Privacy

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Google’s Sideloading Crackdown: Why It’s a Threat to Everyone’s Privacy and Freedom (the.unknown-universe.co.uk)

submitted 5 days ago by TheIPW@lemmy.ml to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

19 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Google is tightening control over Android under the guise of 'security,' but this crackdown on sideloading is a direct hit to digital sovereignty and FOSS. I've written about why this matters for our privacy and the future of open platforms. What do you think—is this the end of Android's 'open' era?

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[–] TheIPW@lemmy.ml 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Yes, Android is open source. But the thing is, Google’s clampdown on sideloading isn’t just about the OS code itself. It’s really about controlling the whole app ecosystem and making it harder for people to install apps outside of Google’s own channels.

Sure, folks can fork Android and make their own versions — that’s been happening for years with projects like LineageOS. But the tricky part is keeping all the apps working smoothly without Google’s proprietary stuff like Play Services. Without that, a lot of apps just don’t behave right, and the user experience takes a hit.

So basically, just having Android’s code open isn’t enough to keep it truly open and easy to use. The real control is in the ecosystem around it, and that’s what Google’s tightening grip is all about.

[–] FineCoatMummy@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 days ago

Without that, a lot of apps just don’t behave right,

Agree with what you said. And if I may add a little? Apps not behaving right extends to things average people see as essential in thier life. Like banking apps refusing to run on "untrusted devices".

Techies can get around most of it. At least today, maybe not in the future. For example use the bank's web site directly not their app. But my nontechie friends have no idea. From their perspective, something like an alternative to Android simply doesn't work for what they are used to.

Vendor lock-in.