Your qualms are noted. I'm not sure what de-Google really means in the real world.

I have a Google user account from the days when you were invited to grab a whole GB of email storage. Its just an email address, just a service. They have a fully tooled up data set on me in return, to flog. I use it for testing. They make more money out of the relationship but I also find it useful in many ways so I keep it on.

If I wish to de-Google (whatever that means) I will stop using it.

I don't think you really understood your parent's comment.