Privacy Risks:
To address a point made: some services are definitely worse than others, and some are harder to avoid than others if you want to exist digitally. AWS is the largest web platform that a significant percentage of the Internet’s websites are hosted on. This list is merely for reference, and your choice to try to avoid services that are known to violate your rights to privacy.
This list will continue to be updated when changes to the privacy policies are made:
Why should I avoid these? Social Media is probably the biggest abuser of recording and selling personal data. Any information, photos or general content you put on these platforms is being used to make them money. If you are going to use them, I recommend limiting the amount of personal information you input to the minimum. It is important to know the distinction between free and Open Source when comparing these.
Why should I avoid these? AMP sets a precedent of getting content created by a creator but not getting it from the creator, getting it from Google. While the idea of a platform that is uniform, loads fast and is managed by a tech giant sounds great from a technical point, it is from a technical point. Ethically, it is essentially stealing. It also removes the incentive for creating personal blogs and independent journalism.
Why should I avoid these? AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform and Alibaba Cloud are all run by companies that are known to record, save and sell your data.
What is self-hosting? You can host a lot of the platforms you use online or similar alternatives. Hosting is when you install software on a local computer for your network. Some examples of self-hosted platforms are NextCloud, a file collaboration platform and BitWarden, a password manager. All you have to do is buy a computer, even a Raspberry Pi works! And then just leave it on and run the software when you need it. It will be accessible over the web on your local network.
B.A. Applied Communication, Leadership and Culture. Dip. Computer Networking Technology.
I advocate for Digital Policy, Human Rights and Ethical Practices.
Owner of Meet Modern and HubLink.
Creator of HardlyNerding, TimeForPrivacy, WhyStream, OTTRPG and BehindTheDungeons.