Protect your privacy and de-Google your life with Proton
This article is sponsored by Proton. Product choices and opinions expressed are those of the sponsor and do not reflect the opinions of the MakeUseOf editorial team.
In a digital age where personal data has become a valuable commodity, the importance of privacy cannot be overstated. Every day, millions of people unknowingly hand over their information to tech giants in exchange for convenience. But at what cost?
If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable about how much of your life Google knows, you’re not alone. This Cyber Security Awareness Month, Proton invites you to take control of your online privacy and de-Google your life.
For just $1 your first month, you can upgrade to Proton’s suite of privacy products—email, calendar, VPN, password manager, and more—that offer world-class security without compromising your privacy.
Why De-Google Your Life?
Google is undeniably convenient, but its business model revolves around collecting your data and using it to power targeted ads. Every search query, email, and even your physical location while using Google Maps is part of the vast personal profile the company builds about you. This data is shared with third parties, including advertisers, without your knowledge or express consent.
Although Google offers free services, the truth is that users pay with their digital identity. The more Google knows about you, the more profitable you will be for Google. And while this may seem like a necessary trade-off for convenience, there are safer alternatives that don’t take your privacy as a bargaining chip.
The dangers of Google data collection
More than 3 billion people rely on Google products to manage their digital lives. However, this large user base comes at a significant cost: privacy. Google’s data collection practices have led to privacy disputes and legal issues around the world, though the tech giant has largely avoided lasting consequences by settling lawsuits.
Whether it’s tracking your online activity or storing your personal data, the risks go beyond just serving more targeted ads. Data breaches, government surveillance, and AI training on user data are just some of the troubling ways your information can be misused. Simply put, your online activities should be for your eyes only.
Proton: A better alternative
Proton provides an easy and user-friendly way to reclaim your privacy. Unlike Google, Proton is designed from the ground up to prioritize the security of your data. Its encryption-based approach ensures that no one, not even Proton itself, has access to your private information. Proton’s headquarters in Switzerland offer added peace of mind with some of the strictest privacy laws in the world.
Proton’s suite of privacy products covers all the essential digital services you need – without intrusion:
- Proton Mail: Offering end-to-end encryption, Proton Mail ensures that only you and your recipient can read your emails.
- Proton Calendar: Keep your schedule private and encrypted, even on mobile.
- Proton VPN: Secure your browsing with high-speed, encrypted VPN services that don’t log your activity.
- Proton Drive: Secure your files and memories in encrypted cloud storage and share them only with people you trust.
- Proton Pass: A password manager to protect your credentials from prying eyes.
- All Proton products are ad-free, and even their free tier offers robust security features. If you’re ready to unlock more features, upgrading to a paid plan will not only improve your experience, but support the mission of building a more private internet.
Switch to Proton in one click
If the thought of moving away from Google sounds daunting, Proton will make the process painless. With its Easy Switch tool, you can quickly import your emails, contacts and calendar events from Google to Proton. The entire process takes just a few clicks, allowing you to seamlessly degoogle your life without any technical hurdles.
Whether you’re a freelancer, student or business owner, this tool will help you migrate to a safer digital environment.
Swiss privacy at its best
Proton operates under the protection of strict Swiss privacy laws, which means your data is protected from unauthorized access. Unlike Google, which can be forced to hand over user information to governments under US laws such as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, Proton protects your information from prying eyes.
This neutrality, combined with Proton’s open source and independently audited applications, ensures that we earn your trust, not just promise it.
Protect your data and enjoy true freedom online
Privacy is a basic human right and Proton stands by this belief. With Proton, you can enjoy digital freedom without the fear of being tracked, tracked or manipulated. Proton’s suite of services is designed for anyone looking to reclaim their data – from individuals who are simply tired of targeted ads to professionals who want to protect sensitive information.
So whether you’re writing an email, planning your schedule or sharing important files, Proton has you covered. And this October, as part of Cyber Security Awareness Month, Proton is making the transition easier. For just $1 in your first month, you can unlock the full power of Proton’s privacy services and de-Google your life for good.
Make the switch today
As the world becomes increasingly digital, there’s never been a better time to take control of your online privacy. Don’t wait until your data is compromised.
Proton offers tools to help you secure your online life with ease and confidence. Join the more than 100 million people who trust Proton to keep their information safe and experience the internet as it should be: private, secure and intrusion-free.