April 3, 2026
Proton vs. the world
Show HN: European alternatives to Google, Apple, Dropbox and 120 US apps
New EU app list drops: privacy fans cheer, skeptics cry “self‑promo”
TLDR: A new directory, only-eu.eu, lists European alternatives to U.S. apps, arguing EU services better protect data under GDPR and aren’t bound by the U.S. CLOUD Act. The comments erupted over self‑promotion, “we already have this” links, and a running joke that Proton is the answer to everything.
A new site, only-eu.eu, promises a one‑stop list of European alternatives to big U.S. apps, pitching privacy, durability, and GDPR (Europe’s tough data law). The creator leans on the U.S. CLOUD Act—which can force U.S. companies to hand over data—to argue that EU providers keep your info safer. Cue the comments section turning into a street brawl.
The hottest take? Suspicion. One voice asked, “Is this just to plug the site?” while another dropped a mic‑check link to an older directory, european-alternatives.eu, basically saying: we already have this. Then the thread birthed a running gag: “Just use Proton for everything.” Mail, storage, passwords, VPN—boom, done. Meanwhile, a well‑actually chimed in with: “Spotify is already European,” poking holes in the premise and adding a splash of smug correctness.
Fans applauded the mission—shorter supply chains, fair labor, less throwaway tech, and “your data belongs to you.” Critics shot back with duplication fatigue and marketing vibes. The culture clash was real: data sovereignty vs. convenience, principle vs. pragmatism. It’s part privacy PSA, part turf war, part meme factory. Whether this is a hero list or just another bookmark folder depends on how you feel about the CLOUD Act boogeyman—and how much Proton you can handle.
Key Points
- •The directory offers European alternatives to popular U.S. software and services.
- •It provides tailored recommendations based on the user’s current services.
- •The article emphasizes EU strengths: GDPR compliance, strict environmental rules, product longevity, fair labor standards, and shorter supply chains.
- •It asserts that EU providers support stronger privacy protections, with data ownership remaining with users.
- •It warns that U.S. providers may be subject to the CLOUD Act, potentially allowing data access by U.S. authorities even if hosted in Europe.