Digital Sovereignty Guide
In an era where digital privacy concerns are mounting and tech monopolies continue to grow, reclaiming control over your digital life has become increasingly important. This interactive guide offers practical pathways for achieving digital sovereignty without substantially sacrificing convenience or functionality.
What Is Digital Sovereignty?
Digital sovereignty means taking back control over your digital infrastructure, data, and online experiences. It’s about reducing dependency on dominant tech ecosystems—particularly US-based giants—and creating a more diverse, privacy-respecting technological landscape for yourself or your organization.
How to Use This Guide
We’ve created four distinct migration paths based on your specific needs, technical comfort level, and circumstances. Each path includes expandable sections with detailed instructions, recommended tools, and practical advice for making the transition at your own pace.
Explore each section, compare alternative tools, download resources, and embark on your journey toward greater digital independence. Remember, every step you take makes a difference—this isn’t about achieving perfect sovereignty overnight, but about progressive improvement toward a more autonomous digital life.
Essential Migration
This path is designed for casual users who want simple, reliable alternatives without a steep learning curve. It focuses on the most important changes for improved privacy and digital sovereignty.
Who is this for?
- You are: You use technology for everyday tasks and want simple, reliable alternatives
- Your motivation: You’re tired of targeted ads, concerned about data privacy, and want straightforward solutions
- Your goal: A smooth transition to ethical alternatives with minimal disruption to your daily digital routine
- Your comfort level: You have basic technical skills and can follow step-by-step instructions
Path Overview
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Timeline: 3-6 months
- Cost: NZ$150-200/year (services), NZ$1,500-2,000 (optional hardware)
- Technical skill required: Basic
Phase 1: Software Migration (Months 1-3)
Quick Wins (First 2-4 Weeks)
- Replace Chrome with Vivaldi or Librewolf
- Switch from Google Search to Perplexity or Brave Search
- Try Claude AI for assistance with your migration journey
- Change default search engine in your new browser
- Install Joplin for note-taking to document your journey
These simple changes provide immediate privacy benefits with minimal disruption to your daily workflow. Starting with your browser and search engine creates a foundation for your sovereignty journey.
Office and Storage Migration (Weeks 3-6)
- Export documents from Microsoft Office to LibreOffice formats
- Install LibreOffice as your new office suite
- Move files from Google Drive/OneDrive to NextCloud
- Set up Cryptpad for collaborative document editing
- Use Joplin with NextCloud sync for note organization
- Create backups of your important files
Transitioning your documents and files to sovereignty-respecting platforms ensures your personal data stays under your control. These alternatives offer similar functionality to what you’re used to, but with better privacy protections.
Email Migration (Months 2-3)
- Export contacts and important emails from Gmail/Outlook
- Set up Proton Mail or OVHcloud Email
- Create auto-reply directing contacts to your new email address
- Gradually update your email on important accounts
- Register a domain through OVHcloud for a personalized email address
- Set up email on your mobile devices
- Create email signature with new contact information
Email migration requires the most care to ensure you don’t miss important messages. This gradual approach gives you time to transition smoothly while maintaining communication with your contacts.
Phase 2: Hardware Transition (When Ready)
Hardware Selection
- Identify your needs for a new computer system
- Purchase a Minisforum HX99G (AMD Ryzen 9) with preinstalled Linux Mint
- Or consider a Lenovo laptop with AMD processor
- Look for devices with minimal pre-installed software
- Consider refurbished options for sustainability
When you’re ready to replace your existing hardware, these options provide good sovereignty characteristics while remaining user-friendly. You don’t need to rush this step. Wait until you need a new computer or are comfortable with the software transition.
System Setup
- Backup all important data from your current system
- Follow Linux Mint’s beginner-friendly welcome guide
- Transfer your files using the built-in migration tools
- Install your previously selected privacy-focused software
- Configure automatic updates for security
- Set up user accounts for family members if needed
Linux Mint is designed to be approachable for newcomers. Its familiar interface and helpful community make it an ideal starting point for your hardware sovereignty journey.
Communication Setup
- Replace WhatsApp with Signal for secure messaging
- Set up video conferencing with Jitsi Meet
- Configure email client on your new system
- Import your contacts and calendar
- Inform friends and family about your new communication tools
- Create simple guides for family members on using new tools
These communication tools provide strong privacy protections while remaining easy to use. Signal offers a familiar messaging experience but with end-to-end encryption and improved privacy.
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Small Business Migration
This path is designed for small business owners and teams who need to protect company data while maintaining efficient collaboration. It balances privacy, practicality, and business requirements.
Who is this for?
- You are: A small business owner, family business, or small team with limited technical resources
- Your motivation: You want to protect your business data while enabling better collaboration
- Your goal: Implementing privacy-respecting collaborative tools and basic digital sovereignty principles in your operations
- Your comfort level: You have basic to moderate technical skills and can follow step-by-step instructions
Path Overview
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Timeline: 2-6 months
- Cost: NZ$100-300/year (services), NZ$500-2,000 (optional hardware)
- Technical skill required: Basic to moderate
Phase 1: Business Essentials (Months 1-2)
Communication Setup (Weeks 1-4)
- Register a business domain through OVHcloud (French)
- Set up professional email with your domain (OVHcloud Email)
- Replace Slack/Teams with Element (Matrix client) for team chat
- Implement Jitsi Meet for video conferencing (no installation needed)
Start with establishing your digital identity through a proper domain and professional email. This creates the foundation for all other business communications and presents a cohesive brand while maintaining digital sovereignty.
Collaboration Tools (Weeks 5-8)
- Set up hosted NextCloud through OVHcloud for file sharing
- Use Cryptpad (French) for collaborative document editing
- Create shared knowledge base with NextCloud Notes
- Install Bitwarden for shared password management
These tools enable seamless team collaboration without compromising on data sovereignty. Your business information remains under your control, not on US-based servers subject to intrusive regulations.
Phase 2: Business Operations (Months 3-6)
Customer Data Protection
- Migrate customer information to secure, EU-based CRM alternatives
- Set up encrypted backups for business-critical information
- Implement basic security policies for team members
- Create data handling procedures compliant with privacy regulations
Protecting customer data is not just about compliance—it’s about trust. These measures ensure your business respects customer privacy while maintaining necessary business intelligence capabilities.
Team Training
- Create simple how-to guides for new tools
- Schedule training sessions for team members
- Develop troubleshooting resources
- Assign digital sovereignty champions within the team
The success of your business migration depends on team adoption. Proper training ensures everyone understands not just how to use the new tools, but why the transition matters for your business values.
Optional Hardware Upgrades
- Consider AMD-based systems for new business computers
- Explore Linux Mint for non-technical staff (familiar interface)
- Investigate NAS solutions for on-premise data storage
- Implement secure mobile device policies
Hardware upgrades can be phased in as part of your normal replacement cycle. This approach manages costs while gradually improving your business’s digital sovereignty profile.
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Individual Setup
This path is designed for tech-comfortable individuals who enjoy exploring new tools and want significant control over their digital lives. It includes more advanced solutions for comprehensive digital independence.
Who is this for?
- You are: A technically inclined person who enjoys learning new systems and tools
- Your motivation: You’re concerned about digital sovereignty and willing to invest time in mastering new systems
- Your goal: A fully independent digital ecosystem using open-source tools and non-US services
- Your comfort level: You’re comfortable with some technical troubleshooting and learning new interfaces
Path Overview
- Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
- Timeline: 3-8 months
- Cost: NZ$50-150/year (services), NZ$1,000-2,500 (optional hardware)
- Technical skill required: Moderate to advanced
Phase 1: Software Independence (Months 1-4)
First Steps (Month 1)
- Switch to Perplexity for search needs
- Replace Chrome/Edge with Vivaldi (Finnish) or LibreWolf
- Change default search engine settings
- Replace Microsoft Office with LibreOffice
- Set up Bitwarden for password management
- Install Joplin for note organization with cloud synchronization
These initial changes establish a foundation for your digital sovereignty by replacing basic tools with privacy-respecting alternatives. Each of these changes can be made incrementally without disrupting your daily workflow.
Cloud Independence (Month 2)
- Migrate files from Google Drive/OneDrive to NextCloud (via OVHcloud or Infomaniak)
- Register personal domain through OVHcloud for digital identity
- Configure Joplin to sync with NextCloud for encrypted notes
- Set up file version history and secure sharing features
- Create backup strategy for essential files
Cloud services represent a major area of potential privacy exposure. Moving to self-hosted or European cloud solutions gives you greater control over your data while maintaining familiar functionality.
Communication Migration (Months 3-4)
- Use Thunderbird to access and gradually migrate from Gmail/Outlook
- Set up Mailbox.org (German, NZ$36/yr) or OVHcloud Email
- Use email forwarding during transition period
- Set up professional email with your personal domain
- Synchronize calendar and contacts using standard protocols (CalDAV/CardDAV)
- Replace messaging apps with Signal or Element
Email migration requires careful planning to ensure you don’t miss important communications. This phased approach allows you to gradually transition while maintaining access to historical emails and confirming everything works properly before committing fully.
Phase 2: Hardware Transition (When Ready)
Hardware Selection
- Research sovereign hardware options that fit your needs
- Purchase a Lenovo AMD laptop or Minisforum mini PC
- Consider Framework laptop for repairability
- Prioritize devices with AMD processors over Intel
- Research compatibility with Linux before purchasing
Hardware sovereignty is a crucial step in your journey. These recommendations balance performance with privacy and sovereignty considerations, focusing on devices that work well with open-source operating systems.
Operating System Migration
- Create backup of all essential data from current system
- Install Linux Mint (beginner-friendly for Windows users)
- Configure system for privacy and security
- Transfer data using external storage or secure synchronization
- Join NZ Linux Users Group for community support
- Learn basic terminal commands for system maintenance
Transitioning to Linux provides a completely open-source foundation for your digital life. Linux Mint offers a familiar interface for Windows users while providing significantly improved privacy and control over your computing environment.
Windows Compatibility (If Needed)
- Identify Windows-only applications you rely on
- Research open-source alternatives to proprietary Windows applications
- Run essential Windows applications through compatibility layers (Wine/Bottles)
- Set up virtual machine for Windows-only software if necessary
- Configure isolated environment for any remaining US-based software
For many users, specific Windows software remains necessary. These approaches allow you to run essential Windows applications while minimizing their access to your personal data and maintaining overall system sovereignty.
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Enhanced/AI-Augmented Migration
This path is designed for technically proficient individuals who want to leverage AI tools to enhance their digital sovereignty journey. It combines advanced privacy measures with cutting-edge technology for maximum independence.
Who is this for?
- You are: A tech enthusiast with significant technical skills and experience
- Your motivation: You’re excited about leveraging AI to automate tasks and reduce reliance on centralized systems
- Your goal: A cutting-edge setup that combines privacy, sovereignty, and innovation
- Your comfort level: You’re comfortable with technical troubleshooting, command line interfaces, and learning complex systems
Path Overview
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Timeline: 6-12 months
- Cost: NZ$150-300/year (services), NZ$2,500-3,500 (optional hardware)
- Technical skill required: Advanced
Phase 1: AI-Enhanced Setup (Months 1-3)
Initial Software Migration (Weeks 1-4)
- Replace search engines with Perplexity or self-hosted SearXNG
- Switch to privacy-focused browsers (LibreWolf/Firefox)
- Install Linux on existing hardware (dual-boot option for beginners)
- Replace Microsoft Office with LibreOffice
- Migrate from OneDrive/Google Drive to NextCloud hosted on OVHcloud
- Set up Joplin with NextCloud sync for comprehensive knowledge management
These initial steps establish a strong foundation for digital sovereignty while preserving your ability to work effectively. The choices here focus on privacy without sacrificing functionality or compatibility.
AI Integration (Months 1-2)
- Set up Docker environment for containerized applications
- Install Ollama framework on your Linux system
- Download optimized versions of DeepSeek R2+ for your hardware
- Configure system resources for optimal AI performance
- Begin using Claude for creating migration scripts and automation
These tools enable you to leverage AI capabilities while maintaining control over your data and computing environment. Local AI models allow sophisticated operations without sending your data to external services.
Advanced Communication (Month 3)
- Set up Mailcow Docker container on OVHcloud VPS (requires domain)
- Configure DNS records for email delivery through OVHcloud DNS
- Implement advanced spam protection and filtering
- Create automated email migration scripts with AI assistance
- Deploy blog and website on OVHcloud infrastructure
- Establish automated document workflows between Joplin and your website
Self-hosted email represents the highest level of communication sovereignty. This approach gives you complete control over your email infrastructure while leveraging automation to maintain security and efficiency.
Phase 2: Hardware Optimization (Months 4-6)
Hardware Selection
- Purchase a Minisforum UM890 Pro (AMD Ryzen 9, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD)
- Or upgrade existing hardware with additional RAM/SSD
- Configure for optimal AI workloads and virtualization
- Implement secure boot and disk encryption
- Set up automated backup systems to multiple locations
High-performance hardware is essential for running local AI models efficiently. These recommendations balance power with privacy considerations, focusing on systems that work well with advanced Linux configurations.
Virtualization Environment
- Set up KVM/QEMU or ProxMox for virtualization
- Create isolated virtual machines for different purposes
- Implement network segmentation between VMs
- Configure resource allocation for optimal performance
- Implement VM snapshots and backups
Virtualization allows you to isolate different aspects of your digital life, enhancing both security and flexibility. This approach creates logical boundaries between sensitive operations and potential risk areas.
Network Security
- Configure hardware or software firewalls
- Set up VPN for secure remote access
- Implement DNS-level filtering and protection
- Create secure Wi-Fi network with strong isolation
- Set up network monitoring with alerts
Network security is a critical but often overlooked aspect of digital sovereignty. These measures protect your entire digital ecosystem from external threats while maintaining privacy for all your devices.
Phase 3: AI Mastery (Months 6-12)
Custom AI Solutions
- Train custom AI models to flag US dependencies in your files and applications
- Create AI-powered workflows for routine tasks
- Implement personal assistant bots for specific domains
- Set up AI-enhanced security monitoring
- Develop customized content filters and recommendation systems
Custom AI solutions allow you to automate complex tasks while maintaining full control over the algorithms and data. This approach leverages AI power without the privacy compromises of commercial solutions.
Offline AI Tools
- Deploy Jan (Taiwanese ChatGPT alternative) for offline AI assistance
- Set up Stable Diffusion XL for content creation
- Configure embedding models for knowledge management
- Implement voice recognition and synthesis locally
- Create automated data processing pipelines
Offline AI tools provide sophisticated capabilities without sending your data to external services. These solutions run entirely on your hardware, ensuring complete privacy for all AI operations.
Advanced Projects
- Develop fully automated backup and security systems
- Create personal knowledge management system with vector search
- Set up home lab environment for testing new sovereignty solutions
- Implement federated social networking
- Contribute to open-source sovereignty projects
These advanced projects represent the cutting edge of digital sovereignty, combining multiple technologies into integrated solutions. They provide unprecedented control over your digital environment while promoting wider adoption of sovereignty principles.
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