Progress Exiting Google, iCloud and other US big tech firms
2025-04-28
Slowly but surely, I'm getting closer. I stopped using Google search years ago. I need to track down the last few accounts that use my google account for login. I don't actively use or rely on gmail but am monitoring for a while as I expect there might still be an account or two that remains linked. Yesterday this article in the Nation popped up in my Mastodon feed. I've known about Google's role in military technology generally and Israel specifically for awhile but having the reminder in front of me prompted me to take care of another deGoogling task yesterday.
I've logged out of my Google account and hope to delete it in the fall. I added all my YouTube subscriptions to a folder of bookmarks in the browser and deleted from YouTube. I've also got same in my RSS feed. I'll still watching a a bit but I have an adblocker installed so I feel like I'm not actively contributing much to Google's bottom line nor am I being tracked to the same extent.
There are two more tasks I'll have to deal with before I can actually delete the account. I use Google forms for various embedded forms for a couple of client websites. I'll have to work with them to find alternatives. I may be stuck for awhile but I generally feel okay about it as my use of the account is now down to the bare minimum.
Same for iCloud. I've turned off iCloud messages entirely. All friend and family texting now goes through standard texting or Signal. Signal is preferred but there are a few folks that have not set-up accounts there yet. I'll likely keep the account active far awhile but I'm not paying for anything and no longer rely on Apple services for anything significant though I still have an Apple Card that I need to cancel.
I have separate, original account set-up for the app store which I'll have to hang onto for access to purchased apps and media. I may still purchase an occasional month of AppleTV+ but intend not to purchase any additional media or apps.
I still have an Amazon account but have removed my payment method which was a Chase/Amazon Visa account set up years ago. I've cancelled the Chase account and not used the Amazon account. I'll likely delete within the year. I should have shut the Chase account long ago given their support of Israel and poor climate record.
I don't have comments but I love email or you can find me on Mastodon.
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