path: root/articles/why-i-have-degoogled-my-phone.md

Why I have degoogled my phone

A few days ago, one of my collegues asked me why I removed all of Google services off my phone even if it is causing me to face inconveniences with some of the widely used apps. 
Well here it is why:

### Privacy

It should be pretty obvious by now but the main reason is that [Google tracks you, sometimes even without your consent.](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/google-is-probably-tracking-you-but-you-can-stop-it/) They collect your data which ranges from basic information such as your name, address to even your current location.
The reason? In order to generate revenue, they sell your data to various other tech centric companies for things like advertisement, etc. And due to having monopoly over mobile phones softwares and services, they can use more [sinister ways to track you](https://www.cnet.com/news/privacy/google-agrees-to-391-5-million-privacy-settlement-with-state-ags/) as majority of Android apps nowadays relies on Google Play Services in order to function properly. And as a free market believer as well as a privacy enjoyer, this is unacceptable under my watch. In fact, I even stopped using android apps or services which only works with Google Play Services as it is a guarantee that the app would just be a privacy nightmare anyway.

### Bloatware

Another reason to remove all Google services was due to unnecessary bloatware installed by default on stock Android phones. In my case, the only useful Google apps are YouTube, Gmail and Maps (which have been replaced by FOSS alternatives anyway) and every other pre-installed Google apps were completely useless for me. And worse, you can't just uninstall them without resorting to rooting your phone or using ADB.

### Accomplishment

For 3 years, I have been living my degoogled life and it has been a successful experiment. Mainly because of these awesome FOSS apps which neither relies on Google Play Services nor it tracks you:
- Newpipe