The world can no longer trust American tech. If that sounds dramatic, take a step back and consider the facts.

The United States is a nation in the thrall of authoritarianism, owned and operated almost completely by a far-right doomsday cult intent on betraying every alliance, every contract, every promise it has ever made. A partisan billionaire has largely captured its infrastructure, and its decision-making is either erratic and illogical or dictated by interests that cannot and will not align with any reasonable principles of freedom, social progress, or ethical governance.

Apple, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and other tech companies operating on American soil can talk a big game about their sovereignty, independence, and encryption. But talk may be all it is; there can be no guarantee that an authoritarian U.S. government will not compel American cloud, email, productivity, and messaging providers to open their databases and records to partisan law enforcement.

Even the tech you can trust is eventually going to run up against Trump and his crime family sooner or later. And there is no guarantee that they will have the resources, the recourse or the legal infrastructure to stare him down. Apple can fight Trump in the courts, but Trump is already testing the courts' legitimacy and ignoring their judgments. Microsoft - to their credit - didn't bow and scrape at Trump's inauguration, but they are far from siloed from U.S. Government contracts and the influence and control of an administration that doesn't give two fucks about privacy, freedom, or actual free speech, when it isn't enabling Nazism.

Meanwhile, The EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) - a legal mechanism established in 2023 to enable transatlantic data flows while ensuring EU citizens' data maintained adequate protection under GDPR when transferred to the U.S. - has been all but abandoned by the United States. The DPF replaced the invalidated Privacy Shield and was built on an Executive Order (14086) signed by President Biden that imposed new binding safeguards limiting U.S. intelligence agencies' access to European data and establishing a Data Protection Review Court (DPRC) where EU citizens could seek redress for privacy violations.

Trump effectively nullified this framework by signing an executive order to review and potentially revoke EO 14086, which formed the legal foundation of the DPF. By targeting the independent judicial review mechanism crucial for EU approval, Trump removed the protection that made EU-US data transfers legal. Without these safeguards, European organizations transferring data to American cloud providers now operate in a legal vacuum, as the fundamental basis for considering the U.S. an adequate destination for EU personal data no longer exists.

If you care about your rights, if you care about your data, if you're paying attention to U.S. decline, it's time to start looking for alternatives to American tech domination.

I've long been a proponent of simple tech. So I'm not looking to build a complex productivity stack with all the bells and whistles; all I want, all I need, is tech that works and does the job. And while in the past, privacy was a major concern, I'm taking that up a notch, trying to move as much of the technology I use off U.S. big tech platforms and servers and onto European / Canadian owned, operated, and hosted platforms, or open-source, distributed software maintained by international teams who aren't driven by a growth-at-all-costs mentality.

Here's What I'm Using

*Note - none of the links below are affiliate links. I'm not associated with any of these companies, and I'm not profiting off these recommendations or monetizing your clicks or your data.

My main productivity tool is ToDoist, a European-based task management app that prioritizes privacy, reliability, and user control without the data-mining practices of Big Tech. Developed by Doist, a remote-first company headquartered in Europe, it operates independently of U.S. regulatory shifts and political fuckery, and its always been a stable choice for users who want a productivity tool free from Silicon Valley surveillance. ToDoist does not sell user data and offers a clean, distraction-free interface with powerful features like natural language input, project collaboration, and cross-platform sync. I was using ToDoist before the U.S. went to shit, and I'll be using it until the last cockroach croaks in our future nuclear winter. But that's a story for another day.

I've been obsessed with iA Writer for years and write everything in it. It's a Swiss-developed, privacy-respecting writing app that prioritizes simplicity, focus, and user control without the distractions or data-harvesting practices of Big Tech. Built by Information Architects (iA), it operates independently of U.S. surveillance-heavy platforms, offering a clean, markdown-based writing environment free from corporate bloat or algorithmic interference. Unlike cloud-dependent alternatives, iA Writer keeps your documents local by default, with optional end-to-end encrypted sync through iCloud or other non-invasive storage solutions. Its European foundation and design philosophy is a damn good promise that writers, journalists, and professionals can work without worrying about data exploitation.

I'm already a Proton user. Proton is a Swiss-based, privacy-first company offering a full suite of encrypted tools—including email, cloud storage, a password manager, a calendar, and a VPN—designed to keep users' data secure and completely out of the reach of U.S. intelligence agencies. As a European foundation, Proton operates under some of the world's strongest privacy laws, with no dependency on the U.S. government, no data access for U.S. authorities, and no venture capital pushing for profit-driven compromises. While CEO Andy Yen's recent public statements have raised my hackles more than a little, Proton remains structurally committed to privacy, encryption, and user control, ensuring its ecosystem stays independent of political shifts. For now, its expanding set of services offers one of the most compelling privacy-respecting alternatives to Big Tech. If that changes, I'll update this.

I'm using Joplin for my notes. I don't need much from a note-taking app - I've come from Apple Notes, which is pretty stripped down to begin with, outside of its recent Apple Intelligence bloat. And I don't need AI features. I need a secure, encrypted place to keep drafts, ideas, text snippets, links, and Bob's Burgers quotes. Joplin offers an open-source note-taking and to-do application focusing on privacy and security, and the data/servers for its encrypted Joplin Cloud are located in France. Beyond that, you get end-to-end encryption for secure note storage, cross-platform availability (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS), Markdown support + rich text formatting, a web clipper browser extension for saving web content, robust search functionality, customizable organization with notebooks, Synchronization across devices via various services (Dropbox, NextCloud, WebDAV, etc.), a plugin system for extending functionality and import/export capabilities (supports Evernote, plain text, MD, PDF formats). Plus, Joplin stores notes locally first, giving you complete control over your data while allowing optional syncing.

For my browser (at the moment), I'm using LibreWolf, a privacy-hardened, independent fork of Firefox designed to strip out Big Tech's surveillance while maintaining full user control over security and customization. Developed by a community-driven, open-source project, it operates outside corporate influence, free from Mozilla's telemetry, sponsored content, and other data-collection mechanisms. As a European-aligned browser with no ties to U.S. intelligence agencies or government oversight, LibreWolf gives me a secure, fast, and tracker-free web experience without reliance on centralized control. With built-in uBlock Origin, enhanced fingerprinting resistance, and no forced updates or background connections, it's one of the most robust choices for privacy-conscious users who refuse to compromise.

But for a more solid European option and a companion mobile app, I use Vivaldi. It's a European-based, privacy-focused web browser designed for users who value security, customization, and independence from Big Tech surveillance. Developed by Vivaldi Technologies in Norway and Iceland, it operates outside the jurisdiction of U.S. intelligence overreach and is not vulnerable to the whims of the U.S. Unlike mainstream browsers that monetize user data, Vivaldi rejects invasive tracking, offers pretty robust built-in ad and tracker blocking, and gives users control over their browsing experience.

I have some decisions that I need to make about my analytics. I've pulled everything off Google Analytics and removed their trackers and tags, and I'll likely be moving to Fathom, based out of Canada. Fathom processes EU website traffic through EU-based infrastructure, specifically utilizing Hetzner Online GmbH’s data centers in Germany and Finland, making them a strong option. It's always tough paying for an alternative to a free tool. But nothing Google makes has ever or will ever be free.

Other Privacy-Positive Tech Alternatives from Europe & Canada

This is my list of open-source, privacy-centric tech platforms from Europe and Canada. In my honest opinion, these are strong alternatives to popular U.S. products (Chrome, Gmail, MS Office, social media, cloud storage, search, etc.).

I've either tried the tools below personally or I've walked through them with users who I trust, who trust them. I've verified as much of their privacy policies and their track records as I can.

In terms of the products themselves - they're not all perfect. They might not match trillion dollar U.S. products feature for feature. But if you're prepared to sacrifice everything else for a handful of features, this probably wasn't the post for you in the first damn place.

My goal is to provide a starting place to shift your entire tech stack to privacy-respecting, European-based solutions.

I'll keep updating this list each month, as needs and time demand.

*Again - no affiliate links. You can count on that, for every post on this blog. I don't profit from you as a reader in any way beyond your direct support, if you so choose.

Other Web Browsers (Alternative to Google Chrome)

• Mullvad Browser (Sweden) – Open-source privacy-focused web browser. Developed by VPN provider Mullvad in cooperation with the Tor Project, it’s a fork of Firefox designed to thwart tracking and fingerprinting.
  Advantages: Does not “phone home” to Google, blocks many tracking techniques by default, and can be used with Mullvad VPN for strong anonymity.
  Limitations: Lacks Chrome’s built-in Google account sync and some convenience features; for full IP privacy, it’s recommended to use a VPN alongside it.
  Website: mullvad.net
• Iridium Browser (Germany) – Chromium-based browser hardened for privacy. Iridium takes the open Chromium codebase and removes Google integrations and telemetry, preventing automatic data transfers to Google servers.
  Advantages: Open source and transparent, with default settings that maximize privacy (no search suggestions, no usage metrics sent out).
  Limitations: Does not support Google Chrome login/sync functionality; updates may lag slightly behind Chrome’s release cycle.
  Website: iridiumbrowser.de

Secure Email Services (Alternative to Gmail)

• Proton Mail (Switzerland) – Encrypted email service with end-to-end security. Proton Mail offers zero-access encryption, meaning even Proton cannot read user emails. Servers are based in Switzerland under strict privacy laws.
  Advantages: No ads, no tracking, and no data mining. Open source and independently audited.
  Limitations: Free accounts have limited storage and addresses; the interface is less integrated with third-party services than Google’s.
  Website: proton.me
• Tutanota (Germany) – Open-source encrypted email provider. Tutanota encrypts emails, calendar entries, and contacts by default.
  Advantages: Data is readable only on your devices, no ads, no tracking pixels, and no data mining.
  Limitations: Custom encryption means emails can only be accessed via Tutanota’s clients (no IMAP/SMTP for external email apps).
  Website: tutanota.com

Other European email providers include Mailbox.org and Posteo (Germany), which are privacy-focused but don’t offer end-to-end encryption by default. Kolab Now (Switzerland) is another open-source groupware-based email service.

Office & Productivity Suites (Alternative to Microsoft Office/Google Docs)

• LibreOffice (Germany) – Full-featured open-source office suite. Provides offline tools for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations using open formats.
  Advantages: Runs locally, with no cloud or telemetry by default, ensuring privacy.
  Limitations: Lacks real-time online collaboration out-of-the-box.
  Website: libreoffice.org
• OnlyOffice Docs (Latvia) – Open-source online office suite with collaborative editing. Supports real-time co-editing and change tracking, with strong Microsoft format compatibility.
  Advantages: Can be self-hosted, avoiding U.S. cloud servers.
  Limitations: Some advanced Microsoft Office features are missing.
  Website: onlyoffice.com
• CryptPad (France) – Privacy-first online office suite with end-to-end encryption.
  Advantages: No tracking, no ads, no data access for the server operator.
  Limitations: Some usability trade-offs due to encryption.
  Website: cryptpad.org

Cloud Storage & File Sync (Alternative to Google Drive, Dropbox)

• Nextcloud (Germany) – Open-source private cloud platform. Offers file sync, sharing, calendaring, and document editing under your control.
  Advantages: Can be self-hosted or used via EU-based providers for full data control.
  Limitations: Self-hosting requires some technical setup.
  Website: nextcloud.com
• Cozy Cloud (France) – Personal cloud and storage platform. Provides file storage, password management, and data collection automation.
  Advantages: GDPR-compliant with no tracking or data mining.
  Limitations: Not as feature-rich as Google Drive.
  Website: cozy.io

Other options: ownCloud (Germany) – similar to Nextcloud. Syncthing (peer-to-peer file sync) and Cryptomator (client-side encrypted cloud storage).

Social Media & Networks (Alternatives to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit)

• Mastodon (Germany) – Decentralized social network (Twitter alternative).
  Advantages: No ads, no tracking, user-controlled feeds.
  Limitations: The decentralized structure can be confusing at first.
  Website: joinmastodon.org
• Pixelfed (Canada) – Decentralized photo-sharing network (Instagram alternative).
  Advantages: No ads, no tracking, fully federated.
  Limitations: Smaller user base than Instagram.
  Website: pixelfed.org
• PeerTube (France) – Federated video platform (YouTube alternative).
  Advantages: No corporate algorithms, no tracking.
  Limitations: Smaller content library than YouTube.
  Website: joinpeertube.org
• Lemmy (Austria/Slovakia) – Federated link aggregation and discussion platform (Reddit alternative).
  Advantages: No tracking or ads, user-moderated content.
  Limitations: Fewer communities than Reddit.
  Website: join-lemmy.org

Messaging & Communication (Alternatives to WhatsApp, Slack, Zoom)

• Element (Matrix Protocol) (UK) – Secure chat and collaboration app.
  Advantages: End-to-end encrypted, decentralized.
  Limitations: Can be complex for new users.
  Website: element.io
• Jami (Canada) – Peer-to-peer encrypted messaging and calling.
  Advantages: No central server, maximum anonymity.
  Limitations: Requires both users to be online for real-time messages.
  Website: jami.net
• BigBlueButton (Canada) – Open-source video conferencing platform.
  Advantages: Can be self-hosted for full data control.
  Limitations: Requires a dedicated server to self-host.
  Website: bigbluebutton.org

Search Engines (Alternative to Google Search)

• SearxNG – Open-source metasearch engine. Aggregates results from multiple sources while stripping out tracking.
  Advantages: No profiling, no filter bubbles.
  Limitations: Some search engines may block Searx queries.
  Website: searx.space
• Qwant (France) – Privacy-focused search engine with its own index.
  Advantages: No personalized tracking or ad profiling.
  Limitations: Less comprehensive than Google.
  Website: qwant.com

Password Managers

• KeePass (Germany) – Offline, open-source password manager. Encrypts passwords locally using AES-256 or ChaCha20, ensuring no internet connection is required.
  Advantages: Fully offline, highly customizable, no subscription fees.
  Limitations: No automatic syncing, requires manual setup for multi-device use.
  Website: keepass.info
• KeePassXC (Germany) – Cross-platform fork of KeePass with a modern interface and browser integration.
  Advantages: Fully offline, cross-platform, supports browser extensions for autofill.
  Limitations: Requires manual syncing, no cloud integration.
  Website: keepassxc.org
• 1Password (Canada) – Zero-knowledge encrypted password manager with cross-platform support.
  Advantages: End-to-end encryption, Travel Mode for border security, breach alerts.
  Limitations: Subscription required, not fully open-source.
  Website: 1password.com
• Passbolt (Luxembourg) – Open-source password manager focused on team collaboration and self-hosting.
  Advantages: GDPR-compliant, fully self-hostable, no tracking.
  Limitations: Less user-friendly for individuals, mobile support in development.
  Website: passbolt.com

Look.

I'm not here to scold.

At the end of the day, what you do with your data and your money is up to you.

But I don't think it's unreasonable to ask some serious questions about U.S. tech - its provenance, its accountability to a dangerous political movement, and its role in fracturing democracy and social progress the whole world over.

We can and should send a message to U.S. tech leaders that their hegemony is not eternal, not set in stone. That there are consequences for their greed and their obsequiousness. There is a world of tech out there that isn't Silicon Valley owned and operated, doesn't bow and scrape to Donald Trump, and protects its user's rights - by law.

There are difficult choices that have to be made. Choices about who we are and who we want to be when the world is in crisis and people's lives and freedoms are at risk.

It's easy to laugh at people who "choose the mountain" - deliberately making their lives harder and more complicated to pursue their values. We laugh because we've been taught, we've been convinced that sincerity and idealism are cringeworthy, embarrassing to the point of pornographic discomfort.

But that cynicism didn't help us stave off the last gasps of bigoted, white supremacist power, and it won't help us fight against it.

We need the idealism that pushes ordinary people to make better decisions and stick to them.

Yes, even if that looks like switching email providers.

If you have other suggestions, alternatives or comments on the tools I've picked out, hit me up via the comments section here or my email (joan at joanwestenberg dot com)