Ethical Tech Directory:

Nextcloud

Nextcloud is a powerful open-source platform for file storage, collaboration, and productivity; positioned as an ethical alternative to cloud suites like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or Dropbox. It allows individuals and organisations to host their own private cloud, offering tools for document editing, calendar management, video calls, chat, and email integration. Built around open standards and data sovereignty, Nextcloud puts users in full control of their information while maintaining usability and scalability comparable to major commercial cloud services.

Pros & Cons

Self-hosted or hosted by a trusted provider, ensuring compliance with privacy laws and ethical data practices

Actively developed, community-audited code with strong corporate and grassroots support

Expands beyond file storage to include collaborative document editing, mail, chat, video conferencing, and calendar tools

Fully GDPR-compliant, with optional end-to-end encryption and zero telemetry

Built on open standards, avoiding lock-in and promoting long-term digital autonomy

Self-hosting requires server setup, security management, and regular updates

Can be resource-intensive on smaller servers or low-power devices

Flexibility comes with complexity - some apps and integrations need technical knowledge to configure

While improving, some apps feel less polished than their big-tech equivalents from a UX standpoint

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