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Android launches yet another way to spy on users with “Privacy Sandbox” beta

arstechnica.com

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Re: Android launches yet another way to spy on users with “Privacy Sandbox” beta

#101

Post by boring_twenties »

jqpabc123 wrote: post #91
boring_twenties wrote: post #80

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It won't become impossible to install a custom rom, it will simply become impossible to use many if not most popular apps. Android already provides a mechanism for apps to refuse to run on modified devices, it's called SafetyNet and is widely used for example by banking apps. Currently, it's usually possible to trick it, but with hardware attestation it will become practically impossible.

Yes, some banking apps do this. The simple solution --- install the bank's web site as an app. Go to the site, click the browser menu button (3 dots on Android or up arrow on iOS) and select "Add to Home Screen". You now have a link icon on your phone that looks and acts just like any other app. Some banks (Chase for example) offer a "Progress Web App" which removes the browser interface elements so the causal observ…

I am able to use Chase's app on my LineageOS + Magisk rooted device. The annoying part is that they seem to disable fingerprint login, so now I have to copy/paste the password every time.

Re: Android launches yet another way to spy on users with “Privacy Sandbox” beta

#102

Post by skrowl »

lol imagine being a "journalist" in the current year and writing "Rather than match iOS's tracking limits, Google built an additional tracking system." as if you think iOS tracking does anything close to what it says it's going to do ( ex https://gizmodo.com/apple-iphone-analytics-privacy-4th-lawsu... ).

This is a hit peace written by an iZealot who doesn't even address Apple's system shortcomings.

Re: Android launches yet another way to spy on users with “Privacy Sandbox” beta

#103

Post by skrowl »

shmapf wrote: post #23

I've been staunchly on the Android side of the Android / iOS question, but this carry-on with refusing to block tracking like Apple has done is really making me consider switching.

Apple isn't actually doing anything for privacy, they just say they are. Testing proves otherwise time and time again https://gizmodo.com/apple-iphone-analytics-privacy-4th-lawsu...

Re: Android launches yet another way to spy on users with “Privacy Sandbox” beta

#104

Post by bacchusracine »

fsflover wrote: post #99
bacchusracine wrote: post #93

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>>This is the cost of Librem 5 USA (made in USA) [0], not Librem 5 (made in China) I suppose that helps a little . I seem to have incorrectly assumed that the USA model was intended for use in the USA, not simply assembled there. Still crazy expensive. For that price I'd expect it to come with a keyboard and mouse and replace my Thinkpad altogether.

You indeed can connect Librem 5 to any keyboard, mouse, and screen and use it as a desktop.

>You indeed can connect Librem 5 to any keyboard, mouse, and screen and use it as a desktop.

You have my attention.

....

[goes and looks it up]

Niiiiice. Reads more...

https://puri.sm/posts/what-is-mobile-pureos/

The only problem I'm seeing is this is all Gnome and I'm a big Mate desktop guy. I wouldn't really have a desktop replacement unless I could get the traditional desktop back. Still this situation is a much better one than I originally feared. I'll be watching this closely. Thanks for educating me.

Re: Android launches yet another way to spy on users with “Privacy Sandbox” beta

#105

Post by GeekyBear »

codemac wrote: post #51
shmapf wrote: post #23

I've been staunchly on the Android side of the Android / iOS question, but this carry-on with refusing to block tracking like Apple has done is really making me consider switching.

> refusing to block tracking You realize that Apple is still doing the tracking, just not allowing third parties?

Tracking logged on users in first party apps is something everyone can do. Not just Apple.

Re: Android launches yet another way to spy on users with “Privacy Sandbox” beta

#108

Post by okamiueru »

madduci wrote: post #79
JohnFen wrote: post #68

I have a bunch of issues with the "Privacy Sandbox", but my #1 issue is that it's called "Privacy Sandbox". That term implies that a sandbox is being used to preserve your privacy, when it is, in fact, a system designed for the opposite of that.

After all the crap that Google put in Android, I still don't understand why some other alternative ecosystems like Ubuntu Phone or GrapheneOS or Mankato (PinePhone) aren't attractive for users and developers. What's holding everyone back? I understand that without users there won't be apps, but also without apps there won't be users, since they offer just the basics. Imagine if TikTok or WhatsApp have had an app for…

There are plenty of projects. They aren't main stream because people are more than willing to sell their privacy for convenience.

One such example is CalyxOS. Using it right now. It comes with both F-Droid and Aurora Store. The latter let's you download anonymously from the playstore.

Re: Android launches yet another way to spy on users with “Privacy Sandbox” beta

#109

Post by tholdem »

ufmace wrote: post #95
bacchusracine wrote: post #66

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>on my Librem 5 Sounds interesting. Goes and looks it up. >>From: $1,999.00 You must be joking...

Well if you really want a phone that's secure and private, prove it by paying for it. Mass production and the ability to sell your data to advertisers means the stuff that does that will always be cheaper.

How does the Librem 5 support verified boot? What about user data encryption? Those are the first, most basic security features I am expecting from a smartphone. How about app sandboxes and strict MAC policies?

Re: Android launches yet another way to spy on users with “Privacy Sandbox” beta

#110

Post by wkat4242 »

jacooper wrote: post #58
worksonmine wrote: post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm considering one of the Linux phones, don't use many apps anyway. I know that's a hard sell for most but it's becoming a real option even for normal users.

I would recommend a Pixel with GrapheneOS or calyx. You get the usability of Android with (optional)sandboxes google services/microg. Almost all apps work and its really usable.

The problem is really the apps. Most play store apps are absolutely riddled with tracking libraries, even if you get them from Aurora store.

You can block some of their access but it's hard from airtight.

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