I honestly hate how much companies can know about you just by gleaning bits and pieces from your data. It’s not that I have anything to hide – I don’t. But I fundamentally disagree with companies having access to my personal information without my explicit consent.
A few years ago, I decided to do something about it. I made what felt like a radical change at the time: I completely ditched Gmail.
The Privacy Paradox of Free Email
For years, Gmail was my go-to for all things email. It was free, fast, and convenient—everything you could want in an email provider. But as I started paying attention to how big tech companies handle user data, I realized this “free” service came with a hidden price tag. Gmail’s business model, like many free services, is built on harvesting and monetizing user data.
The subtle signs of surveillance became impossible to ignore. We’ve all had that slightly unnerving experience: you buy a new computer, and suddenly your browser is flooded with ads for monitors and accessories. These aren’t coincidences – they’re digital breadcrumbs of our tracked online lives.
The Google Ecosystem Trap
The problem goes deeper than just email. Gmail’s tight integration with other Google services creates a web that’s incredibly hard to escape. Every convenience feature comes with a privacy trade-off. Calendar invites, Google Drive attachments, Meet video calls – they’re all designed to keep you locked into their ecosystem where every click and interaction can be tracked.
The more I learned about how big tech companies collect and sell data, the more determined I became to find a better way.
Enter Proton Mail: Privacy by Design
That’s when I discovered Proton Mail, and it completely changed how I think about email privacy. Based in Switzerland (home to some of the world’s strongest privacy laws), Proton Mail offers zero-access encryption. In simple terms, this means even they can’t read your emails.
Privacy-Focused Tools
Encryption, SimpleLogin integration, and secure messaging make your communication truly private.
Custom Domain Support
Use your own domain with catch-all email functionality for professional presence.
Complete Privacy Suite
Calendar, Drive, Contacts, and Password Manager – all with privacy at their core.
Fair Pricing Model
Pay for privacy, not with your data. Transparent pricing with various plans.
Making the Switch: Easier Than You’d Think
I won’t lie – switching email providers takes some effort. But Proton Mail makes it as painless as possible. They provide both tools and guides to help migrate your contacts, update your subscriptions, and inform your network about your new address.
The Bigger Picture
Moving to Proton Mail wasn’t just about changing email providers – it was about taking control of my digital privacy. In a world where personal data is increasingly treated as a commodity to be bought and sold, choosing privacy-focused services sends a clear message: our personal information has value, and we should have control over how it’s used.
Ready to take back control of your digital privacy? Start with your email. It might seem like a small step, but it’s one that puts you firmly in control of your digital footprint.
If you are interested in a privacy friendly social media option check out Mastodon. Why I Switched To Mastodon