[Censored] Google « on: February 23, 2023, 03:13:33 PM » Author: Rommie
Ok, here's the story. After many years, Sammi and I finally managed to ditch our Gmail accounts, as we are not exactly happy about the way the system is run. This left us with one problem, YouTube. Although we don't post content there, we do like to subscribe and view several channels, more than one of which are hosted by people who have become friends over the years, such as Photonicinduction. Not having a Google account means we can't comment, so a couple of days ago we created an account with a name that didn't link back to us in any way, to preserve our anonymity. This worked for just under 24 hours, when yesterday the account was suspended by Google for allegedly violating their policies. They didn't say exactly which policy we had supposedly violated, and our appeal was rejected out of hand, with the following message: Quote Thanks for contacting us about your disabled Google Account. Unfortunately, your account access can't be restored. Our review found that it was used in a way that violated Google's policies. To learn more, visit Google's Terms of Service. Looking at those didn't explain a thing, they quite clearly say that pseudonyms etc. are allowed. So we are more than a little "annoyed" by this. We're not bothered about having any accounts with Google, but we would like to be able to leave comments on YouTube channels that we like to watch. Apparently, this is against some mysterious "policy" which they won't tell us about. Oh well, stuff you, Google, goodbye and good riddance
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Ria (aka Rommie) in Aberdeen
Administrator, UK and European time zones. Any questions or problems, please feel free to get in touch

"There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out." (Russian proverb)

	Re: [Censored] Google « Reply #1 on: February 23, 2023, 04:15:26 PM » Author: BT25
I've pretty much done the same thing...except gmail. I've never commented on @&$-tube...don't care or want to. I do as little as possible to support the Tech-Tyrants...Google, Amazon, Farcebook, Microsoft etc. Anyone got a suggestion for email not connected with the above clowns?
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Vintage HID lamp and luminaire collector.

Westinghouse Lifeguard Disease...there is no cure...you've just got to live with it!

"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than open ones mouth and remove all doubt." Attributed to Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the USA

	Re: [Censored] Google « Reply #2 on: February 23, 2023, 06:34:20 PM » Author: Rommie
We got email through our own domain name, but I do like to comment on YT occasionally. Oh well. As for Microsoft, that's easy, switch to Linux. We use Fedora, but there are plenty of different versions out there.For email, try Proton, that's who we use for our VPN, they also have an email service. See www.protonmail.com for info. It's not free, but it's well worth the expense in our view.
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Ria (aka Rommie) in Aberdeen
Administrator, UK and European time zones. Any questions or problems, please feel free to get in touch

"There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out." (Russian proverb)

	Re: [Censored] Google « Reply #4 on: February 24, 2023, 02:21:40 AM » Author: Alex
Regarding that topic I can recommend The tyranny of big tech by US Senator josh hawley. (ISBN 978-1982138912)
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Glück auf ⚒️

	Re: [Censored] Google « Reply #6 on: February 24, 2023, 10:18:34 AM » Author: Rommie
That's a thought, but (a) I don't think I've got enough string and (b) where would I keep it all if I did..?  By the way, I do recommend that everyone uses a VPN at all times while online, especially if like us your ISP gives you a static IP address. Also you can spoof the country you are supposedly in if you want to stream stuff that isn't normally available where you are. We use ProtonVPN but other flavours are available. We also use Incogni, who take care of removing your personal data from the servers of data brokers who buy and sell personal details. Again, these aren't free services (although I think limited versions of ProtonVPN and ProtonMail are available free, not 100% sure though) but the cost is well worth the peace of mind in our opinion. No, we're not getting paid to say any of that, we're just well satisfied customers.
« Last Edit: February 24, 2023, 01:59:21 PM by Rommie »		Logged

Ria (aka Rommie) in Aberdeen
Administrator, UK and European time zones. Any questions or problems, please feel free to get in touch

"There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out." (Russian proverb)

	Re: [Censored] Google « Reply #7 on: February 24, 2023, 01:54:58 PM » Author: Roi_hartmann
With VPN you have to chose carefully as not all providers are trustworthy and least are those free VPN services. Just like with any other services run by a corporation, there is no free lunch.
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Aamulla aurinko, illalla AIRAM

	Re: [Censored] Google « Reply #8 on: February 24, 2023, 01:57:33 PM » Author: Rommie
We checked Proton very carefully. They're based in Switzerland where they have very strict privacy laws. They own all their server centres outright and they're in deep underground bunkers under the Alps and other very secure locations. I can genuinely recommend them.
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Ria (aka Rommie) in Aberdeen
Administrator, UK and European time zones. Any questions or problems, please feel free to get in touch

"There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out." (Russian proverb)

	Re: [Censored] Google « Reply #10 on: February 24, 2023, 02:00:06 PM » Author: Rommie
I'm not free, I cost a fortune, ask Sammi
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Ria (aka Rommie) in Aberdeen
Administrator, UK and European time zones. Any questions or problems, please feel free to get in touch

"There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out." (Russian proverb)

	Re: [Censored] Google « Reply #11 on: February 24, 2023, 07:48:47 PM » Author: BT25
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Vintage HID lamp and luminaire collector.

Westinghouse Lifeguard Disease...there is no cure...you've just got to live with it!

"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than open ones mouth and remove all doubt." Attributed to Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the USA