Google cautionary tale
It’s been 9 years since I’ve used any Google software or service, notwithstanding work related stuff on other people’s computers. The final straw was an Android phone, which I had configured to stay completely disconnected from the “cloud”. Everything was local and nothing sync’d to Google. Then, after an update, unbeknownst to me, my privacy settings were reset and Google uploaded all of my photos, documents, location history, etc.
After deleting everything I could from Google, I deleted my account, bought an iPhone, blocked as much of Google as I could on my firewall. I have a few carve-outs so youtube still works — my kids my revolt otherwise.
Protecting one’s privacy and still effectively using computing devices is a near impossible task.
Google cautionary tale
Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that your data was really deleted from google. Maybe, just maybe, in time it slowly disappears, but I'd wager that mostly what "delete" does with ggl is simply deny yourself access to the data. I can't say that I have found the experience with an iPhone any less painful than that of ggl's devices, a little more hidden from the user? or wrapped in better PR? I find apple's policy of EOL-ing perfectly good devices quite detestable.
Google cautionary tale
@stebby
My home firewall blocks various networks (by AS number), although I keep having to punch more and more holes into it to get access to so many sites that rely on services hosted either by the AS themselves, or on their network. #recaptcha is real PITA. I only wish I really could boycott the services that insist on it, but at this point in time, I have to make compromises.
However, I have managed to allow recaptcha to work without allowing much else.
re: Google cautionary tale
@keith I do the same, blocking some by AS number and punching holes where required, and have the same issues with recaptcha. For a phone I use GrapheneOS now. Still feels like a losing battle.
Google cautionary tale
@stebby
BTW
#Decentraleyes was great browser plugin! Shame it got shafted.