Digital Dugnad 2026

Recently I got a mail from Vivaldi about Digital Dugnad: How can a dugnad save the web?

They want us to change our browser, search engine, email provider and file storage provider.

So what is a Dugnad?

Dugnad is a Norwegian word and tradition: It’s about coming together when a task feels too big to do alone.

Link: digitaldugnad.eu

Well let’s have a look at what (European?) options we have.

Why is this important?

Every time you use a Big Tech service, you’re trading your data, attention, and control for convenience. These companies track your searches, read your emails, and sell your habits to advertisers—often without your explicit consent. Worse, their dominance stifles competition, making it harder for privacy-focused, ethical alternatives to thrive.

By switching to independent, privacy-respecting tools, you:

• Reclaim your privacy: No more hidden tracking or data harvesting.
• Support a healthier web: Help sustain companies that prioritize users over profits.
• Break the monopoly: Every swap you make strengthens a more open, user-controlled internet.

Small changes, big impact. Start with one.

1. Switch your browser.

If you would stop using Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge what then?

• Ecosia = European (Berlin, Germany) www.ecosia.org
• Vivaldi = European (Norway and Iceland) www.vivaldi.com
• Zen Browser = zen-browser.app
• Firefox = Mozilla Foundation, Non-profit based in California, USA www.firefox.com
• Ladybird = all new browser engine, still in active development www.ladybird.org

2. Switch your search engine.

If you would stop using Google Search and Microsoft Bing what then?

• Ecosia = European (Berlin, Germany) www.ecosia.org
• Qwant = European (Paris, France) www.qwant.com
• DuckDuckGo = American company focused on privacy www.duckduckgo.com

3. Move your email.

If you would stop using Google Gmail and Microsoft Hotmail / Outlook / Live what then?

• Proton Mail = European (Switzerland) www.proton.me

There are more options, will add later…

4. Change where you store your files.

If you would stop using Google Drive / Google Photos and Microsoft Onedrive what then?

• Proton Drive = European (Switzerland) www.proton.me
• Nextcloud = European (Germany) www.nextcloud.com

What I am using now?

Right now (July 2026) I am using the Firefox browser with Ecosia search engine, Proton Mail and Proton Drive.

But I’m testing others, will update this post with new insights.