Alternatives to Google Drive and Google Photos That Take Privacy Seriously 🔒📂

Yes, there are several alternatives to Google Drive and Google Photos that are based in Europe or in countries with strong privacy laws. Many of these services place a high value on privacy and data protection, fully in line with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

Here are some of the best alternatives you can consider:

1. pCloud (I use a paid version personally)

📍 Location: Switzerland (outside the EU, but with strong privacy laws)
🔑 Privacy: Encrypts files both in transit and at rest, with extra protection through pCloud Crypto
📱 Features: 10 GB free, file syncing, backup, apps for photos and videos

2. Tresorit

📍 Location: Switzerland
🔑 Privacy: End-to-end encryption so only you can access your files
📱 Features: Designed for secure file sharing and collaboration, works for both private use and businesses

3. Nextcloud

📍 Location: Can be hosted anywhere (many European hosting providers available)
🔑 Privacy: Open-source and self-hosted, giving you full control
📱 Features: Syncing, sharing, documents, photos, team collaboration

4. Sync.com

📍 Location: Canada (GDPR-friendly and follows PIPEDA)
🔑 Privacy: End-to-end encryption and strict privacy policies
📱 Features: User-friendly for both personal and professional use, free storage available

5. Internxt

📍 Location: Spain
🔑 Privacy: End-to-end encryption, fully GDPR compliant
📱 Features: Clean and modern design, built for both file storage and photos

6. Proton Drive

📍 Location: Switzerland (same team as Proton Mail)
🔑 Privacy: Strong end-to-end encryption; no one but you can access your files
📱 Features: Still under development, but already a solid and secure option

7. MEGA

📍 Location: New Zealand (GDPR-compliant)
🔑 Privacy: Known for its end-to-end encryption and strict security measures
📱 Features: 20 GB free storage, great for sharing large files, photos, and videos

Why choose these options? 🤔

• GDPR-compliant: Based in Europe or countries with strong data protection laws

• Encryption: Most offer end-to-end encryption, so only you can access your files

 

Which one should you pick? 🌱

Your need	Best choice
Self-hosted and flexible	Nextcloud
Maximum security	Tresorit or Proton Drive
Easy to use and secure	pCloud or Sync.com

Your need	Best choice
Self-hosted and flexible	Nextcloud
Maximum security	Tresorit or Proton Drive
Easy to use and secure	pCloud or Sync.com

💡 As the philosopher Epictetus once said: “It’s not the things themselves that disturb us, but our judgments about them.” When it comes to storing memories and important documents, it feels good to know they are safe.

 

Safe Choices for Minorities, Inclusion and Social Responsibility 🌍🌈✊🏾

Some of these providers go beyond privacy. They also take a stand for justice, inclusion, and human rights:

Proton (Drive & Mail)

🌈 Publicly against racism and discrimination
🤝 Supports NGOs and human rights organizations
📍 Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws
💬 Philosophy: Technology should protect freedom and equality

Nextcloud

💬 Open-source community with global participation, often inclusion-focused
🌍 Used by many public institutions in Europe that value human rights
📱 Lets you choose ethical and responsible hosting providers

Internxt

🌱 Young and progressive, openly focused on ethics and sustainability
🔒 Aims to build fair and responsible technology
📍 Based in Spain, fully under EU regulations

 

Why this matters ❤️

For many of us, storing pictures, memories, and documents is more than just technology – it’s our lives. If you are part of a minority, it’s especially important to choose a company that stands for equality and inclusion.

As the African philosopher John Mbiti said: “I am because we are, and since we are, therefore I am.” Technology should connect us, not divide us.

Recommendation Table 📊

Need	Best option	Why
Strong support for minorities & human rights	Proton Drive	Clear stance against racism, supports freedom of speech
Open community & inclusion	Nextcloud	Open-source with global participation, rights-focused
Ethical, young & eco-friendly	Internxt	Prioritizes ethics and sustainability, EU-based
Simple, safe & neutral	pCloud	Strong encryption, easy for private use

👉 Tip: If you want safe storage and a provider that cares about people and society, Proton Drive, Nextcloud, or Internxt are the best choices.