I think these are all good questions to ask ourselves.
Is it first order disagreements like this NVIDIA boycott, or is it second order as well ? Meaning any company that willingly works with NVIDIA or explicitly buys new NVIDIA gpu's ?
It's going to depend on your interest or ability to research. However, if one were to simply buy used items when possible, or choose a brand one thinks aligns with themselves after some research, I think that's a good start.
GPU's right now are ridiculous which means the secondhand market is tight, if your timeframe/need is also tight then it might not be possible to always do the "right thing™".
If one thinks they might need compromise their morals, I think they should really consider their options. I'd rather pay full price for an old used GPU than give nvidia any money, but that's my personal opinion.
Why pick 2014
I think this is just because car companies weren't yet starting to surveil their drivers as part of a new revenue stream until 2014. You can read more about it.
- It’s Official: Cars Are the Worst Product Category We Have Ever Reviewed for Privacy
- How to Figure Out What Your Car Knows About You (and Opt Out of Sharing When You Can)
Personally, I've removed myself from the American market about as much as I can while still living in the USA.
I've divested from American stocks.
I try to make/grow my own whenever possible, and rely on my local community more. I even started a community regenerative farm.
If I do think I need to buy something new, I try to either buy European, Japanese, or from a few other choice markets depending on the product, like South America for specialty wood and coffee direct from as small a manufacturer as possible.
I don't expect everyone to live like this, not everyone has the luxury. But I do hope people atleast try to not pay companies that harm them.