How to Avoid US-Based Digital Services—and Why You Might Want To

How to Avoid US-Based Digital Services—and Why You Might Want To

  • 21.03.2025 10:42
  • wired.com
  • Keywords: Big Tech, Trump Administration

Individuals are increasingly avoiding US-based digital services due to concerns over alignment with Trump administration policies. Many are switching to non-US platforms, such as ProtonMail, to safeguard their data and privacy from potential government oversight.

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Estimated market influence

Amazon

Amazon

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Collaboration with Trump administration through financial contributions.

Meta

Meta

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Policy changes aligning with Trump's inauguration, including pro-life moderation actions and renamed Gulf of Mexico.

Context

Analysis of Avoiding US-Based Digital Services: Business Insights and Market Implications

Key Facts and Trends

  • Collaboration Between Big Tech and Trump Administration:

    • Amazon, Meta (Facebook), Google, Microsoft, and Uber each contributed $1 million to Trump’s inauguration.
    • Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Apple’s Tim Cook also made personal donations.

  • Policy Changes Post-Inauguration:

    • Meta shifted moderation policies on topics like immigration and gender, aligning with MAGA values.
    • Google renamed parts of the Gulf of Mexico as per Trump’s executive order, despite international concerns.

  • Impact on User Trust:

    • Concerns about Big Tech’s role in data collection and government partnerships have led to a decline in trust among users.

Market Dynamics

  • Shift to Non-US Services:

    • ProtonMail (Switzerland) has seen increased popularity due to its encrypted services.
    • Alternatives like MagicEarth, Vivaldi, Kobo, and others are gaining traction as users seek privacy-focused options.

  • Community Growth:

    • Over 250,000 members in communities focused on replacing US-based services, indicating a growing trend of avoiding American tech giants.

Competitive Landscape

  • Strategic Considerations for Big Tech:
    • Aligning with government policies may offer political benefits but risks alienating users and losing market share.
    • Non-US companies are gaining competitive advantage by positioning themselves as privacy-first alternatives.

Long-Term Implications

  • Regulatory Impact:

    • Potential increase in global data protection regulations, similar to GDPR in the EU, could reshape industry dynamics.

  • Market Shifts:

    • The trend towards non-US services may lead to a more fragmented tech market with increased competition and innovation.

Conclusion

The movement away from US-based digital services highlights evolving user priorities around privacy and data control. While Big Tech faces strategic challenges, the rise of international alternatives signals a potential shift in market dominance and regulatory landscapes.