LinkedIn vs PixelFed: The End-to-End Encryption Face-Off
Discover how US-based LinkedIn and EU's PixelFed secure your messages with end-to-end encryption. Are your chats truly private?
Should You Switch to PixelFed?
Gain privacy and a decentralized platform for photo sharing.
Lose professional networking and job search capabilities.
Switch if you prioritize privacy and social sharing over professional tools.
At a Glance
US data laws
GDPR protected
Contact
PixelFed
free
Privacy & Compliance Comparison
Critical data sovereignty factors at a glance
| Criteria | PixelFed | |
|---|---|---|
Server Location | US (Azure), EU (optional) | EU |
GDPR Compliance | Partial (SCCs) | Full |
Open Source | ||
E2E Encryption | Enterprise only | Optional |
Data Portability | Full export | Full export |
CLOUD Act Notice
LinkedIn is a US company and must comply with CLOUD Act data requests, even for data stored in EU data centers. PixelFed is not subject to US jurisdiction.
Microsoft
PixelFed
🇪🇺PixelFed
US Data Storage
Data subject to US CLOUD Act and may be accessed by US authorities
EU Data Protection
Data protected under GDPR with EU-only data residency
Certifications & Compliance
No certifications listed
Reasons to Switch
- ✓PixelFed is free to use, unlike LinkedIn's premium features.
- ✓PixelFed's servers are based in the EU, ensuring GDPR compliance.
- ✓Open-source nature allows community-driven improvements and transparency.
- ✓Decentralized platform reduces reliance on a single corporate entity.
Things to Consider
- !Missing job search tools and professional networking features.
- !Learning curve to adapt from LinkedIn's structured interface.
- !Migration pain due to lack of direct import tools for profiles.
Migration Overview
Depends on data size and complexity
Quick Steps
Create PixelFed account and configure settings
Export and prepare data from LinkedIn
Import data, test integrations, and migrate users
Note: PixelFed is more focused on photo sharing and lacks professional networking capabilities.
Other alternatives to LinkedIn
Ready to make the switch?
Start using PixelFed today and take control of your data privacy.