> So, your top three choices are Google (weird ties to the US state dept), Microsoft (lobbied for cloud act, acquired linkedin and github so they could join the data with mandatory windows and office telemetry) and an independent company with weird ties to the Chinese govt.

> Do you really have a strong opinion about which one is the least bad choice?

I suspect that, if you're in the US or China already (which, just to say it explicitly, I recognize does not apply to everyone on HN), then you perceive a meaningful difference in whether any improper use of data will expose that data to the US, or to the Chinese, government. Even if your personal threat assessment finds no difference in those risks, then you probably at least have a strong opinion whether it's better to have your data improperly exposed to a government of whatever country, or to a private corporation.

Nope but the last one is obviously the most bad choice.

How so?

What's wrong with the State Dept? They work on peace and diplomacy. They are probably one of the best branches of government as their job is to build international trust and cooperation and avoid wars. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_St...

> Do you really have a strong opinion about which one is the least bad choice?

Yes, the one without a desktop install is clearly the best solution.