doesn't use android because I don't trust google.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

One thing is being aware of bad actors on the internet, in that case IOS could be an option, other thing is being aware of the mass surveillance and manipulation across the digital space, and that's the thing we're more worried about in communities like this, in such case, IOS is no better than shooting yourself.

You can't become privacy conscious without sacrificing something, some friend will go away calling you a paranoid, somo products you own will become garbage, that's just normal here.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

okay i reread your comment like five times. how, in the context of mass surveillance and manipulation, is ios no better than shooting yourself?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Do you actually trust Apple? Do you really not see it as a honeypot? Are you sure Apple don't track you and respect your privacy as a human being insted of seeing you as a profitable product? Are you out of your mind?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago

i asked how you could say that in the context of mass surveillance and manipulation ios is no better than shooting yourself.

I get hyperbole, but i don't understand that one.

in answer to all your questions: no, no*, no, no.

i don't know what you specifically mean by a honeypot, but i don't see how apple is one.