r/degoogle

seriously why can't google just give us an opt-out toggle? tired of reading hallucinated garbage at the top of my searches. since existing blockers are super heavy and ask for crazy permissions, i built a lightweight alternative called "hide ai overviews". it strictly runs on the search page, blocks the ai box, and even has a cool "show" pill if you actually need to see the ai answer for one specific search. works on bing and ddg too. zero tracking, completely local storage. just dropping this here for anyone else who wants classic google back without installing bloated software.

From what I've seen, people can get into serious trouble just for having a VPN app on their phone. There have been reports of random phone checks, and if officers find certain apps installed, people can end up being detained. That's wild to me because in a lot of places a VPN is just something people use for privacy or to access websites. What really got me was reading about regular people who relied on VPNs just to keep their businesses running or stay in touch online. Now they're stuck choosing between risking legal problems or losing access to services they depend on every day. A lot of the well known VPN apps don't work there anymore, so people are left hunting for whatever still functions, and there's no easy way to know if those alternatives are actually safe. That seems like an awful position to be in. It's easy to take open internet access for granted until you read stories like this. Whether you use a VPN or not, the idea of worrying about getting stopped because of an app on your phone is pretty hard to imagine. Has anyone here been following what's happening in Myanmar? I'd be interested to hear from people who know more about the situation or have family there.

AI summaries and fluff are killing the internet, aside from dumbing people down, the answers can often just be wrong - wasting time and effort, as well as resources. Can we get back to pre AI internet? What's the best way?

Hello, I’m in the process of deleting everything related to my old Google account. I thought I was done and was about to delete my account when I remembered Google Drive—and that’s the part that’s really giving me trouble. I can’t just look for an alternative because I use Google Drive for group projects as part of my studies; everything happens there, and I really don’t see how I can get rid of it. Is there a solution, or am I doomed to have to keep using it?

I haven't used signal for a while is it still the best?

Hi everyone! We all know of the new update that will require developers to pay a tax for allowing their apps to be installed on android. Unfortunately there is no custom rom available for my phone and I cannot afford buying a new one 'cause it's new. There are other ways I can avoid this? I've thought of blocking new software updates but I haven't found any tutorial on internet. I need help because I use many apps from Fdroid or outside literally everyday since many years.

How come all the privacy conscious phones cost so much? Why they are on top of the range phones? See iodé, or GOS.

I've always bought phones that cost in the region of ~300€, getting phones that are not outdated and perform reasonably well. Moreover, all with a good camera.

Every time I have a look at these phones, if cheap they are seriously outdated, otherwise they cost 5-600€ upward.

While i don't need a flagship phone, I'd like it reasonably good and with a good camera.

Any suggestion, please?

Samsung Messages ends today (ends 7/6/2026) and says to use Google Messages instead. How have you kept this from happening and what reliable text messaging system did you install?

I certainly did a little search but would appreciate specialized advice.

I remember I used to be able to simply change location..but not anymore. Also, annoyingly their go for IP address now. I first noticed it, but also found out with my own little search.

I simply wish to open a website (GFTB: Gravy For The Brain) which is a voice acting website.

Since residing in Middle East..it disgustingly keeps transferring me to GFTB Arabia..I want to UK one!

I don't mind using any method, even if paid. But something certainly effective.

I said that because I don't seem to be able to utilize VPN in a way where search/whole phone(device) actually changes location/zone.

That's all. And happy having such a subreddit around.

I just found this sub, and I was wondering if there were any good alternatives to google docs on my phone.

Usually, I use Google but I don't like their automatic AI overview feature. I've searched online for alternatives like Ecosia, Startpage, Karma, No AI DDG, or what not, but they all seem to have some downfall or the other. Are there any search engines that are genuinely eco-friendly, don't use AI, have decently good search results, and have strong privacy? This sounds like a lot to ask for, even though I feel like these criteria should be normal... I would greatly appreciate any suggestions!

So i am trying to degoogle, really de corporate company, and i am looking for a alternative to discord, i am already using matrix,, but i cant find a good alternative, I’ve already tried Stoat, formerly Revolt, but it dosent really fit me

https://preview.redd.it/jmmds4vt5hbh1.png?width=3000&format=png&auto=webp&s=071b857f135a356ed64d3124def1f1c42cd0c1e8

I know some people don't like Ubuntu, but I've been on Linux for almost 20 years, so nowadays I just want something that just works, and Ubuntu works perfectly for me.