When we talk about “de-Googling,” we often focus exclusively on Google. But there’s another tech giant that deserves equal scrutiny: Microsoft.
Whether you’re using Gmail or Outlook, Google Drive or OneDrive, Chrome or Edge—you’re handing over your personal data to corporations that monetize your digital life. Let’s look at why Proton is the privacy-first alternative to both.
The Google Problem (Quick Recap)
Google’s business model is built on advertising, which means:
- Gmail scans your emails for ad targeting data
- Google Drive has access to all your files
- Google Calendar tracks your appointments and location
- Chrome monitors your browsing across the web
- Everything feeds into a comprehensive advertising profile
We’ve covered this extensively. But what about Microsoft?
The Microsoft Problem
Many people switch from Google to Microsoft thinking they’re improving their privacy. Unfortunately, Microsoft has its own data collection issues:
Outlook and Microsoft 365
- Microsoft scans emails for “productivity insights”
- Cortana integration means voice data collection
- LinkedIn integration creates cross-platform profiling
- Telemetry data is collected extensively
- US-based servers subject to FISA and CLOUD Act
OneDrive
- Files are scanned for “content safety”
- No client-side encryption option
- Microsoft holds the encryption keys
- Data can be accessed for government requests
- Integration with Microsoft’s broader ecosystem
Windows and Edge
- Windows 11 has extensive telemetry by default
- Edge shares browsing data with Microsoft
- Bing integration tracks searches
- Microsoft Advertising uses this data
- Difficult to fully disable data collection
The “Privacy Dashboard” Illusion
Microsoft offers a privacy dashboard that lets you see and delete some data. But like Google:
- You can’t truly opt out while using services
- Telemetry continues even with “minimal” settings
- The business model still relies on data insights
- Your data has likely already been used
Why “Switching to Microsoft” Isn’t the Answer
If you’re leaving Google for privacy reasons, jumping to Microsoft is like leaving one surveillance house for another. You’ve traded one data-harvesting ecosystem for a slightly different one.
Consider:
| Concern | Microsoft | |
|---|---|---|
| Email Scanning | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud File Access | Yes | Yes |
| US Jurisdiction | Yes | Yes |
| Advertising Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Telemetry Collection | Yes | Yes |
| Open Source | No | No |
The fundamental problem is the same: both companies treat your data as their product.
Why Proton Is Different
Proton was founded with a fundamentally different philosophy. Instead of monetizing user data, Proton charges for premium features. Your data isn’t the product—the service is.
True End-to-End Encryption
Unlike both Google and Microsoft:
- Proton Mail encrypts emails so even Proton can’t read them
- Proton Drive encrypts files on your device before upload
- Proton Calendar encrypts all event data
- Proton Pass uses zero-knowledge encryption
This isn’t marketing speak—it’s mathematically impossible for Proton to access your data.
Swiss Jurisdiction
Switzerland offers what neither the US (Google/Microsoft) nor other countries can:
- Not part of the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance
- Strong constitutional privacy protections
- No mass surveillance programs
- Data requests require Swiss court approval
- Historically neutral in international conflicts
Open Source Everything
Both Google and Microsoft ask you to trust their security claims. Proton says “verify, don’t trust”:
- All Proton apps are open source
- Independent security audits are published
- Anyone can review the code
- Security researchers actively test the systems
- Bug bounty program incentivizes finding issues
No Advertising, Period
Proton has no advertising business. None. They make money from:
- Paid subscription plans
- Business and enterprise accounts
- That’s it
Your data has zero advertising value to Proton because they don’t sell ads.
Making the Complete Switch
If you’re serious about privacy, here’s how to replace both Google AND Microsoft services:
Email: Gmail/Outlook → Proton Mail
Both Gmail and Outlook scan emails. Proton Mail offers:
- End-to-end encryption
- Easy import from both Gmail and Outlook
- Custom domain support
- Calendar integration
Cloud Storage: Google Drive/OneDrive → Proton Drive
Neither Google nor Microsoft offer true encryption. Proton Drive provides:
- Client-side encryption
- Zero-knowledge architecture
- Secure file sharing
- Cross-platform apps
VPN: Replace Both Ecosystems
Google One VPN is discontinued. Microsoft doesn’t offer a VPN. Proton VPN fills the gap:
- Strict no-logs policy
- 3,000+ servers worldwide
- Free tier available
- Open source apps
Calendar: Google Calendar/Outlook Calendar → Proton Calendar
Both Google and Microsoft calendars lack encryption. Proton Calendar offers:
- Encrypted events and attendees
- Integration with Proton Mail
- Import from both platforms
Passwords: Chrome/Edge Password Manager → Proton Pass
Browser-based password managers from Google and Microsoft lack security features:
- Proton Pass offers E2E encryption
- Built-in 2FA authenticator
- Secure sharing capabilities
- Cross-platform support
What About Office Documents?
This is where the switch gets more complex. For document editing, consider:
- LibreOffice (free, open source, local)
- Cryptpad (encrypted online collaboration)
- Nextcloud Office (self-hosted option)
Proton doesn’t offer a document suite yet, but these alternatives don’t require surrendering your privacy.
The Browser Question
For browsers, move away from both Chrome and Edge:
- Firefox - Privacy-focused, open source
- Brave - Built-in ad blocking, privacy features
- Tor Browser - Maximum anonymity
Pair any of these with Proton VPN for encrypted browsing.
Start Today
You don’t have to switch everything at once. A practical approach:
Week 1: Set up Proton Mail, start forwarding from Gmail/Outlook Week 2: Install Proton VPN on all devices Month 2: Move important files to Proton Drive Month 3: Switch to Proton Calendar Month 4: Migrate to Proton Pass Ongoing: Gradually reduce reliance on Google AND Microsoft
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress toward a more private digital life.
The Bottom Line
“De-Googling” shouldn’t mean “re-Microsofting.” Both companies have business models built on your data. True privacy means choosing services that can’t access your information even if they wanted to.
Proton offers that guarantee with end-to-end encryption, Swiss jurisdiction, and open-source transparency. It’s the answer to both Google AND Microsoft.
Ready to Escape Big Tech?
Get all Proton services in one privacy suite and leave Google AND Microsoft behind.
Ready to make the switch?
Start your privacy journey today with Proton's secure services.