Aardvark Daily

Please visit the sponsor!

Time to ditch Android

Android is everywhere.

Unless you're using an iPhone, chances are that you're using Android. Likewise, if you have a tablet that's not an iPad, Android is almost certainly going to be the OS that device uses.

As a result of the ubiquitous nature of Android, there are a huge number of apps and app developers who rely on Google's goodwill for their continued existence.

There's bad news, if you're one of those developers who values your privacy or if you're a user who relies on an app created by a niche programmer who doesn't want to surrender their government ID documentation to the faceless giant that is big-tech Alphabet.

I say bad news because later this year, Google turns off the ability to side-load APKs (Android apps) on Android devices unless the developer of that app is "certified".

To become certified, a developer will have to trust Google with their government-issued photo ID documentation because: "reasons".

We're told that this is to reduce fraud and malware on the Android platform, effectively ensuring that those who would try to wreak havoc or scam others via malicious or fraudulent apps will no longer be able to hide behind a cloak of anonmymity.

Is this really a good thing?

Personally, I don't think so and I'm glad I didn't complete the development of an Android app I've been working on. Why should I, or anyone else for that matter, have to hand over personal photo ID to a company just to write and distribute software for devices I already bought and paid for?

The irony is that if you're in a country that shows less regard for personal freedoms (such as China) then you won't have to hand over your right to anonymity before you can install software for the devices you own. Yep, those countries are exempt.

If you're a big fan of privacy (like me) then how do you respond to this move to whip the carpet out from under your feet?

Well I think it's time to consider alternatives to Andrond and yes there are some.

There is, of course, Linux.

Various versions of Linux have been developed for tablet and smartphone use but unfortunately the range of hardware on which they run is quite limited.

There's also the security/privacy oriented Graphene OS. Ironically, Graphene only runs on Google's own Pixel model of smartphones. Personally, I would hate to be forced into boosting Google's profits as a result of a decision they've made to remove my right to privacy and my right to own the devices I've already paid for.

Perhaps when Graphene supports Motorola smartphones, as is expected by next year, I'll buy one of those.

It's worth noting that the "duress PIN" facility of Graphene appears to be a very cool feature that was used recently in the USA by someone who objected to US border authorities snooping into the contents of their phone.

Apparently there will still be a way whereby users can sideload APKs from non-certified developers onto their devices but you'll have to switch that device into "developer mode" which involves a lot of farting around and may well be beyond some people.

This is all because apparently Google thinks that most people are too stupid to read or understand the warnings that Android already gives when side-loading apps.

I can't wait until DJI in the USA are told they must become "certified" before the apps for their very popular drones will instal on people's phones. Right now, because of "national security" concerns, DJI's drone apps are not available through the App Store and must be side-loaded so Google may choose not to certify the company as a developer. If that's the case, a lot of people are going to be really pissed off when they upgrade their phones and find they can't reinstall the DJI-Fly app so their drone becomes effectively bricked.

What a crazy world we live in. We will own nothing but I won't be happy.

Carpe Diem folks!

Please visit the sponsor!

Here is a PERMANENT link to this column

Rank This Aardvark Page

Change Font