I’ve been using Google Docs for all my document needs since approximately 2011, and I’m quite comfortable with its features. However, I’ve encountered numerous discussions online expressing worries about privacy issues and how Google manages user data. As I’m on a limited budget, I’m unable to invest in paid alternatives currently. I’m curious if the free services recommended are actually superior to Google Docs, especially regarding terms of service and AI-related concerns. Many of those free platforms look like they have similar policies. I see conflicting opinions everywhere, and I’m unsure about what to believe. Has anyone switched from Google Docs and found it worthwhile? Or are these worries exaggerated?
Look, I get the privacy concerns but there’s a middle ground nobody talks about.
Don’t completely ditch Google Docs. Automate document management instead - keep sensitive stuff local while using collaborative features when you need them. I’ve got workflows that pull documents from Google Docs, process them through other tools, and dump final versions into encrypted local storage.
Game changer: think of document workflows as automation problems. Trigger actions when documents change, auto-backup to multiple spots, or set up approval flows that move docs between platforms based on how sensitive they are.
Here’s what I do - automation monitors my Google Docs folder and auto-exports anything tagged “confidential” to a local encrypted folder. Collaborative drafts stay in the cloud. Best of both worlds without manual hassle.
Privacy concerns are legit, but manual solutions like switching to LibreOffice don’t scale if you work with teams. Automation gives you data control while keeping productivity up.
Check out https://latenode.com for setting up these document workflows.
totally understand where ur coming from! I find Google Docs super easy to use too, just keep in mind the privacy thing. If it works for u and ur not storing anything too sensitive, then it should be fine.
Switched from Google Docs to LibreOffice Writer last year after using Docs for twelve years. Main reason? Data ownership issues. The transition went smoother than I expected, though I definitely missed real-time collaboration at first. What pushed me over the edge was actually reading Google’s terms and seeing how much they scan your documents for ads. LibreOffice handles formatting pretty well and works offline - which was a nice surprise when my internet went down. The privacy stuff isn’t totally overblown, but it really depends on what you’re writing. For basic documents and non-sensitive stuff, Google Docs is still fine for most people.