How to Replace American Big Tech with European Alternatives ?

posted on 09/10/2026

---

Introduction

These days, American platforms are becoming an increasingly prominent part of our lives. Most people use Gmail or Outlook for email; to chat with friends or family, people use WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram DMs, etc.; to edit documents, people use Microsoft Office; and operating systems are still dominated by Windows and macOS.

The problem arises when we realize that we are no longer in control of the technologies we use; then we might ask ourselves: Who owns them? Who controls them? If the balance of power shifts, what will happen to our data?

In this guide, we’ll look at some European alternatives for everyday services.

Internet Browser

Instead of using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, you could try:

• Firefox: A web browser launched in 2004, based on its own rendering engine called Gecko, which is completely independent of Blink, the rendering engine used by Chromium, developed by Google.

• Waterfox: Waterfox is a fork of the Firefox browser but with telemetry disabled.

• Zen Browser: Zen is a Firefox fork with telemetry disabled and a design inspired by the Arc browser, featuring vertically arranged tabs.

• Floorp: Floorp is also a Firefox fork, but with advanced yet easy customization inspired by the Vivaldi browser.

Note: It’s not a good idea to use Brave or Vivaldi because:

• Brave: It is open source and respects privacy, BUT it is based on Chromium, which—although open source—is largely controlled by Google, which can dictate its direction (e.g., Manifest V3, which causes most ad blockers to stop working), so by using a Chromium-based browser, you’re reinforcing Google’s already enormous monopoly.

• Vivaldi: It’s Chromium-based, so the same issue applies as with Brave, plus Vivaldi’s source code isn’t 100% open source.

Emails

Instead of using Gmail, Outlook or Yahoo Mail you could try:

• Posteo: An email service based in Germany; it is not free but costs 1€/month and requires a minimum 1-year subscription (12€/year), and includes 4 GB of storage.

• Mailo : An email service based in France; it offers both a free and a paid plan. The free plan includes 1 GB of email storage, 500 MB of cloud storage, 5 aliases, and a discreet ad banner in the webmail interface (but not in third-party clients such as Thunderbird).

• Disroot: Disroot is a nonprofit organization based in the Netherlands and funded by donations, which offers several services, including an email service. The free plan offers 1 GB of storage.

• GMX: GMX is based in Germany and is a sort of European Yahoo. The service is a search engine and a free, ad-supported email service that offers 65 GB of storage.

Note: ProtonMail and Tuta are not recommended in this guide because their free versions do not allow connection to other email clients such as Thunderbird which means we are locked into an ecosystem controlled by the provider.

Gaming

For PC games in Europe, we have GOG, which is based in Poland and owned by CD Projekt Red, the creators of Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher.

It’s also a good idea to play games from independent developers who make them with passion, rather than from AAA studios that make games SOLELY to turn a profit.

Communication

Instead of using Whatsapp, Messenger, or Discord you could try:

• Signal: An American nonprofit organization (but a good one) that doesn't read messages or collect metadata.

• Fluxer: A Discord clone based in Sweden that can be self-hosted and federated (each instance communicates with the others).

Conclusion

And if everything you use is open source and/or cross-platform, you'll eventually be able to ditch Windows/macOS and switch to Linux.

How to protect your privacy after Chat Control 1.0 ?

posted on 09/07/2026

---

Introduction

On Tuesday, July 9, 2026, the European Union just voted to extend Version 1.0 of Chat Control until 2028, which means that all unencrypted messages can be scanned by service providers for CSAM content, “but encrypted messages will not be scanned.”

The problem is that major platforms will continue to scan users’ private messages, and they now have a legal basis for doing so.

Since the scanning is done using AI, it can generate many false positives, leading to users being incorrectly flagged as child abusers (for example, Discord banned 8,400 accounts for no reason).

The hope

The good news is that this scanning by service providers is entirely optional and will not (yet) penalize those in the European Union who continue to opt out, such as Signal or Telegram.

The Solution ?

The solution is for everyone to start using E2EE encrypted messaging apps such as:

• Signal
• Telegram (with Secure Chat enable)
• Briar
• Session

Or to turn to off-grid solutions such as Bitchat or Meshtastic.

However, the method everyone should adopt is to write emails or letters, or call their representatives in the European Parliament to ask them to abandon this law or stick with this version (which is the least bad option) and not implement Version 2.0 of Chat Control (which aims to eliminate E2EE encryption).

Note: The safest way to get these apps is by downloading them directly from the developer's official website, rather than using the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, which might block the apps in Europe.

The problems ?

The main problem with this law (whether it is V1.0 or V2.0) remains the authorization of mass scanning, which violates the principle of presumption of innocence—a fundamental right.

“Everyone must be presumed 
innocent until proven guilty. 
If it is deemed indispensable
to arrest them, any severity 
that is not necessary 
to ensure their custody must 
be strictly prohibited by law.”
Article 9 of the 
Declaration of the Rights of
Man and of the Citizen

The widespread scanning of messages, even for the purpose of combating abuse, raises serious legal and ethical issues, as it turns users into potential suspects before any guilt has been proven.

Conclusion

In its current form, this law—even if problematic—does not significantly change the situation in practice.

• Platforms that wish to scan messages will continue to do so, regardless of the legal provisions.
• Those that do not can operate unhindered within the EU.

Users who already use services such as Signal or other private messaging apps will not be affected by this law.

---

Sources :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chat_Control https://fightchatcontrol.eu/ https://www.patrick-breyer.de/en/eu-parliament-greenlights-chat-control-1-0-breyer-our-children-lose-out/ https://howtheyvote.eu/votes/195775 https://www.01net.com/actualites/8-400-comptes-bannis-sans-raison-discord-confronte-derives-moderation-ia.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presumption_of_innocence https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Convention_on_Human_Rights

Is the new Romanian eID ready?

Posted on 21/06/2026

---

Introduction

On August 2, 2021, Romania launched a pilot project to replace traditional ID cards with the “Electronic ID Card”, initially in Cluj County, before expanding nationwide on June 12, 2026.

The Electronic Identity Card is mandatory for everyone who turns 14 years old and features a chip that stores the individual’s information on the card.

The ID Card has two PIN codes chosen by the holder at the time of issuance: a 4-digit code for reading the informations on the chip and a 6-digit code for the “Advanced Electronic Signature.”

This new ID card will allow citizens to interact more easily on Romanian government platforms such as:

• MAI's Hub
• Ghiseul.ro

However, this requires a method for devices to interact with the information on the card. This is where the MAI’s middleware comes into play, available on Windows, macOS, and Linux (Debian), as well as on Android and iOS via the “Ro CEI Reader” app, which allows users to read the information on the card and export it to a PDF file.

In this article I'm gonna explain who to use this new ID card on your PC and phone.

Installation

Before I begin, I should mention that I use Linux on my PC with the "SolusOS" distribution, which is an independent distribution that is not based on Debian, unlike Ubuntu or Linux Mint.

However, it is still possible to install the MAI's middleware "IdPlugManager" manually by extracting the files from the official .deb package and copying them to the system root.

Note that for Arch Linux users (and its derivatives), there is a package in the AUR (Arch User Repository) for **Idplugmanager**.

The "Ro CEI Reader" mobile app can be installed on both iOS and Android devices.

On Android, Google Play Services or MicroG are required, but the app works regardless of the current ROM (Stock Android, LineageOS, CalyxOS, etc.).

Mobile Appplication

To read the data from your Electronic ID Card using your phone:

• Open the "Ro CEI Reader" app.
• Enter the CAN code from your card.
• Enter your four-digit PIN.
• Tap the "Prepare for NFC Reading" button.
• Hold your card against the back of your phone for a few seconds until it is read by the phone.

Once read, the app will display the information stored on the chip, including details not physically printed on the card, such as your address.

You also have the option to export the read information to a PDF file certified by the MAI.

Please note that the app does not send any information online; everything takes place on the device and works even without a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.

Desktop Application

To read the new Electronic Identity Card (CEI) on a computer, you must purchase a card reader that is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Next, visit the official website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) and download the middleware corresponding to your operating system (available for Windows, macOS, and Linux). Please note that the MAI officially provides only a .deb version for Debian/Ubuntu-based distributions, but it can also be installed on other Linux distributions, although the process may require additional steps.

After installing the middleware, connect the card reader to your computer, insert the Electronic Identity Card into it, and launch the IdPlugManager application.

In the application, you will be able to perform the following operations:

• View the information stored on the chip, including data that is not physically visible on the card.
• Change the PIN codes for authentication and electronic signatures.
• Manage digital certificates.

To view the information on the card, you will need to enter the 4-digit PIN.

I recommend keeping the IdPlugManager app open to facilitate connecting to the MAI Hub and signing PDF documents.

Using Firefox ?

CEI can be used in Firefox for TLS authentication in government platforms.

Navigate to "Edit > Preference > Advanced > Certificates > Security Devices" and click Load to load a module using /usr/lib/idplugclassic/libidplug-pkcs11.so. You can assign any name to it, i.e. "RO CEI PKCS#11 Module".

Note: If you are using Firefox from Flathub, you must grant access to the PKCS#11 module using Flatseal.

Documents signing

• Windows and macOS:
  • You can sign PDF documents directly using the Adobe Acrobat Reader application, which is compatible with these operating systems.
• Linux:
  • To sign PDF documents, you’ll need to use the Okular application, which must be installed as a native application (not as a Flatpak or Snap package).

Can you trust this new ID Card ?

Yes, you can trust the new Electronic ID Card (CEI). Even though the desktop or mobile apps provided for its use are not open-source (for example, similar to the Belgian eID system), there are no privacy risks when you use these apps.

Also, you don’t need to worry that the chip on the card could track your location in real time, because it is a passive chip that is activated only when read by a compatible device (such as a card reader connected to a computer or an authorized terminal).

But if you're so afraid that the chip in the CEI is spying on you, you should first get rid of another chip that you carry with you all the time—the one in your hand—which can actually spy on you ^^.

Conclusion

The new Electronic Identity Card (CEI) represents an important first step toward modernizing and simplifying administrative procedures. Even though, at this early stage, many institutions are not yet equipped with the readers needed to process the card, its implementation paves the way for a more efficient and accessible public administration.

However, it is essential to understand that the CEI should not be used for logging into social media platforms. Its security system and features are designed exclusively for official interactions with government agencies, not for private or commercial services.

---

Source :

https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carte_de_identitate_rom%C3%A2neasc%C4%83

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_electronic_signature

https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Romanian_eID

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_electronic_signature

https://hub.mai.gov.ro/

https://hub.mai.gov.ro/aplicatie-cei

https://eid.belgium.be/en

https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/actualitate/social/digitalizarea-omorata-de-birocratie-institutiile-din-romania-nu-pot-citi-noile-buletine-pentru-ca-nu-au-cumparat-aparate-specifice-3413595

https://www.rfi.fr/ro/rom%C3%A2nia/20251010-internet-cu-buletinul-legea-majoratului-digital-merge-spre-camera-deputa%C8%9Bilor

Why I still use Firefox instead of Brave in 2026 ?

Posted on 18/06/2026

---

Introduction

In the modern world, where almost every activity is conducted online, a web browser is the most useful tool to complete them. Choosing the right browser is essential to be effective.

Mozilla Firefox is the oldest browser still active in the market, which has made its privacy protection a fundamental principle. However, in recent years, the community has noticed that Firefox no longer places the same emphasis on the protection of personal data as before.

Thus, more and more users have started to migrate to different browser forks, either because it remains open source or to switch to Brave, considered a new protector of privacy.

In this article, I will explain why I will continue to use and support Firefox and why you should reconsider your opinion about this incredible browser.

1. Market Share.

In 2026, the browser market share is still dominated by Google Chrome, which is based on Chromium, along with other browsers such as Edge, Brave, Vivaldi or Opera. Thus, most sites are optimized for Chromium, and some don’t even work properly on Firefox-based (Gecko) browsers because of the few number of peoples who use Firefox.

Even if you use Brave, which is not directly controlled by Google, the simple fact that it is based on Chromium strengthens its monopoly. A monopoly is never beneficial for users.

2. Customization

Firefox remains one of the most customizable browsers, allowing you to disable any feature you don’t need or use preconfigured scripts, such as those on GitHub (e.g. arkenfox, Betterfox or other user script for the Browser).

3. Ads

Firefox can still block advertising via extensions like uBlock Origin and has not been affected by the cessation of support for Manifest V2 in Chromium-based browsers.

Conclusion

This is why I continue to use Firefox. Even if it’s not perfect from the start, if you allocate a little time for its initial setup, you can get a fully functional, minimalist and private web browser.

What do you think? Would you give this browser a second chance?

---

Sources :

https://www.businesseconomy.com/technology/mozillas-firefox-controversy-what-went-wrong/ https://gs.statcounter.com/browser-market-share/

https://github.com/arkenfox/user.js/ https://github.com/yokoffing/BetterFox

https://developer.chrome.com/docs/extensions/develop/migrate/mv2-deprecation-timeline https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/ublock-origin-stopped-working-on-microsoft-edge-heres-how-to-get-it-back