Matrix is just the protocol so if you think that synapse (the server implementation developed by Element which does have ties to Amdocs) is somehow logging all your data and sending it back or whatever, just use a different implementation. For example, tuwunel is sponsored and used by Switzerland’s government.
Unfortunately unless it’s the algorithm itself publishing the toxicity (which it isn’t), getting rid of the algorithm will not help much.
Set a systemd timer to start mpv in fullscreen with whatever you want as the screensaver in a loop
If I send an email to a gmail account my information is still sitting on a Google server. So is Proton worth it?
Due to the nature of email, assume privacy is impossible and just use whatever is easiest (yea, Gmail). Like you mentioned, the message will be in their servers anyways. That is, unless you explicitly only email other Proton users.
Was just addressing the amdocs complaint. Didn’t know about the security concerns but it’s most likely still better than Discord and I’m not sure if Signal is even in consideration when looking for a Discord alternative.