Hace unos días leía a través de Tech Transparency Project (un proyecto que busca que las grandes tecnológicas sean más transparentes y auditables) un artículo que refleja la evidencia actual sobre lo complicado de darse de baja, en la práctica, de gigantes tan omnipresentes como Google: Quitting Google. ¿Qué nos  viene a decir? Que es prácticamente imposible irse de una maraña de servicios como los que ofrece esta gigante tecnológico y salir indemne. Ahora que tenemos una corriente de opinión muy clara respecto a la lamentable deriva, por ejemplo, de las las redes sociales de los oligarcas Musk y Zuckerberg, otro caso quizá tan más brutal o más es el de Google. Las jaulas de cristal nos asfixian y Google es, quizá, la más omnipresente y de la que parece imposible salir desde la perspectiva de un simple ciudadano de a pie.

El artículo que cito plantea estos pasos para abandonar Google y añade explicaciones de lo que implica. Quédate con los tres últimos pasos.

1. Switch Search Engines
2. Stop Using the Chrome Browser
3. Delete your Gmail account
4. Dump Android
5. Delete all Google apps from your iPhone
6. Purge other Google hardware
7. Don’t use Waze or Nest Products
8. Don’t visit the house of anyone with Nest Products or Google Home
9. Don’t email anyone with a Gmail account
10. Don’t call or text anyone who has an Android phone
11. Don’t use the web

La conclusión : no vas a poder dejar Google

Por el momento, Google no recopila datos sobre lo que haces, al menos hasta donde sabemos. No está exactamente a “un clic de distancia”, pero está bien.

También vives como si fuera 1986. Veamos cuántos días puedes seguir viviendo sin usar ni entrar en contacto con un producto de Google.

Lo más grave de todo esto es que nadie debería creer en la palabra de Google cuando afirma que el uso de sus productos y servicios es totalmente opcional y que los usuarios pueden cambiar de uno a otro fácilmente en cualquier momento. El hecho es que los servicios de Google son dominantes y omnipresentes: es prácticamente imposible evitarlos en la vida moderna.

Sí, nos han atrapado. Lo han hecho a base de conseguir nuestros datos a base de gratuidad, de ingeniería social. Es gratis, no hay que pagar. El famoso truco de siempre. Todo sigue teniendo que ver con el valor social del dinero. Las barreras de entrada caen. No hay que pagar: barra libre. Ahí entramos en manada. Y nos regocijamos de que hayamos progresado tanto. Tenemos un inmenso poder, aunque, claro, los gigantes tecnológicos disponen de muchas mas toneladas de poder que tú y que yo.

Todo tiene que ver en el fondo con las oligarquías, «una forma de gobierno en la que el poder supremo está en manos de pocas personas, generalmente de la misma clase social». La oligarquía son las grandes tecnológicas. La clase dirigente se regocija en torno a unas grandes corporaciones en las que no hay democracia que valga. Lo que vale, ya lo decíamos hace unos días, es el dinero. Y así nos va. La ciudadanía, a base de ingeniería social, ha caído en sus trampas. Vivimos dentro de un planeta llamado Google S.A. Un simple mortal no sabe hasta dónde llegan sus tentáculos. Están por todas partes. Así pues, estamos digitalmente atrapados. ¿De verdad todo pinta tan feo ahora mismo?

Me he tomado la molestia de copiar/pegar la lista de productos y servicios de Google y mostrarte también el universo de Alphabet, Inc., el conglomerado en el que se inserta Google en la actualidad. Esto es lo que hay. ¿Qué te parece?

El conglomerado de servicios de Google

Fecha de actualización: 3/2/2025. Fuente: Wikipedia.

Productos basados en la web

Herramientas de búsqueda

• Google Search: A web search engine and Google’s core product.
• Google Alerts: An email notification service that sends alerts based on chosen search terms whenever it finds new results. Alerts include web results, Google Groups results, news, and videos.
• Google Assistant: A virtual assistant.
• Gemini: A conversational generative artificial intelligence chatbot.
• Google Books: A search engine for books.
• Google Dataset Search: Allows searching for datasets in data repositories and local and national government websites.
• Google Flights: A search engine for flight tickets.
• Google Images: A search engine for images online.
• Google Shopping: A search engine to search for products across online shops.
• Google Travel: A trip planner service.
• Google Videos: A search engine for videos.

Agrupaciones de artículos, obras creativas, documentos o medios

• Google Arts & Culture: An online platform to view artworks and cultural artifacts.
• Google Books: A website that lists published books and hosts a large, searchable selection of scanned books.
• Google Finance: Searchable US business news, opinions, and financial data.
• Google News: Automated news compilation service and search engine for news in more than 20 languages.
• Google Patents: A search engine to search through millions of patents, each result with its own page, including drawings, claims, and citations.
• Google Scholar: A search engine for the full text of scholarly literature across an array of publishing formats and scholarly fields. Includes virtually all peer-reviewed journals.
• YouTube: A video hosting website.

Servicios de publicidad

• Google Ads: An online advertising platform.
• AdMob: A mobile advertising network.
• Google AdSense: A contextual advertising program for web publishers that delivers text-based advertisements that are relevant to site content pages.
• Google Ad Manager: An advertisement exchange platform.
• Google Marketing Platform: An online advertising and analytics platform.
• Google Tag Manager: A tag management system to manage JavaScript and HTML tags, including web beacons, for web tracking and analytics.
• Local Service Ads: An online advertising platform for lead generations that provide local businesses with a Google guaranteed green check mark.

Herramientas de comunicación y publicación

• Blogger: A weblog publishing tool.
• FeedBurner: A tool in web feed management services, including feed traffic analysis and advertising facilities.
• Google Chat: An instant messaging software with the capability of creating multi-user «rooms».
• Google Saved: A collections app.
• Google Classroom: A content management system for schools that aids in the distribution and grading of assignments and provides in-class communication.
• Google Fonts: A webfont hosting service.
• Google Groups: An online discussion service that also offers Usenet access.
• Google Meet: A video conferencing platform.
• Google Voice: A VoIP system that provides a phone number that can be forwarded to actual phone lines.
• Google Sites: A webpage creation and publication tool.

Herramientas de productividad

• Gmail: An email service.
• Google Account: Controls how a user appears and presents themselves on Google products.
• Google Calendar: An online calendar with Gmail integration, calendar sharing, and a «quick add» function to create events using natural language.
• Google Charts: An interactive, web-based chart image generation from user-supplied JavaScript.
• Google Docs Editors: A productivity office suite with document collaboration and publishing capabilities.
• Google Drive: A file hosting service with synchronisation option; tightly integrated with Google Docs Editors.
• Google Translate: A service that allows carrying out machine translation of any text or web page between pairs of languages.
• Google Keep: A note-taking service.
• Google Drawings: A diagramming software.
• Google Slides: A presentation editing software.
• Google Sheets: A spreadsheet editing software.

Productos relacionados con mapas

• Google Maps: A mapping service that indexes streets and displays satellite and street-level imagery, providing directions and local business search.
• Google My Maps: A social custom map making tool based on Google Maps.
• Google Earth: A virtual 3D globe that uses satellite imagery, aerial photography, GIS from Google’s repository.
• Google Street View: Provides interactive panoramas from positions along many streets in the world.
• Google Santa Tracker: Simulates tracking Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
• Google Moon: NASA imagery of the moon through the Google Maps interface.
• Google Mars: Imagery of Mars using the Google Maps interface.

Sistemas operativos

• Android: A Linux-based operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance.
• Wear OS: A version of Android designed for smartwatches and other wearable items.
• Android Auto: A version of Android optimized for automobiles, offering enhanced connectivity and in-car experience.
• Android TV: A version of Android tailored for smart TVs, offering apps, games, and content streaming.
• Google Cast: A version of Google Cast powering some Google Nest devices.
• ChromeOS: A Linux-based operating system designed for web applications and lightweight devices.^[1]
• Fitbit OS: An operating system developed for Fitbit devices.
• Fuchsia: An operating system based on the Zircon kernel.

Aplicaciones de escritorio

• AdWords Editor: A desktop application to manage Google AdWords accounts; enables users to make campaign changes offline before synchronizing with the online service.
• Drive File Stream: File synchronization software for the business edition of Google Drive.
• Google Chrome: A popular web browser developed by Google.
• Google IME: An input method editor allowing users to enter text in supported languages using a Roman keyboard.^[2]
• Google Japanese Input: A Japanese input method editor.
• Android Studio: An integrated development environment (IDE) designed for Android app development.
• Google Web Designer: A WYSIWYG editor for creating rich HTML5 pages and ads optimized for various devices.
• Backup and Sync: Client software that synchronizes files between a user’s computer and Google Drive.
• Tilt Brush: A virtual reality painting application designed for the Vive and Oculus Rift.
• Google Trends Screensaver: A screensaver for macOS displaying the latest Google Trends in a customizable, colorful grid.
• Chrome Remote Desktop: A desktop and browser application enabling users to remotely access another Windows, Mac, or Linux system.

Otros

• Jigsaw: Google Jigsaw is a technology incubator that develops tools and strategies to address global security challenges, including combating online harassment, disinformation, and censorship, while promoting digital safety and open access to information.

Hardware

Dispositivos

• Nexus One: 3.7″ phone running Android 2.3 «Gingerbread»
• Nexus S: 4″ phone running Android 4.1 «Jelly Bean»
• Nest Learning Thermostat (first generation): Smart thermostat
• Galaxy Nexus: 4.7″ phone running Android 4.3 «Jelly Bean»
• Nexus Q: Media streaming entertainment device in the Google Nexus product family
• Nexus 7 (2012): 7″ tablet running Android 5.1 «Lollipop»
• Nexus 10: 10″ tablet running Android 5.1 «Lollipop»
• Nest Learning Thermostat (second generation): Smart thermostat
• Nexus 4: 4.7″ phone running Android 5.1 «Lollipop»
• Chromebook Pixel (2013): Laptop running ChromeOS
• Nexus 7 (2013): 7″ tablet running Android 6.0 «Marshmallow»
• Nexus 5: 4.95″ phone running Android 6.0 «Marshmallow»
• Nest Protect (first generation): Smoke alarm
• Nexus 6: 5.96″ phone running Android 7.1.1 «Nougat»^[3]
• Nexus 9: 9″ tablet running Android 7.1 «Nougat»
• Nexus Player: Streaming media player running Android 8.0 «Oreo»
• Chromebook Pixel (2015): Laptop running ChromeOS
• Nest Cam Indoor: Security camera
• Nest Protect (second generation): Smoke alarm
• Nest Learning Thermostat (third generation): Smart thermostat
• Nexus 5X: 5″ phone running Android 8.1 «Oreo»
• Nexus 6P: 5.7″ phone running Android 8.1 «Oreo»
• Pixel C: 10.2″ convertible tablet running Android 8.1 «Oreo»
• Nest Cam Outdoor: Security camera
• Pixel: 5″ smartphone running Android 10
• Pixel XL: 5.5″ smartphone running Android 10
• Daydream View (first generation): Virtual reality headset for smartphones
• Google Home: Smart speaker
• Google Wifi: Wireless router
• Nest Cam IQ Indoor: Security camera
• Nest Thermostat E: Smart thermostat
• Nest Hello: Smart video doorbell
• Nest Cam IQ Outdoor: Security camera
• Nest × Yale: Smart lock
• Pixel 2: 5″ smartphone running Android 11
• Pixel 2 XL: 6″ smartphone running Android 11
• Daydream View (second generation): Virtual reality headset for smartphones
• Home Mini: Smart speaker
• Home Max: Smart speaker
• Pixel Buds (first generation): Wireless earbuds
• Pixelbook: Laptop running ChromeOS
• Pixel 3: 5.5″ smartphone running Android 11
• Pixel 3 XL: 6.3″ smartphone running Android 11
• Pixel Slate: 2-in-1 PC running ChromeOS
• Pixel Stand: Wireless charger
• Nest Hub: Smart display
• Stadia Controller: Gaming controller for Stadia
• Pixel 3a: 5.6″ smartphone running Android 11
• Pixel 3a XL: 6″ smartphone running Android 11
• Nest Hub Max: Smart display
• Pixel 4: 5.7″ smartphone running Android 11
• Pixel 4 XL: 6.3″ smartphone running Android 11
• Pixelbook Go: Laptop running ChromeOS
• Nest Mini: Smart speaker
• Nest Wifi: Wireless router
• Pixel Buds (second generation): Wireless earbuds
• Pixel 4a: 5.8″ smartphone running Android 11
• Pixel 4a (5G): 6.2″ smartphone running Android 11
• Pixel 5: 6″ smartphone running Android 11
• Nest Audio: Smart speaker
• Nest Thermostat: Smart thermostat
• Pixel Buds A-Series: Wireless earbuds
• Pixel 5a: 6.3″ smartphone running Android 11
• Pixel 6: 6.4″ smartphone running Android 12
• Pixel 6 Pro: 6.7″ smartphone running Android 12
• Pixel 6a: 6.1″ smartphone running Android 12
• Pixel 7: 6.3″ smartphone running Android 13
• Pixel 7 Pro: 6.7″ smartphone running Android 13
• Pixel Watch: Smartwatch
• Pixel Tablet: Tablet
• Pixel 7a: 6.1″ smartphone running Android 13
• Pixel Fold: Foldable smartphone
• Pixel 8: 6.2″ smartphone running Android 14
• Pixel 8 Pro: 6.7″ smartphones running Android 14
• Pixel Watch 2: Smartwatch
• Pixel 8a: 6.1″ smartphone running Android 14
• Pixel 9: 6.3″ smartphone running Android 14
• Pixel 9 Pro: 6.3″ smartphone running Android 14
• Pixel 9 Pro XL: 6.8″ smartphone running Android 14
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Foldable smartphone running Android 14
• Pixel Watch 3: Smartwatch
• Pixel Buds Pro 2: Wireless earbuds

Procesadores

• Pixel Visual Core: 2017: Pixel 2
• Titan M: 2018: Pixel 3
• Pixel Neural Core: 2019: Pixel 4
• Titan C: 2019: Pixelbook Go
• Titan M2: 2021: Pixel 6
• Google Tensor: 2021: Pixel 6
• Google Tensor G2: 2022: Pixel 7
• Google Tensor G3: 2023: Pixel 8
• Google Tensor G4: 2024: Pixel 9

Servicios

• Google Cloud Platform: A modular cloud-based service for software development.
• Google Crisis Response: A public project covering disasters, turmoils, and other emergencies with alerts.
• Google Fi Wireless: A MVNO offering simple plans and pricing.
• Google Get Your Business Online: Aims to increase the web presence of small businesses and cities, offering advice on search engine optimization and maintaining updated business profiles.^[4]
• Google Public DNS: A publicly accessible DNS server.
• Google Person Finder: An open-source tool to help people reconnect with others after a disaster.
• Google Firebase: A real-time database providing an API for developers to store and sync data across multiple clients.
• Google Cast: A platform to display entertainment and apps from a phone, tablet, or laptop directly on a TV or speakers.^[5]
• Google Pay: A digital wallet platform and online payment system.
• YouTube TV: An over-the-top internet television service offering live TV.

Empresas subsidiarias de Alphabet

Alphabet, Inc. es la forma en que se reestructuró Google en 2015. Según Wikipedia, estos son sus monstruitos a fecha 3/2/2025:

• Calico: Human health (by overcoming aging)
• CapitalG: Private equity for growth-stage technology companies
• Google: Internet services:  largest subsidiary and prior corporate entity name
• Google Fiber: Internet access: via fiber
• GV: Venture capital for technology companies
• Intrinsic: Robotics software
• Isomorphic Labs: Drug discovery
• Mineral: Sustainable agriculture
• Verily: Human health
• Waymo: Autonomous driving
• Wing: Drone-based delivery of freight
• X Development: Research and development for «moonshot» technologies