# record_replaces

id: _index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Replaceable Software
field_subtitle: Alphabetical List
data:
{"title": "Replaceable Software", "subtitle": "Alphabetical List", "aliases": ["/alphabetical-list/"], "body": ""}


id: zoom__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/zoom/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Zoom
field_subtitle: Video Conferencing
field_order: jitsi-meet, bigbluebutton, jami
data:
{"title": "Zoom", "subtitle": "Video Conferencing", "order": ["jitsi-meet", "bigbluebutton", "jami"], "body": ""}


id: youtube__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/youtube/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: YouTube
field_subtitle: Video Platforms
field_provider: google
data:
{"title": "YouTube", "subtitle": "Video Platforms", "provider": "google", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-youtube/"], "body": ""}


id: windows__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/windows/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Windows
field_subtitle: Operating Systems
field_provider: microsoft
field_order: distrochooser, ubuntu, linux-mint, zorin-os, elementary-os
data:
{"title": "Windows", "subtitle": "Operating Systems", "provider": "microsoft", "order": ["distrochooser", "ubuntu", "linux-mint", "zorin-os", "elementary-os"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-windows/"], "body": "If you\u2019re using a PC, it\u2019s probably running Microsoft Windows. Microsoft has\ncome under sustained criticism for not respecting their users\u2019 privacy. Just\nto give one example, by default [Windows records everything you type and\nsends this to Microsoft][keylogger], and Windows carries on sending your\ndata to Microsoft [even when you tell it not to][chatterbox].\n\nThe most famous alternative to Windows is Apple\u2019s Mac line of\ncomputers. However, just like Windows, it is a proprietary operating system\nwhere no one can truly tell what exactly it is doing.\n\nThankfully, there are privacy-conscious, easy-to-use, Linux-based operating\nsystems which are free and can be installed on your existing PC. If you\nprefer a ready-to-use computer rather than installing an operating system\nyourself, head over to our [hardware recommendations][hardware].\n\nBecause Linux is \"only\" a kernel, the piece of software which \"speaks\" to\nthe hardware in a computer, it is in and of itself not a complete operating\nsystem yet. That's why Linux comes in so called **distributions** which add\nthe remaining components of a complete operating system to the kernel.\n\nYou can test most Linux distributions from a USB drive before installing\nit. If you can't or don't want to fully replace Windows, you can install the\nLinux distribution of your choice alongside Windows in a so called dual-boot\nsetup (just be aware that this can be unstable thanks to the way Windows\nworks).\n\n[chatterbox]: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/08/even-when-told-not-to-windows-10-just-cant-stop-talking-to-microsoft/\n[hardware]: {{< relref \"/lists/linux-hardware\" >}}\n[keylogger]: https://www.techjunkie.com/disable-keylogger-windows-10/"}

field_body:
If you’re using a PC, it’s probably running Microsoft Windows. Microsoft has
come under sustained criticism for not respecting their users’ privacy. Just
to give one example, by default [Windows records everything you type and
sends this to Microsoft][keylogger], and Windows carries on sending your
data to Microsoft [even when you tell it not to][chatterbox].

The most famous alternative to Windows is Apple’s Mac line of
computers. However, just like Windows, it is a proprietary operating system
where no one can truly tell what exactly it is doing.

Thankfully, there are privacy-conscious, easy-to-use, Linux-based operating
systems which are free and can be installed on your existing PC. If you
prefer a ready-to-use computer rather than installing an operating system
yourself, head over to our [hardware recommendations][hardware].

Because Linux is "only" a kernel, the piece of software which "speaks" to
the hardware in a computer, it is in and of itself not a complete operating
system yet. That's why Linux comes in so called **distributions** which add
the remaining components of a complete operating system to the kernel.

You can test most Linux distributions from a USB drive before installing
it. If you can't or don't want to fully replace Windows, you can install the
Linux distribution of your choice alongside Windows in a so called dual-boot
setup (just be aware that this can be unstable thanks to the way Windows
works).

[chatterbox]: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/08/even-when-told-not-to-windows-10-just-cant-stop-talking-to-microsoft/
[hardware]: {{< relref "/lists/linux-hardware" >}}
[keylogger]: https://www.techjunkie.com/disable-keylogger-windows-10/


id: whatsapp__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/whatsapp/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Whatsapp
field_subtitle: Instant Messengers
field_provider: facebook
field_order: signal, matrix, snikket, xmpp
data:
{"title": "Whatsapp", "subtitle": "Instant Messengers", "provider": "facebook", "order": ["signal", "matrix", "snikket", "xmpp"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-whatsapp-and-skype/"], "body": ""}


id: whatsapp__index.de
git_filename: content/replaces/whatsapp/_index.de.md
format: md
field_title: Whatsapp
field_subtitle: Chatprogramme
field_provider: facebook
field_order: signal, xmpp
data:
{"title": "Whatsapp", "subtitle": "Chatprogramme", "provider": "facebook", "order": ["signal", "xmpp"], "body": ""}


id: twitter__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/twitter/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Twitter
field_subtitle: Short Message Services
field_order: mastodon, friendica
data:
{"title": "Twitter", "subtitle": "Short Message Services", "order": ["mastodon", "friendica"], "body": ""}


id: twitter__index.de
git_filename: content/replaces/twitter/_index.de.md
format: md
field_title: Twitter
field_subtitle: Kurzmitteilungsdienste
field_order: mastodon, friendica
data:
{"title": "Twitter", "subtitle": "Kurzmitteilungsdienste", "order": ["mastodon", "friendica"], "body": ""}


id: switching-software__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/switching-software/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: switching.software
field_subtitle: Similar Projects
field_order: prism-break, privacyguides
data:
{"title": "switching.software", "subtitle": "Similar Projects", "order": ["prism-break", "privacyguides"], "body": "*What, you are recommending to stop using this site?* ... well, of course not. But to make informed decisions, **you shouldn't rely on *this* site only**. We aren't the single point of truth (far from it) and we want you to get a broader view."}

field_body:
*What, you are recommending to stop using this site?* ... well, of course not. But to make informed decisions, **you shouldn't rely on *this* site only**. We aren't the single point of truth (far from it) and we want you to get a broader view.


id: substack__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/substack/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Substack
field_subtitle: Publishing Platforms
field_order: ghost, write-freely, plume
data:
{"title": "Substack", "subtitle": "Publishing Platforms", "order": ["ghost", "write-freely", "plume"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-substack/"], "body": ""}


id: steam__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/steam/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Steam
field_subtitle: Video Games Platform
field_order: good-old-games, itch-io, humble-store, open-source-games
data:
{"title": "Steam", "subtitle": "Video Games Platform", "order": ["good-old-games", "itch-io", "humble-store", "open-source-games"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-steam/"], "body": "The video game platform Steam is really useful and wildly popular, apparently accounting for over 50% of downloaded PC game sales.\n\nHowever, Steam\u2019s game sales are built around a [Digital Rights Management][drm] (DRM) app that you have to install on your computer before you can buy and use games. If you remove Steam\u2019s app, almost all games bought from Steam will instantly stop working too. (There are a few exceptions to this, here\u2019s an [unofficial list of DRM-free Steam games][drm-free-steam] which will not stop working.)\n\nIf Steam tells their users to do something, the users have to either accept it or lose their games collection. The more people buy games on Steam, the more power Steam has over its customers, because the games are locked to Steam\u2019s app. Making the situation even worse, many publishers don\u2019t bother publishing games elsewhere, so fans of those games are forced to use steam. It\u2019s a vicious circle.\n\nThere\u2019s already been [controversy about publishers including spyware in some Steam games][steam-spyware], and while the publishers backed down in this case, there\u2019s nothing to stop this happening again. Even if you trust Steam\u2019s current management, a private [company\u2019s ownership can change very quickly][valve] and [unexpectedly][minecraft]. And there are [reasons not to trust Steam\u2019s current management][steam-doubt].\n\nIt\u2019s a troubling situation, so here are some better alternatives:\n\n\n\n[drm]: {{< relref \"/articles/digital-rights-management\" >}}\n[drm-free-steam]: https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games\n[minecraft]: https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/31/16955204/microsoft-valve-acquisition-xbox-steam\n[steam-doubt]: https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/16/15622366/valve-gabe-newell-sales-origin-destructive\n[steam-spyware]: https://www.pcgamer.com/red-shell-analytics-software-causes-privacy-uproar-over-a-dozen-developers-vow-to-drop-it/\n[valve]: https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/31/16955204/microsoft-valve-acquisition-xbox-steam"}

field_body:
The video game platform Steam is really useful and wildly popular, apparently accounting for over 50% of downloaded PC game sales.

However, Steam’s game sales are built around a [Digital Rights Management][drm] (DRM) app that you have to install on your computer before you can buy and use games. If you remove Steam’s app, almost all games bought from Steam will instantly stop working too. (There are a few exceptions to this, here’s an [unofficial list of DRM-free Steam games][drm-free-steam] which will not stop working.)

If Steam tells their users to do something, the users have to either accept it or lose their games collection. The more people buy games on Steam, the more power Steam has over its customers, because the games are locked to Steam’s app. Making the situation even worse, many publishers don’t bother publishing games elsewhere, so fans of those games are forced to use steam. It’s a vicious circle.

There’s already been [controversy about publishers including spyware in some Steam games][steam-spyware], and while the publishers backed down in this case, there’s nothing to stop this happening again. Even if you trust Steam’s current management, a private [company’s ownership can change very quickly][valve] and [unexpectedly][minecraft]. And there are [reasons not to trust Steam’s current management][steam-doubt].

It’s a troubling situation, so here are some better alternatives:



[drm]: {{< relref "/articles/digital-rights-management" >}}
[drm-free-steam]: https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games
[minecraft]: https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/31/16955204/microsoft-valve-acquisition-xbox-steam
[steam-doubt]: https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/16/15622366/valve-gabe-newell-sales-origin-destructive
[steam-spyware]: https://www.pcgamer.com/red-shell-analytics-software-causes-privacy-uproar-over-a-dozen-developers-vow-to-drop-it/
[valve]: https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/31/16955204/microsoft-valve-acquisition-xbox-steam


id: speedtest-net__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/speedtest-net/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Speedtest.net
field_subtitle: Up-/Download Metrics
data:
{"title": "Speedtest.net", "subtitle": "Up-/Download Metrics", "body": "If your Internet seems to be slow, you might want to test your connection.\nHowever, many tools have a [miles-long privacy policy][speedtestnet-privacy] or are non-trivial to use.\nBut you don't have to use these.\n\n[speedtestnet-privacy]: https://www.speedtest.net/about/privacy"}

field_body:
If your Internet seems to be slow, you might want to test your connection.
However, many tools have a [miles-long privacy policy][speedtestnet-privacy] or are non-trivial to use.
But you don't have to use these.

[speedtestnet-privacy]: https://www.speedtest.net/about/privacy


id: soundcloud__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/soundcloud/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Soundcloud
field_subtitle: Audio Streaming Platforms
data:
{"title": "Soundcloud", "subtitle": "Audio Streaming Platforms", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-soundcloud/"], "body": ""}


id: slack__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/slack/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Slack
field_subtitle: Collaboration Software
data:
{"title": "Slack", "subtitle": "Collaboration Software", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-slack/"], "body": ""}


id: skype__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/skype/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Skype
field_subtitle: Video Messengers
field_provider: microsoft
field_order: jami, jitsi-meet, bigbluebutton
data:
{"title": "Skype", "subtitle": "Video Messengers", "provider": "microsoft", "order": ["jami", "jitsi-meet", "bigbluebutton"], "body": "Skype has been [retired by Microsoft in May 2025][end-of-skype]. Luckily\nthere are many good alternatives available.\n\n[end-of-skype]: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/02/28/the-next-chapter-moving-from-skype-to-microsoft-teams/"}

field_body:
Skype has been [retired by Microsoft in May 2025][end-of-skype]. Luckily
there are many good alternatives available.

[end-of-skype]: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/02/28/the-next-chapter-moving-from-skype-to-microsoft-teams/


id: reddit__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/reddit/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Reddit
field_subtitle: Social News Aggregator
field_order: tildes, postmill
data:
{"title": "Reddit", "subtitle": "Social News Aggregator", "order": ["tildes", "postmill"], "body": ""}


id: pocket__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/pocket/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Pocket
field_subtitle: Bookmark Services
field_provider: mozilla
data:
{"title": "Pocket", "subtitle": "Bookmark Services", "provider": "mozilla", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-pocket/"], "body": ""}


id: patreon__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/patreon/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Patreon
field_subtitle: Donation Platforms
field_order: liberapay, open-collective
field_body: Patreon is a closed-source platform which holds your content and your supporters captive.
data:
{"title": "Patreon", "subtitle": "Donation Platforms", "order": ["liberapay", "open-collective"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-patreon/"], "body": "Patreon is a closed-source platform which holds your content and your\nsupporters captive."}


id: minecraft__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/minecraft/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Minecraft
field_subtitle: Building Block Games
field_provider: microsoft
data:
{"title": "Minecraft", "subtitle": "Building Block Games", "provider": "microsoft", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-minecraft/"], "body": ""}


id: microsoft-teams__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/microsoft-teams/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Microsoft Teams
field_subtitle: Video Messengers
field_provider: microsoft
field_order: jami, jitsi-meet, bigbluebutton
data:
{"title": "Microsoft Teams", "subtitle": "Video Messengers", "provider": "microsoft", "order": ["jami", "jitsi-meet", "bigbluebutton"], "body": ""}


id: microsoft-onenote__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/microsoft-onenote/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Microsoft OneNote
field_subtitle: Note Taking
field_provider: microsoft
field_order: handwritten-notes, standard-notes, joplin, nextcloud-notes, xournalpp
data:
{"title": "Microsoft OneNote", "subtitle": "Note Taking", "provider": "microsoft", "order": ["handwritten-notes", "standard-notes", "joplin", "nextcloud-notes", "xournalpp"], "body": ""}


id: microsoft-office__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/microsoft-office/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Microsoft Office
field_subtitle: Office Suites
field_provider: microsoft
data:
{"title": "Microsoft Office", "subtitle": "Office Suites", "provider": "microsoft", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-microsoft-office/"], "body": "Microsoft Office has some serious problems with privacy, as this [official report for the Dutch government][report] explains:\n\n> \u201cMicrosoft systematically collects data on a large scale about the individual use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Covertly, without informing people, \u2026 Microsoft does not offer any choice with regard to the amount of data, or possibility to switch off the collection, or ability to see what data are collected\u2026\u201d\n\nWe would recommend you drop Microsoft Office for your own sake, and for the sake of people you deal with (friends, customers, co-workers). There are better alternatives that offer the same features without violating people's privacy.\n\n[report]: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/11/16/microsoft_gdpr/"}

field_body:
Microsoft Office has some serious problems with privacy, as this [official report for the Dutch government][report] explains:

> “Microsoft systematically collects data on a large scale about the individual use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Covertly, without informing people, … Microsoft does not offer any choice with regard to the amount of data, or possibility to switch off the collection, or ability to see what data are collected…”

We would recommend you drop Microsoft Office for your own sake, and for the sake of people you deal with (friends, customers, co-workers). There are better alternatives that offer the same features without violating people's privacy.

[report]: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/11/16/microsoft_gdpr/


id: meetup__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/meetup/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: MeetUp
field_subtitle: Event Platforms
field_order: mobilizon
data:
{"title": "MeetUp", "subtitle": "Event Platforms", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-meetup/"], "order": ["mobilizon"], "body": "MeetUp.com is a useful site, but it comes at a literal price: MeetUp charges organisers (and maybe attendees in the future) for what is just a simple group page. This is unfair on the organisers, who are forced to either pay it themselves or charge their members.\n\nThere are better, fairer alternatives available, and the more we use them the better they become."}

field_body:
MeetUp.com is a useful site, but it comes at a literal price: MeetUp charges organisers (and maybe attendees in the future) for what is just a simple group page. This is unfair on the organisers, who are forced to either pay it themselves or charge their members.

There are better, fairer alternatives available, and the more we use them the better they become.


id: medium__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/medium/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Medium
field_subtitle: Publishing Platforms
field_order: write-freely, plume
data:
{"title": "Medium", "subtitle": "Publishing Platforms", "order": ["write-freely", "plume"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-medium/"], "body": ""}


id: mac-os__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/mac-os/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: macOS
field_subtitle: Operating Systems
field_provider: apple
field_order: distrochooser, ubuntu, linux-mint, elementary-os, zorin-os
data:
{"slug": "mac-os", "title": "macOS", "subtitle": "Operating Systems", "provider": "apple", "order": ["distrochooser", "ubuntu", "linux-mint", "elementary-os", "zorin-os"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-mac-os/"], "body": "Just like Windows, macOS is a proprietary operating system where no one can\ntruly tell what exactly it is doing.\n\nThankfully, there are privacy-conscious, easy-to-use, Linux-based operating\nsystems which are free and can be installed on your existing Apple hardware\n(as long as they are using Intel CPUs, support for Apple's M1/M2 chips is\nlacking). If you prefer a ready-to-use computer rather than installing an\noperating system yourself, head over to our [hardware\nrecommendations][hardware].\n\nBecause Linux is \"only\" a kernel, the piece of software which \"speaks\" to\nthe hardware in a computer, it is in and of itself not a complete operating\nsystem yet. That's why Linux comes in so called **distributions** which add\nthe remaining components of a complete operating system to the kernel.\n\nYou can test most Linux distributions from a USB drive before installing\nit. If you can't or don't want to fully replace macOS, you can install the\nLinux distribution of your choice alongside macOS in a so called dual-boot\nsetup.\n\n[hardware]: {{< relref \"/lists/linux-hardware\" >}}"}

field_body:
Just like Windows, macOS is a proprietary operating system where no one can
truly tell what exactly it is doing.

Thankfully, there are privacy-conscious, easy-to-use, Linux-based operating
systems which are free and can be installed on your existing Apple hardware
(as long as they are using Intel CPUs, support for Apple's M1/M2 chips is
lacking). If you prefer a ready-to-use computer rather than installing an
operating system yourself, head over to our [hardware
recommendations][hardware].

Because Linux is "only" a kernel, the piece of software which "speaks" to
the hardware in a computer, it is in and of itself not a complete operating
system yet. That's why Linux comes in so called **distributions** which add
the remaining components of a complete operating system to the kernel.

You can test most Linux distributions from a USB drive before installing
it. If you can't or don't want to fully replace macOS, you can install the
Linux distribution of your choice alongside macOS in a so called dual-boot
setup.

[hardware]: {{< relref "/lists/linux-hardware" >}}


id: linkedin__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/linkedin/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: LinkedIn
field_subtitle: Business Social Network
field_provider: microsoft
field_order: friendica
field_body: LinkedIn is Microsoft's proprietary, centralized, for-profit social network for business.
data:
{"title": "LinkedIn", "subtitle": "Business Social Network", "provider": "microsoft", "order": ["friendica"], "body": "LinkedIn is Microsoft's proprietary, centralized, for-profit social network for\nbusiness."}


id: keybase__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/keybase/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Keybase
field_subtitle: Identity Directory
field_order: wheretofind-me, keyoxide
data:
{"title": "Keybase", "subtitle": "Identity Directory", "order": ["wheretofind-me", "keyoxide"], "body": "In May 2020 Keybase was [acquired][keybase-acquired] by Zoom.\n\n[keybase-acquired]: https://keybase.io/blog/keybase-joins-zoom"}

field_body:
In May 2020 Keybase was [acquired][keybase-acquired] by Zoom.

[keybase-acquired]: https://keybase.io/blog/keybase-joins-zoom


id: instagram__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/instagram/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Instagram
field_subtitle: Photo Platforms
field_provider: facebook
data:
{"title": "Instagram", "subtitle": "Photo Platforms", "provider": "facebook", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-instagram/"], "body": ""}


id: imgur__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/imgur/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Imgur
field_subtitle: Image Platforms
data:
{"title": "Imgur", "subtitle": "Image Platforms", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-imgur-and-photobucket/"], "body": ""}


id: google-translate__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-translate/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google Translate
field_subtitle: Translators
field_provider: google
field_order: deepl, libretranslate, apertium
data:
{"title": "Google Translate", "subtitle": "Translators", "provider": "google", "order": ["deepl", "libretranslate", "apertium"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-translate/"], "body": "Like all Google tools, Google Translate doesn't protect the users' privacy. The company is allowed to use any information that was entered in the translating field. This tool should not be used for confidential data. \n\nGoogle Translate is also known to miss the point sometimes, either by allowing easy-to-avoid mistakes, or by not understanding the context or the tone of the text. \n\nHowever, so far, there are no alternatives to Google Translate's translation from images using Google Lens."}

field_body:
Like all Google tools, Google Translate doesn't protect the users' privacy. The company is allowed to use any information that was entered in the translating field. This tool should not be used for confidential data. 

Google Translate is also known to miss the point sometimes, either by allowing easy-to-avoid mistakes, or by not understanding the context or the tone of the text. 

However, so far, there are no alternatives to Google Translate's translation from images using Google Lens.


id: google-search__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-search/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google Search
field_subtitle: Search Engines
field_provider: google
field_order: searx, mojeek, qwant, duckduckgo
data:
{"title": "Google Search", "subtitle": "Search Engines", "provider": "google", "order": ["searx", "mojeek", "qwant", "duckduckgo"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-google-search/"], "body": ""}


id: google-recaptcha__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-recaptcha/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google reCAPTCHA
field_subtitle: Captcha Services
field_provider: google
data:
{"title": "Google reCAPTCHA", "subtitle": "Captcha Services", "provider": "google", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-google-recaptcha/"], "body": "Many websites nowadays use Google\u2019s reCAPTCHA service to try to verify that visitors are real people. While this is useful for preventing misuse of websites by bots, it also helps Google violate people\u2019s privacy.\n\nAlso, because of their deliberately inaccessible nature, reCAPTCHA and other captchas cause serious accessibility problems for those with poor eyesight or hearing. The visual challenge is invisible to people using non-visual web browsers (such as screen readers), and the audio challenge can be very hard to make out.\n\nIf you run a website and value your site\u2019s privacy and accessibility, you might want to consider alternatives to reCAPTCHA."}

field_body:
Many websites nowadays use Google’s reCAPTCHA service to try to verify that visitors are real people. While this is useful for preventing misuse of websites by bots, it also helps Google violate people’s privacy.

Also, because of their deliberately inaccessible nature, reCAPTCHA and other captchas cause serious accessibility problems for those with poor eyesight or hearing. The visual challenge is invisible to people using non-visual web browsers (such as screen readers), and the audio challenge can be very hard to make out.

If you run a website and value your site’s privacy and accessibility, you might want to consider alternatives to reCAPTCHA.


id: google-play__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-play/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google Play
field_subtitle: App Stores
field_provider: google
data:
{"title": "Google Play", "subtitle": "App Stores", "provider": "google", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-google-play/"], "body": ""}


id: google-news__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-news/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google News
field_subtitle: News Service
field_provider: google
data:
{"title": "Google News", "subtitle": "News Service", "provider": "google", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-google-news/"], "body": "Google News is convenient because it combines so many different news sources into one page, but the downside is that Google gets to choose what news you see. If they don\u2019t want to show you something, you\u2019ll never see it. Using Google News also allows Google to permanently record your newsreading habits.\n\nThere are easy-to-use alternatives that respect privacy and let you choose which news sources to follow."}

field_body:
Google News is convenient because it combines so many different news sources into one page, but the downside is that Google gets to choose what news you see. If they don’t want to show you something, you’ll never see it. Using Google News also allows Google to permanently record your newsreading habits.

There are easy-to-use alternatives that respect privacy and let you choose which news sources to follow.


id: google-meet__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-meet/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google Meet
field_subtitle: Video Conferencing
field_provider: google
field_order: jitsi-meet, bigbluebutton, jami
data:
{"title": "Google Meet", "subtitle": "Video Conferencing", "provider": "google", "order": ["jitsi-meet", "bigbluebutton", "jami"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-meet/"], "body": ""}


id: google-maps__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-maps/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google Maps
field_subtitle: Mapping Services
field_provider: google
field_order: openstreetmap, osm-websites, osm-apps, osm-custom-maps, osm-editing
data:
{"title": "Google Maps", "subtitle": "Mapping Services", "provider": "google", "order": ["openstreetmap", "osm-websites", "osm-apps", "osm-custom-maps", "osm-editing"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-google-maps/"], "body": ""}


id: google-keep__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-keep/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google Keep
field_subtitle: Note Taking
field_provider: google
field_order: handwritten-notes, standard-notes, joplin, nextcloud-notes, xournalpp
data:
{"title": "Google Keep", "subtitle": "Note Taking", "provider": "google", "order": ["handwritten-notes", "standard-notes", "joplin", "nextcloud-notes", "xournalpp"], "body": ""}


id: google-hangouts__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-hangouts/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google Hangouts
field_subtitle: Video Messengers
field_provider: google
data:
{"title": "Google Hangouts", "subtitle": "Video Messengers", "provider": "google", "mirror": "/replaces/skype", "body": ""}


id: google-forms__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-forms/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google Forms
field_subtitle: Survey Services
field_provider: google
field_order: cryptpad
data:
{"title": "Google Forms", "subtitle": "Survey Services", "provider": "google", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-google-forms/"], "order": ["cryptpad"], "body": ""}


id: google-fonts__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-fonts/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google Fonts
field_subtitle: Font Hosting
field_provider: google
data:
{"title": "Google Fonts", "subtitle": "Font Hosting", "provider": "google", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-google-fonts/"], "body": "Google Fonts is a convenient way to add fonts to your website, but it also helps Google to track your visitors and violate their privacy. That\u2019s why Google provides the service, because they are a profit-making company whose business model depends entirely on tracking people online.\n\nIf you value your visitors\u2019 privacy, switch to a privacy-friendly alternative."}

field_body:
Google Fonts is a convenient way to add fonts to your website, but it also helps Google to track your visitors and violate their privacy. That’s why Google provides the service, because they are a profit-making company whose business model depends entirely on tracking people online.

If you value your visitors’ privacy, switch to a privacy-friendly alternative.


id: google-drive__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-drive/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google Drive & Docs
field_subtitle: Productivity Suites
field_provider: google
field_order: nextcloud
data:
{"slug": "google-drive", "title": "Google Drive & Docs", "subtitle": "Productivity Suites", "provider": "google", "order": ["nextcloud"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-dropbox-google-drive-and-google-docs/"], "body": ""}


id: google-chrome__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-chrome/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google Chrome
field_subtitle: Browsers
field_provider: google
data:
{"title": "Google Chrome", "subtitle": "Browsers", "provider": "google", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-chrome-safari-and-internet-explorer-edge/", "/ethical-alternatives-to-chrome/"], "body": ""}


id: google-calendar__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-calendar/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google Calendar
field_subtitle: Calendar Services
field_provider: google
field_order: nextcloud, tuta, kolab-now, etesync
data:
{"title": "Google Calendar", "subtitle": "Calendar Services", "provider": "google", "order": ["nextcloud", "tuta", "kolab-now", "etesync"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-google-calendar/"], "body": ""}


id: google-analytics__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/google-analytics/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Google Analytics
field_subtitle: Website Statistics
field_provider: google
field_order: matomo-org, plausible-analytics, umami
data:
{"title": "Google Analytics", "subtitle": "Website Statistics", "provider": "google", "order": ["matomo-org", "plausible-analytics", "umami"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-google-analytics/"], "body": "Analytics software lets websites find out more about how many people visit them, which parts of the site they visit, how long they visit etc as well as more personal stuff such as device type, geographical location and other details. It does this by analysing the information your phone or computer sends to a website when you browse it, [which is a lot more than you may realise][gizmodo]. If you want to reduce the amount of data you share, take a look at [our web browser page][browser] for suggestions.\n\nIdeally, sites would not record this data (for example switching.software does not have any kind of analytics, we don\u2019t even know how many visitors we get). However, in the real world many sites refuse to give up visitor statistics as they feel it is too important to their activities, especially in the commercial sector.\n\nThe most popular analytics software is Google Analytics, but any site that uses it is sharing their visitor data with Google, and in effect helping Google to spy on that site\u2019s visitors. If you or your employer currently use Google Analytics but want to respect your visitors\u2019 privacy, you might consider switching to a more privacy-friendly option.\n\n[browser]: {{< relref \"/replaces/google-chrome\" >}}\n[gizmodo]: https://gizmodo.com/heres-all-the-data-collected-from-you-as-you-browse-the-1820779304"}

field_body:
Analytics software lets websites find out more about how many people visit them, which parts of the site they visit, how long they visit etc as well as more personal stuff such as device type, geographical location and other details. It does this by analysing the information your phone or computer sends to a website when you browse it, [which is a lot more than you may realise][gizmodo]. If you want to reduce the amount of data you share, take a look at [our web browser page][browser] for suggestions.

Ideally, sites would not record this data (for example switching.software does not have any kind of analytics, we don’t even know how many visitors we get). However, in the real world many sites refuse to give up visitor statistics as they feel it is too important to their activities, especially in the commercial sector.

The most popular analytics software is Google Analytics, but any site that uses it is sharing their visitor data with Google, and in effect helping Google to spy on that site’s visitors. If you or your employer currently use Google Analytics but want to respect your visitors’ privacy, you might consider switching to a more privacy-friendly option.

[browser]: {{< relref "/replaces/google-chrome" >}}
[gizmodo]: https://gizmodo.com/heres-all-the-data-collected-from-you-as-you-browse-the-1820779304


id: gmail__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/gmail/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Gmail
field_subtitle: E-Mail Providers
field_provider: google
field_order: tuta, protonmail, posteo, fastmail, soverin, thexyz, kolab-now, mailbox
data:
{"title": "Gmail", "subtitle": "E-Mail Providers", "provider": "google", "order": ["tuta", "protonmail", "posteo", "fastmail", "soverin", "thexyz", "kolab-now", "mailbox"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-gmail-yahoo-mail-and-outlook/"], "body": ""}


id: facebook__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/facebook/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Facebook
field_subtitle: Social Networks
field_provider: facebook
field_order: mastodon, friendica, mobilizon
data:
{"title": "Facebook", "subtitle": "Social Networks", "provider": "facebook", "order": ["mastodon", "friendica", "mobilizon"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-facebook/"], "body": ""}


id: facebook__index.de
git_filename: content/replaces/facebook/_index.de.md
format: md
field_title: Facebook
field_subtitle: Soziale Netzwerke
field_provider: facebook
field_order: mastodon, friendica, mobilizon
data:
{"title": "Facebook", "subtitle": "Soziale Netzwerke", "provider": "facebook", "order": ["mastodon", "friendica", "mobilizon"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-facebook/"], "body": ""}


id: facebook-messenger__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/facebook-messenger/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Facebook Messenger
field_subtitle: Instant Messengers
field_provider: facebook
data:
{"title": "Facebook Messenger", "subtitle": "Instant Messengers", "provider": "facebook", "mirror": "/replaces/whatsapp", "body": ""}


id: facebook-messenger__index.de
git_filename: content/replaces/facebook-messenger/_index.de.md
format: md
field_title: Facebook Messenger
field_subtitle: Chatsoftware
field_provider: facebook
field_order: signal, xmpp
data:
{"title": "Facebook Messenger", "subtitle": "Chatsoftware", "provider": "facebook", "order": ["signal", "xmpp"], "body": ""}


id: evernote__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/evernote/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Evernote
field_subtitle: Note Taking
field_order: handwritten-notes, standard-notes, joplin, nextcloud-notes, cryptpad, xournalpp
data:
{"title": "Evernote", "subtitle": "Note Taking", "order": ["handwritten-notes", "standard-notes", "joplin", "nextcloud-notes", "cryptpad", "xournalpp"], "body": ""}


id: endnote__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/endnote/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: EndNote
field_subtitle: Referential Tool
data:
{"title": "EndNote", "subtitle": "Referential Tool", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-endnote/"], "body": "EndNote is a reference management software used by academics to organize references and create bibliographies. Only the online version is free of charge. License purchase is needed after the 30 day free trial. EndNote is also not available on some versions of LibreOffice."}

field_body:
EndNote is a reference management software used by academics to organize references and create bibliographies. Only the online version is free of charge. License purchase is needed after the 30 day free trial. EndNote is also not available on some versions of LibreOffice.


id: easychair__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/easychair/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: EasyChair
field_subtitle: Conference Management
data:
{"title": "EasyChair", "subtitle": "Conference Management", "body": "EasyChair is developed by a for-profit corporation using the freemium business\nmodel. Its source code is not available to its users, despite this tool being\noften used for academic purposes."}

field_body:
EasyChair is developed by a for-profit corporation using the freemium business
model. Its source code is not available to its users, despite this tool being
often used for academic purposes.


id: dropbox__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/dropbox/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Dropbox
field_subtitle: Online Storage
data:
{"title": "Dropbox", "subtitle": "Online Storage", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-dropbox-google-drive-and-google-docs/", "/ethical-alternatives-to-dropbox/"], "body": ""}


id: doodle__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/doodle/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Doodle
field_subtitle: Date Matchers
field_order: framadate, cryptpad
data:
{"title": "Doodle", "subtitle": "Date Matchers", "order": ["framadate", "cryptpad"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-doodle/"], "body": "Doodle is a well-known tool to plan your meetings, but it is financed via tracking and ads. That's also why they lock out adblock users."}

field_body:
Doodle is a well-known tool to plan your meetings, but it is financed via tracking and ads. That's also why they lock out adblock users.


id: discord__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/discord/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Discord
field_subtitle: Collaboration Software
field_order: matrix, mumble
data:
{"title": "Discord", "subtitle": "Collaboration Software", "order": ["matrix", "mumble"], "body": ""}


id: change-org__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/change-org/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Change.org
field_subtitle: Petition Platforms
data:
{"title": "Change.org", "subtitle": "Petition Platforms", "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-change-org/"], "body": "The petition site change.org is extremely popular, but many are surprised to learn it is a for-profit corporation. It isn\u2019t a charity, it exists to make money and has investors who expect a return.\n\nGiving a profit-making corporation your real name as well as your opinions on a wide range of topics is not a wise idea in the long term. That sort of data is very valuable to advertisers, and sooner or later a company may be tempted to sell it to them."}

field_body:
The petition site change.org is extremely popular, but many are surprised to learn it is a for-profit corporation. It isn’t a charity, it exists to make money and has investors who expect a return.

Giving a profit-making corporation your real name as well as your opinions on a wide range of topics is not a wise idea in the long term. That sort of data is very valuable to advertisers, and sooner or later a company may be tempted to sell it to them.


id: audible__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/audible/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Audible
field_subtitle: Audiobook Stores
field_provider: amazon
field_order: librivox, libro-fm, public-libraries
data:
{"title": "Audible", "subtitle": "Audiobook Stores", "provider": "amazon", "order": ["librivox", "libro-fm", "public-libraries"], "body": "Audible is owned by Amazon, whose misconducts deserve [an article of its own][amazon-criticism]. Furthermore, Audible uses [Digital Rights Management][drm] (DRM) to restrict the usage of their audiobooks. Luckily there are more ethical alternatives, online and offline.\n\n[amazon-criticism]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Amazon\n[drm]: {{< relref \"/articles/digital-rights-management\" >}}"}

field_body:
Audible is owned by Amazon, whose misconducts deserve [an article of its own][amazon-criticism]. Furthermore, Audible uses [Digital Rights Management][drm] (DRM) to restrict the usage of their audiobooks. Luckily there are more ethical alternatives, online and offline.

[amazon-criticism]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Amazon
[drm]: {{< relref "/articles/digital-rights-management" >}}


id: amazon-goodreads__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/amazon-goodreads/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Amazon Goodreads
field_subtitle: Social Reading Platform
field_provider: amazon
field_order: bookwyrm, open-library, libreture, inventaire
data:
{"title": "Amazon Goodreads", "subtitle": "Social Reading Platform", "provider": "amazon", "order": ["bookwyrm", "open-library", "libreture", "inventaire"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-goodreads/"], "body": "Goodreads is the most popular social reading platform. However, it is\nowned by Amazon and therefore is [equally problematic][amazon] as\nevery other service provided by Amazon.\n\n[amazon]: {{< relref \"/replaces/amazon-books\" >}}"}

field_body:
Goodreads is the most popular social reading platform. However, it is
owned by Amazon and therefore is [equally problematic][amazon] as
every other service provided by Amazon.

[amazon]: {{< relref "/replaces/amazon-books" >}}


id: amazon-books__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/amazon-books/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Amazon Books
field_subtitle: Book Stores
field_provider: amazon
field_order: public-libraries, online-libraries, local-bookshops, online-bookshops, public-domain-ebooks
data:
{"title": "Amazon Books", "subtitle": "Book Stores", "provider": "amazon", "order": ["public-libraries", "online-libraries", "local-bookshops", "online-bookshops", "public-domain-ebooks"], "aliases": ["/ethical-alternatives-to-amazon-and-goodreads/"], "body": "Amazon is very convenient to use, but the convenience comes at a\nprice. While the [list of misconducts][amazon-criticism] is long, the main\nburden redounds upon the [workers in their warehouses][workers] and the\ncommunities that [Amazon deprives of taxes][taxes].\n\nFurthermore, their Kindle ebooks have a severe restriction: [Digital Rights\nManagement][drm] (DRM). This enables Amazon to [delete specific\nbooks][orwell] or [wipe a Kindle reader completely][wipe] without\njustification. In effect, you never really own a Kindle ebook, but license\nit.\n\nLuckily there are lots of more ethical alternatives, online and offline, for\nphysical books and ebooks (if you're not familiar with ebooks but are\ncurious, consult our [little guide][]). For audiobooks, you can also have a\nlook at [these alternatives for Amazon's Audible][audible].\n\n[little guide]: {{< relref \"/articles/ebooks\" >}}\n[amazon-criticism]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Amazon\n[audible]: {{< relref \"/replaces/audible\" >}}\n[drm]: {{< relref \"/articles/digital-rights-management\" >}}\n[orwell]: https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/technology/companies/18amazon.html\n[taxes]: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/24/amazons-uk-business-paid-119m-tax-last-year\n[wipe]: https://www.wired.com/2012/10/amazons-remote-wipe-of-customers-kindle-highlights-perils-of-drm/\n[workers]: https://www.channel4.com/news/anger-at-amazon-working-conditions"}

field_body:
Amazon is very convenient to use, but the convenience comes at a
price. While the [list of misconducts][amazon-criticism] is long, the main
burden redounds upon the [workers in their warehouses][workers] and the
communities that [Amazon deprives of taxes][taxes].

Furthermore, their Kindle ebooks have a severe restriction: [Digital Rights
Management][drm] (DRM). This enables Amazon to [delete specific
books][orwell] or [wipe a Kindle reader completely][wipe] without
justification. In effect, you never really own a Kindle ebook, but license
it.

Luckily there are lots of more ethical alternatives, online and offline, for
physical books and ebooks (if you're not familiar with ebooks but are
curious, consult our [little guide][]). For audiobooks, you can also have a
look at [these alternatives for Amazon's Audible][audible].

[little guide]: {{< relref "/articles/ebooks" >}}
[amazon-criticism]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Amazon
[audible]: {{< relref "/replaces/audible" >}}
[drm]: {{< relref "/articles/digital-rights-management" >}}
[orwell]: https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/technology/companies/18amazon.html
[taxes]: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/24/amazons-uk-business-paid-119m-tax-last-year
[wipe]: https://www.wired.com/2012/10/amazons-remote-wipe-of-customers-kindle-highlights-perils-of-drm/
[workers]: https://www.channel4.com/news/anger-at-amazon-working-conditions


id: adobe-premiere-pro__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/adobe-premiere-pro/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Adobe Premiere Pro
field_subtitle: Video Editor
field_provider: adobe
field_order: kdenlive, shotcut, flowblade
data:
{"title": "Adobe Premiere Pro", "subtitle": "Video Editor", "provider": "adobe", "order": ["kdenlive", "shotcut", "flowblade"], "body": ""}


id: adobe-photoshop__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/adobe-photoshop/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Adobe Photoshop
field_subtitle: Graphics Editor
field_provider: adobe
field_order: gimp, krita
data:
{"title": "Adobe Photoshop", "subtitle": "Graphics Editor", "provider": "adobe", "order": ["gimp", "krita"], "body": ""}


id: adobe-lightroom__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/adobe-lightroom/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Adobe Lightroom
field_subtitle: Image Manipulation Software
field_provider: adobe
field_order: rawtherapee, darktable
data:
{"title": "Adobe Lightroom", "subtitle": "Image Manipulation Software", "provider": "adobe", "order": ["rawtherapee", "darktable"], "body": ""}


id: adobe-indesign__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/adobe-indesign/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Adobe InDesign
field_subtitle: Desktop Publishing Software
field_provider: adobe
field_order: scribus
data:
{"title": "Adobe InDesign", "subtitle": "Desktop Publishing Software", "provider": "adobe", "order": ["scribus"], "body": ""}


id: adobe-illustrator__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/adobe-illustrator/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Adobe Illustrator
field_subtitle: Vector Graphics Editor
field_provider: adobe
field_order: inkscape, krita
data:
{"title": "Adobe Illustrator", "subtitle": "Vector Graphics Editor", "provider": "adobe", "order": ["inkscape", "krita"], "body": ""}


id: adobe-after-effects__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/adobe-after-effects/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Adobe After Effects
field_subtitle: Motion Graphic Software
field_provider: adobe
field_order: friction, blender
data:
{"title": "Adobe After Effects", "subtitle": "Motion Graphic Software", "provider": "adobe", "order": ["friction", "blender"], "body": ""}


id: adobe-acrobat__index.en
git_filename: content/replaces/adobe-acrobat/_index.en.md
format: md
field_title: Adobe Acrobat
field_subtitle: PDF Management
field_provider: adobe
field_order: xournalpp, okular
data:
{"title": "Adobe Acrobat", "subtitle": "PDF Management", "order": ["xournalpp", "okular"], "provider": "adobe", "body": "All members of the Adobe Acrobat suite are proprietary software. These products\nare also not available on any Linux system."}

field_body:
All members of the Adobe Acrobat suite are proprietary software. These products
are also not available on any Linux system.


