Alternatives to America

As citizens, the personal choices we make about the technology we use play a significant role in shaping the future of European society. In an increasingly digital world, every app we download, every platform we engage with, and every device we buy has implications far beyond convenience or cost. These choices either reinforce or weaken Europe’s ability to uphold its values—privacy, fairness, democracy, and human rights.

It is no secret that many of the most popular tech platforms are developed and controlled outside of Europe. These companies often operate under different legal frameworks and cultural norms, many of which prioritize profit and data extraction over user rights and transparency. By using their products, we often consent—sometimes unknowingly—to the harvesting of our personal data, our online behavior, and even our content, which is then monetized, analyzed, or used to train AI systems that serve their interests, not ours.

When Europeans choose to use technology that respects EU laws such as the GDPR, they are doing more than protecting their privacy—they are supporting a vision of the internet and digital economy that puts people first. These choices are, in effect, votes for a digital future that aligns with the European Union’s commitment to ethical innovation, individual rights, and democratic accountability.

Supporting European tech alternatives or companies that comply with EU standards helps reduce the continent’s dependency on foreign powers whose technologies may not be aligned with our values. It strengthens Europe’s digital sovereignty and ensures that innovation serves the public good rather than undermining it.

In short, every personal tech decision we make contributes to the kind of digital society we want to live in. Let’s make sure our choices reflect our values.

Below are some examples of personal choices that support European digital sovereignty.

Reduce Dependence on U.S. Digital Platforms

Europeans should consider using the Vivaldi (NO) browser because it aligns with key European values of privacy, independence, and customization in digital tools.

Get it here: https://vivaldi.com/

Switch to Vivaldi: A Private, Independent, and Customizable Browser
Switch to European or Open-Source Alternatives
Ditch U.S. Social Media
  • Ditch Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X) and shift to Mastodon (DE) or Pixelfed (EU)
  • Create a career profile on Xing profile and prioritize it over LinkedIn
Stop Using American AI and Cloud Services
  • Opt for EU based Mistral (FR) AI model instead of OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google Gemini
  • Use OVHcloud (FR) or Scaleway (FR) instead of AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure

Financially Penalize American Companies

Cancel Paid Subscriptions to U.S. Services
  • Cancel all or at least one streaming service like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime
  • Use Spotify (although U.S.-listed), Deezer (FR) or SoundCloud (DE)
  • Choose Fairphone (NL) or Shiftphone (DE) over iPhones and Android Phones
Buy European Hardware and Software
Move Banking and Payments Away from U.S. Firms
  • Prefer European fintech like N26 (DE), Revolut (UK), or Wise (UK/EU licensed) over PayPal or Stripe
  • Use SEPA transfers instead of Visa/Mastercard for intra-European transactions

Advocate Policy Changes & Data Sovereignty

Support Political Efforts to Regulate U.S. Tech Influence
  • Vote for parties and politicians who prioritize digital sovereignty and stricter data laws
  • Push for enforcement of GDPR and antitrust actions against Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon
  • Demand stronger procurement rules requiring public institutions to use EU-based software and infrastructure
Pressure Organizations to Drop U.S. Tech Dependencies
  • Encourage schools, workplaces, and local governments to adopt European alternatives
  • Participate in consumer campaigns that boycott Big Tech services
  • Raise awareness about data privacy risks and the economic impact of supporting American monopolies

Decentralize Digital Services & Promote Digital Resilience

Host Personal or Community-Run Services
  • Use self-hosted cloud storage (Nextcloud), private messaging (Matrix), and decentralized web services
  • Support local businesses and organizations that offer non-U.S. digital services
  • Contribute to European open-source projects by using, donating, or advocating for them

By taking these actions, citizens can actively reduce their reliance on U.S. tech giants, disrupt their business models, and accelerate Europe’s push for technological independence.