I just wrote this as a comment as an answer to a post on Meinungsfreiheit.li about the Google monopoly – and I think it might fit here too. His point was that Google is collecting data from everywhere, about everyone, and while that’s well-known for some time, there are working countermeasures too.

The Problem

A better title for the post would maybe be “Circumventing Google’s Data Collection”.

For one – yes, Google does collect data. It is possible to use alternate search engines, however to date I haven’t found one that comes near Google’s quality and ease of use, nor have I found an Email service (or program I could install on my server) that comes anywhere near close Gmail’s utility. BloggingTom did collect some alternatives some time ago.

The Solution

Another alternative is using Firefox (which you should anyway, but so far most of my visitors do) and profiting from the various available plugins that make circumventing Google’s data collection a breeze. For example, GOOLASH, or the in my opinion much better Customize Google (a better-looking description) that beyond mere cookie anonymization also has a plethora of other options.

Finally, another point in that post was the ubiquity of AdSense and Google Analytics. The easy way out there is NoScript, particularly when coupled with AdBlock Plus. So much for JavaScript-implanted WebBacons.

So in conclusion: Yes, the empire has arrived. But even if we’re profiting from its benefits, succumbing to it or even just watching it grow is not something we have to do.