Nowadays, it seems almost impossible to escape from the grip of tech giants like Google. From email and search engines to cloud storage, smartphones, and more. It seems like Google has a hand in nearly every aspect of our digital lives, including our data. PewDiePie, also known as Felix Kjellberg, the creator of one of the largest YouTube channels, with over 100 million subscribers has started his journey on regaining control over his data and practicing data sovereignty. In his recent video, “I’m DONE with Google,” PewDiePie takes us through his personal journey of “de-Googling.” He shares how he stopped using Google’s apps and services, the methods he adopted to regain control, and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. Additionally, he highlights the alternatives he chose to take back his digital freedom.

Why PewDiePie is Done with Google

His motivation for moving away from Google began with concerns about privacy and control over his personal data. With the growing realization that everything from his emails to search history was being tracked and stored and probably sold. He also explained that there are a couple alternatives that are actually better and even cheaper than the big players in the industry. He also adds that he wants to avoid unnecessary subscription fees.

Changes

1. Switching Your Search Engine and Browser

The first move PewDiePie made is changing the search engine as it is the simplest to do. He encourages viewers to switch from Google to DuckDuckGo, a privacy-focused search engine that doesn’t track your browsing. You can change your search engine in your browser’s settings. If you’re using Google chrome, it’s probably not a bright idea to keep using it even with DuckDuckGo as your search engine. PewDiePie points out that browsers are often “free” because they track your every move and sell your data. How are these browsers free when corporations are willing to pay billions of dollars for their browser to be used as default. You can change to a different browser like Mozilla Firefox or Brave. Both of which can be locked down for better privacy. Switching browsers is quick and easy, but the benefits are enormous when it comes to reducing data tracking and enhancing your privacy.

2. Moving Away from Gmail

Gmail is currently the most popular email service, but it’s far from the most privacy-friendly option. Until 2017, Google had a software to analyze emails and sell the resulting data for targeted advertising. Although Gmail has become less invasive since then, it still collects and stores a significant amount of personal data. PewDiePie personally uses ProtonMail, a secure, privacy-respecting email service that offers end-to-end encryption. For those looking to go a step further, self-hosting your email will give you full control over your data.

3. Changing your Phone’s Operating System

One of the big changes PewDiePie implemented is probably changing his cellphone’s operating system. From Google’s built-in apps to the Pixel phone itself, it can feel like there’s no escaping Google. But instead of switching to a “dumb phone,” PewDiePie installed GrapheneOS, a privacy-focused operating system that gives users control over app permissions and security. Now he has complete control over what data his phone shares and what it doesn’t, he can even select specific folders that apps can have access to.

4. Migrating Away from Google Drive

One of Google’s biggest services is Google drive, their cloud storage service. It’s a convenient way to store your files like photos, videos, documents, and etc. It gives you free 15 GB worth of storage per account but if you go over that, you will have to start paying a subscription fee. PewDiePie wants to save money and avoid unnecessary subscription fees, so he set up his own self-hosted solution, using a Raspberry Pi and File Browser to manage his files. This not only gives him full control over his data but also ensures that no one is tracking his activity or storing his information without his consent. He also now doesn’t have to pay yearly or monthly for file storage.

5. Embracing Open-Source Alternatives

PewDiePie started promoting open-source software, which we are a big advocate of. From managing passwords with Bitwarden to running his own Nextcloud server, which is a complete alternative to Google Workspace, it can store your files, manage your calendar, have message or video chats. He shows that you can have fully functional, secure digital life without relying on big corporations. Self-hosting and open-source software allows him to have complete control over his data and saves him from subscription fees. He encourages viewers to explore this route as well. With tools like Docker, the possibilities are endless, and setting up your own server at home is easier than you might think.

6. Running a Personal AI

PewDiePie doesn’t like using AI because it feels like he’s feeding more of his data to the system that is already using his data. However, out of curiosity, and with the power of his recently built, high-performance computer, he decided to run his own AI model locally. The specific model, he used is called “Mixtral”.

Conclusion: Freedom from the Tech Overlords

The main goal of PewDiePie’s journey on “de-Googling” is about gaining complete control over his data and having more privacy on technology. By switching to privacy-focused search engines, browsers, apps, open-source alternatives, and self-hosted services, he’s not only protecting his data but also set an example for others and share valuable lessons he’s learned.

In a world where tech companies gain profit off our data, it’s refreshing to see someone take a stand and embrace the open-source, self-hosted world. Even though his primary platform is YouTube, PewDiePie stays true to his and beliefs and is not afraid to share it with the knowledge he has gained.

So, are you ready to join PewDiePie in breaking free from Google’s control? Grab your tinfoil hat and start your own journey toward digital independence today.