Big Tech Keeps Getting Worse. Here's How to Escape.

Summary

The video presents a ranked set of ways to reduce reliance on major tech companies, from quick, free changes to more involved transitions. The narrator’s goal is to regain control over privacy and data while avoiding services they feel have become less useful or more intrusive.

1. Switch browsers — easiest

The narrator argues that browsers expose users to tracking through cookies and browsing activity, and recommends moving away from Chrome.

• Brave is suggested for its out-of-the-box experience and built-in ad blocking.
• Vivaldi is recommended for its extensive customization.
• Zen is noted for its design and for not being based on Chromium.

Most browsers can import bookmarks, passwords, and settings from an existing browser, making the change relatively simple.

2. Switch search engines

The narrator criticizes Google Search for ads, SEO spam, AI features, and data collection, while acknowledging that Google can still be useful for some searches.

• Brave Search is praised for helping distinguish useful results from low-quality ones.
• Kagi is described as combining results from multiple search systems, but it requires a paid subscription after 100 free queries.
• SearXNG is presented as a free, open-source alternative that can be self-hosted, with no ads and greater control over search data. The tradeoff is that it requires some setup.

3. Self-host data and media

Self-hosting means running services on a computer or server that you control, rather than relying entirely on large platforms. A NAS can provide storage for files and media, but the narrator emphasizes that a NAS needs a reliable backup system because drives can fail.

Hosting media yourself can reduce dependence on multiple streaming subscriptions and platform availability, while providing access to personal files over the internet. It requires storage, setup, and some learning.

The video’s sponsor, Internxt, is described as an encrypted cloud-storage option that can complement backups or self-hosted storage. The narrator says it offers end-to-end and post-quantum encryption, is open source, supports CLI and rclone, and works across desktop and mobile platforms. Its plans also include privacy tools such as a VPN, data cleaner, photos, and mail. The video mentions a discounted 5 TB lifetime plan.

4. Consider alternatives to Google services

Proton is recommended as a ready-made alternative to Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Calendar, and Gmail. The narrator highlights its privacy reputation and says its free tier includes 5 GB of storage, with paid plans also available.

Moving email accounts can be inconvenient: users may need to update many logins and preserve important messages. The narrator has a Proton account but still uses Google for work.

5. Buy used

The narrator recommends buying secondhand phones, PCs, TVs, consoles, and other products when practical. They argue that doing so can save money, support local sellers, and keep usable items out of the trash.

Examples from the team include finding electronics and household goods at large discounts, as well as buying used Steam Decks. The advice is to be patient and shop through marketplaces such as eBay, Mercari, OfferUp, or Facebook Marketplace.

6. Switch to Linux — most involved

Linux is presented as more accessible than in the past, thanks to beginner-friendly distributions and online communities, and as a free alternative to Windows or macOS.

The narrator estimates that Linux can handle most everyday computing, but notes that some software—including certain Adobe products and games with anti-cheat systems—may not work properly. Whether it is viable depends on a user’s work and software needs.

Overall, the video encourages gradual changes rather than an all-or-nothing break from major technology companies. The narrator acknowledges that alternatives may not fully replace familiar services and that transitions can take time.

Guides and recommendations mentioned

• The narrator points viewers to additional browser-related material and other channel videos about self-hosting and reducing reliance on large corporations.
• The video offers recommendations and personal observations rather than a step-by-step technical tutorial.

Main speakers and sources

• Main speaker: A presenter from Switch and Click, sharing personal experience and opinions.
• Sponsor discussed: Internxt, described by the presenter as a private cloud-storage service.