this post was submitted on 30 May 2025
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Privacy

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I currently use iCloud+ for storing photos and files. I also use Hide my email that comes bundled in the plan. I use Cryptomator in files app for encrypting some files.

I want to switch to a more privacy focused provider for my files. The photos can stay in iCloud because I don't think it matters as Apple already has access to the camera.

So, I want to switch to a cheaper iCloud plan and start a new cloud subscription. I would also like an alternative to Hide my mail but I don't want to spend too much for it. What would you recommend?

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[–] autonomoususer@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] moonlight6205@lemm.ee 1 points 1 day ago

It is not a cloud service. It will need storage on my own devices.

[–] vhstape@lemmy.sdf.org 16 points 2 days ago (2 children)

This might be an unpopular opinion, but you should consider sticking with iCloud+. If you have Advanced Data Protection enabled, your data is end-to-end encrypted and Apple does not have access to the keys. You also get features like Hide My Mail (like you mentioned) and iCloud Private Relay included in the plan. I only pay 99 cents per month for 50 GB!

[–] autonomoususer@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago

iOS fails to include a libre software license text file. We do not control it, anti-libre software. Some people will believe anything the iOS settings tells them but you can dodge this blatant scam, lmao.

[–] moonlight6205@lemm.ee 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I have enabled ADP. I also use private relay. So would you consider iCloud on par with other services?

[–] vhstape@lemmy.sdf.org 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I think $0.99 is extremely competitive for cloud storage, contacts & calendar, a VPN, and advanced email capabilities

[–] moonlight6205@lemm.ee 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

It is a good deal but I am worried about privacy.

It is not technically a VPN, though.

[–] vhstape@lemmy.sdf.org 5 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Here’s my take. Companies must comply with the laws of the countries they operate in, so there’s always a chance that your data will be made accessible to authorities. If that’s your concern, your best bet is to only use services which offer end-to-end encryption. If you’re more worried about being tracked or profiled by corporations, the good news is that most cloud storage and email providers besides Google don’t sell your data anyway.

As long as you’re using an encrypted service, the choice of provider comes down to price and preference. If you’ve got multiple Apple devices and/or a Windows computer, I’d go with iCloud+. If you use Android and/or Linux and don’t want to use the Google Suite, then I’d defer to the suggestions of others on this thread.

And to your point on Private Relay, this is true. It’s not a bona fide VPN, but it definitely gets the job done if you use it on Apple devices to mask system-wide DNS requests and hide traffic in Safari.

[–] moonlight6205@lemm.ee 2 points 2 days ago

After reading your comment, it feels like I am being paranoid.

I have 4 apple devices in my home which share the subscription, so it makes sense to continue.

[–] merde@sh.itjust.works 7 points 2 days ago (1 children)

The photos can stay in iCloud because I don't think it matters as Apple already has access to the camera.

🤔

[–] moonlight6205@lemm.ee 0 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I mean I use the stock camera app which knows exactly what was clicked, so it doesn’t make sense to try to hide photos content from Apple.

[–] asbestos@lemmy.world 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Yeah I don’t think that’s feasible

[–] moonlight6205@lemm.ee 1 points 2 days ago

What do you mean?

[–] Zerush@lemmy.ml 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] moonlight6205@lemm.ee 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

The pricing seems good. Do you know if it can be used with Cryptomator for iOS?

[–] Zerush@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 days ago

I don't know, try it

[–] bl4kers@lemmy.ml 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] moonlight6205@lemm.ee 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

It is so expensive. USD 4.75/month for 50 GB.

[–] bl4kers@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I'm getting 1 TB for 9.79/month USD. I think Apple and Google heavily subsidize their cloud storage plans which make other providers seem expensive. There's also somewhat of a privacy tax unfortunately

[–] moonlight6205@lemm.ee 0 points 1 day ago

Google sells the data, it is in their privacy policy I think.

Apple claims to be encrypted and there is nothing to say it doesn’t.