Glossary
Key terms explained simply.
- Degoogle / de-Google
- Deliberately reducing dependence on Google services and infrastructure by moving to alternatives or self-hosted setups. It does not mean instantly disconnecting every Google service.
- AOSP
- Android Open Source Project—the Android base without Google Play Services. Foundation for /e/OS, GrapheneOS, and similar systems.
- E2EE (end-to-end encryption)
- Encryption only the sender and recipient can decrypt (e.g. Proton Mail, Signal). The service operator cannot read message content.
- OAuth / “Sign in with Google”
- Using your Google account to log into other services. Convenient, but a Google suspension can cause cascading lockouts.
- Google Takeout
- Google’s official bulk data export service. An essential starting point for migration.
- microG
- Open-source reimplementation of Google Play Services. Provides compatibility for location, push notifications, etc. with minimal Google communication.
- FOSS
- Free and Open Source Software—public source code, freedom to modify. Distributed via F-Droid and similar channels.
- DMA (Digital Markets Act)
- EU digital markets law imposing interoperability, data portability, and other obligations on gatekeeper platforms like Google.
- GDPR
- EU General Data Protection Regulation—rules consent, deletion rights, portability, and more for personal data.
- Filter bubble
- When algorithms filter information to match your preferences, making diverse viewpoints harder to reach.
- CalDAV / CardDAV
- Open standards for calendar and contacts sync. A key compatibility signal when leaving Google Calendar.
- Privacy Sandbox
- Google’s initiative to replace third-party cookies—deeply tied to Chrome and Google’s ad ecosystem.
- Gatekeeper
- Under the DMA, designation of very large platform providers of core platform services subject to special regulation.
- Self-hosting
- Running services like Nextcloud or Immich on your own server or NAS to keep data under your control.
- Vendor lock-in
- Dependence on one vendor’s formats and tools that makes switching costly and difficult.