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What are dumb reasons that Google will ban you for? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) by Bea@lemmy.ca to c/degoogle@discuss.tchncs.de

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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/51878818

If we want to argue that Degoogling isn't just about privacy, but about protecting your digital life from being shut down at the whim of a tech giant with no real appeal process, what are some examples showing why we shouldn’t ignore the risk of Google banning users, locking them out of countless accounts, and deleting photos, emails, and records that often lack backups?

Some examples that I personally know of:

Being mass reported in YouTube comments for expressing a controversial opinion

Filing a copyright claim, only for a creator to appeal it, and failing to provide ownership proof within 48 hours

Having your Google account hacked and used for fake ads or Play purchases, then being told the charges are “legitimate,” and facing a ban if you dispute them

Having your $1000 Google store purchase lost in transit, then being told that you're not getting a refund and if you try to chargeback, you'll be banned.

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[–] Tundra@sh.itjust.works 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

who is spending $1000 in the google store?

[–] shifty@leminal.space 2 points 2 weeks ago

Pixel Phone for GrapheneOS, unfortunately the only option for now.

[–] A_norny_mousse@feddit.org 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

You mean one should also fight this "from within". But be aware that as of right now Google/Alphabet is a corporation providing services at their whim, or in accordance to their labyrinthine TOS that you have OK'd away countless times (I sure know I did), which is the exact reason there is no appeal process.

IMHO one should attack precisely that: the dark patterns when signing the TOS, the TOS itself being too complex, and maybe also contradicting law in some countries. And as you probably know, these and other things are being fought against by countries and entities.

However, my direct answer to all 4 scenarios is to not use the service at all.

I have no interest in deGoogling Google from within. I'd rather spend my time using & advertising for alternatives.

That does not mean I am blind to the crimes (too big a word? I stand by it) Google/Alphabet are committing and will continue to speak out against them.