The Privacy You Deserve

What happened to the software we use every day?

We used to buy software. Whether it was on your desktop or a mobile device, it felt like you were in charge. And you were. The software did what you told it to do, and it kept to itself.

Today, most software you use runs in the cloud. Often, this software doesn’t cost anything, but it’s far from free. It’s actively watching you. It’s not owned, but rented with your data and attention. You’re the product, a product sold to advertisers.

Often, this software doesn't cost anything, but it's far from free. It's actively watching you.

Using modern apps enters you into an agreement with a hidden surveillance clause that most people avoid thinking about. You use these apps every day while the platform quietly harvests your habits, your inputs, and your attention. Then suddenly, those shoes you searched for are following you around everywhere on the internet.

Community-built, open-source software is the escape hatch, but its adoption has stagnated.

Community-built, open-source software is the escape hatch, but its adoption has stagnated. It just isn’t easy enough to get started. Often, taking back control has meant becoming a part-time system administrator or IT professional. Setting up servers, managing databases, and running security updates is just not something the average person wants to do. Buying a Raspberry Pi is a foreign concept. Managing CPUs and RAM is too much. Setting up an AWS account probably wouldn’t go well either. And even the more user friendly options are anything but.

And even the more user friendly options are anything but.

You shouldn’t have to learn command-line interfaces just to use a decent app without being tracked. And it’s tedious and time-consuming for techies too. Wouldn’t it be great to get help?

You shouldn't have to learn command-line interfaces just to use a decent app without being tracked.

Once upon a time, you controlled the tools you depended on, and your digital life was your own private business. We think it’s time for that again.

Introducing CloudBreak

Pay with your money, not with your data.

We believe in a simple trade. You pay a fair price for a subscription, and you get the world’s best open-source software within minutes. No selling of your data, no proprietary lock-in, no algorithmic nonsense.

• The code is open. Anyone gets to inspect it. You can know exactly what the software is–and isn’t–doing. You can even take it and host it yourself. It’s yours. It can’t be taken away.
• We host it, you own what’s inside. We value our relationship with you. We handle the details: the servers, the specs, the uptime, and the updates. You retain ownership of your data. Export it and walk away whenever you want, the way it should be.
• A fair, transparent subscription. Pay with your money, keep your privacy. You can sign up and log in with only your phone, just like you’d expect. Imagine, open-source services without needing a laptop or a degree in computer science. Simply choose a favorite compatible app and sign in.

To reclaim the software that runs our lives, we’re starting with something everyone does every single day: consuming media. It’s a universal desire, and it’s where Big Tech’s grip on our attention is the tightest. Of course, we hope to add more categories of apps in the future.

We're starting with something everyone does every single day: consuming media

So far, we offer hosted versions of these essential open-source tools:

• News and Feeds: Clean, powerful news and feed readers. Read the articles, blogs, newspapers, and newsletters you care about, and more. It all happens in the open, using a widely-supported and open standard called RSS. You can get your Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and more in a single app. No algorithms, no promoted content, no hidden trackers monitoring how fast you scroll. And when you’ve read everything, it’s empty. No suggested articles. We have popular open source services like Miniflux and FreshRSS.
• Bookmarking and Read-it-Later: Keep your content organized with tags and notes. Make it available offline so you can read it later, on your own terms and without ads or other distractions. Read and research freely. You can choose from Linkding, Readeck, and Wallabag.
• Podcasts and Audiobooks: Keep listening to your favorite podcasts. Easily switch devices (and even platforms), then continue listening. Bring along your audiobooks. Stream and download without someone tracking what you skip and what you listen to daily. Coming soon, starting with PinePods.

Not long ago, software was on our side. Slowly, we entered an era where privacy was an afterthought and ads took over. Now, our goal is to help lead the way to a brighter future. We’re closer than you think.

Join us.

Benjamin Oakes
Founder, Space Bar Labs
cloudbreak@spacebarlabs.com

A brighter future is closer than you think.

Thank you for your support. A portion of your subscription funds open source and environmental charities.

♥️ Love the mission but you self host your apps? Please share CloudBreak. More people using open source benefits everyone.