A significant part of our digital everyday life takes place on large platforms controlled by a small number of tech entrepreneurs. This not only gives them extensive access to our data, but also considerable influence over how we access information and communicate with one another.  If we want to limit this power, a long-term solution can only lie in a collective shift away from these digital platforms.

For this reason, the initiative Save Social, together with other organizations, launched Digital Independence Day (DI-Day). Since early 2026, the initiative has called on people to consciously choose their communication channels on the first Sunday of every month. More than forty organizations have joined the initiative – including the Schöpflin Stiftung. On this day, platforms and digital services that receive less visibility in the shadow of Big Tech companies are brought into focus. The initiative provides concrete step-by-step guides for switching services as well as experience reports on how lesser-known platforms work. The project is not limited to social media platforms. There are also many alternatives to major providers when it comes to email services, browsers, search engines, online shops, or messaging apps. DI-Day aims to spark momentum for greater digital independence – and thus for more self-determination, transparency, resilience, and responsibility.

At the Schöpflin Stiftung, we already decided in 2024 to leave the platform X (formerly Twitter), which was acquired by Elon Musk, and have been using Bluesky as an alternative since last year. The social media platform resembles the former Twitter but is not controlled by a major tech corporation or a single individual. Instead, the company is structured as a »Public Benefit Corporation« – a corporate form that is explicitly committed to a defined public-benefit purpose alongside financial goals. In addition, users can better control which content appears on their home feed through individually curated feeds.

Anyone who would like to join DI-Day and support the alliance can do so at di.day. The website offers a collection of switching guides as well as information on the services provided by the participating organizations.