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Android Developer Verification: Threat masquerading as protection

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Re: Android Developer Verification: Threat masquerading as protection

#131

Post by Aachen »

animuchan wrote: post #48
aerzen wrote: post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Does Huawei not use android or Google play services?

It's Android but without Google's services, there's an alternative app store. The irony of Chinese vendors providing a breath of fresh low-DRM air.

Low DRM? I looked at Huawei devices because I figured they'd have to sell them here super cheap because of this downside most Europeans people will even see as a showstopper ("how will I install my precious WhatsApp??"), but

- they're among the most expensive (I could afford that if needed though)

- they don't allow hardware unlock (ehh.. what's the point, then, if I get a locked-down device with Chinese surprises!)

Re: Android Developer Verification: Threat masquerading as protection

#132

Post by Pacers31Colts18 »

khurs wrote: post #19

Android users need to switch to Graphene. Someone needs to create a Linux based mobile OS foundation - Google's domination is contrary to many large companies interests, and if Meta and many other such companies were approached, they may well donate large sums of money in their own strategic interests.

I get it, but it really sucks that Graphene only works on Pixel hardware. I switched to Samsung with my last phone.

Re: Android Developer Verification: Threat masquerading as protection

#133

Post by Aachen »

wolfi1 wrote: post #26

I'm still a little bit confused why the EU does not take action in this. This is definitely a monopolist overreach which has to be shutdown from the beginning

They'd have had to start with Apple which is more locked down and has comparable market power. Apple fans (iirc like 30% of the voter population) already scream bloody murder when compatibility increases due to legislation and Apple pushes some marketing about how terrible this is

We've accepted that OS vendors can do this for decades. I think that was our mistake: relying on Google as the only available vendor. We can't make a law that punishes Google for having been open all these years. Yes, of course I (like any 'HN' hacker, I'd think) would be in favor of forcing Apple to be open as well, but then it seems that the powers that currently run the EU (and a lot of voters) kinda likes their remote DRM attestation for this digital identification project that you'll soon need for anything not suitable for toddlers and not reachable via a darkweb

Re: Android Developer Verification: Threat masquerading as protection

#134

Post by nok22kon »

econ wrote: post #11
anilgulecha wrote: post #9

I understand the frustration (I'm an avid fdroid user across many many devices). But this article comes off as childish with the virus/trojan/"malware vendor". With such an article, many (including perhaps google) get the ammo to disregard what fdroid says, by branding them as childish/not to be taken seriously. for eg: no reputable news org is going to post this. PS: https://keepandroidopen.org/ is better done.

I thought the same thing but he apparently has a point. The stated purpose covers only a tiny sliver of the capabilities. The agreement points to the TOS where it (last time I looked) says service may be terminated at any time without stating a reason. Nothing guarantees it won't be used for things other than security. And finally he has a point where it also doesn't really do much for security. If we ask their fine…

nothing guarantees the Microsoft/Apple/Ubuntu/RedHat will not push an update through their infrastructure to delete some software from your computer

all OSes have malware level capabilities. it's literally the definition of an OS

Re: Android Developer Verification: Threat masquerading as protection

#135

Post by Terr_ »

weikju wrote: post #6
ranger_danger wrote: post #3

> How long before they designate all ad-blocking software as malware, block installation on all Android certified devices worldwide, and permanently designate all developers of this class of software as malware creators? Classic slippery slope fallacy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slippery_slope History shows that when a "slope" appears... regulation steps in, technology evolves to solve the problem, or the culture…

> In almost every case, the feared "bottom" of the slope was never reached because humans constantly built ramps or bridges along the way. Perhaps it happens because the slope is called out...

Much like the fallacy behind: "The Y2K bug was was a total hoax, you can tell because nothing much happened on 2000-01-01."

Re: Android Developer Verification: Threat masquerading as protection

#136

Post by someonebaggy »

realusername wrote: post #81
someonebaggy wrote: post #65

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is so that you can be sued or prosecuted if the app is malicious.

There's no such requirement for publishing a website

There is - every server host does KYC and so does every domain registrar (by law). If you're found to have provided incorrect details, it allows them to immediately remove your server or domain without notice.

Re: Android Developer Verification: Threat masquerading as protection

#137

Post by aerzen »

ranger_danger wrote: post #3

> How long before they designate all ad-blocking software as malware, block installation on all Android certified devices worldwide, and permanently designate all developers of this class of software as malware creators? Classic slippery slope fallacy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slippery_slope History shows that when a "slope" appears... regulation steps in, technology evolves to solve the problem, or the culture…

There is precedent of Google making changes in light of "security" that break ad blocking Chrome extensions. See chome extension manifest 3.

So this concern cannot be dismissed with just "slippery slope falacy", it's a new vector of the same power grab strategy.

Re: Android Developer Verification: Threat masquerading as protection

#139

Post by nok22kon »

r_lee wrote: post #69
econ wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I thought the same thing but he apparently has a point. The stated purpose covers only a tiny sliver of the capabilities. The agreement points to the TOS where it (last time I looked) says service may be terminated at any time without stating a reason. Nothing guarantees it won't be used for things other than security. And finally he has a point where it also doesn't really do much for security. If we ask their fine…

I'd usually say it'd be far fetched but I can totally see Google banning developers and removing their apps for political reasons, where some lobbying group bombs them with emails because with this they're explicitly saying they're now choosing who gets to be in or out, there's no way for them to say we can't do anything about it I do think this would improve security, but I also think it's sort of a Trojan horse to…

> several Russian mobile apps related to the Russian internet company VK were deleted from the U.S. tech giant's App Store.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kremlin-demands-explana...

Re: Android Developer Verification: Threat masquerading as protection

#140

Post by notrealyme123 »

skybrian wrote: post #76
Timshel wrote: post #53

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It does with reCaptcha: https://www.androidauthority.com/grapheneos-google-apple-app...

Yes, Google could do a lot of things, in theory. Doesn’t mean they’re doing it.

As android shows: they are doing it
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