Google is locking down Android: power and control over users

[Retro]

It was too good to be true and just had to happen eventually: Google has started locking down Android in a similar way to how Apple has always locked down its iPhones, by creating a walled garden. Of course, they claim to "do it for you to improve your security", but what it's really about is power, control and monetization of their millions of users. No more third party Android customisation that it's so well known for, no more app sideloading, no more jailbreaks. The identity of every developer and user revealed to Google and their usage of Android products controlled and locked down. Sounds rather authoritarian, doesn't it?

This video explains all this in detail and everyone should be aware of it. Unfortunately, it's not possible to stop this from happening, but there might be ways to limit the damage if you know what's going on. Suggestions in the comments.

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[Retro]

@Geffers you'll want to be aware of this.

 

[Hitcore]

but what it's really about is power, control and monetization of their millions of users. No more third party Android

Those are their motives. Wanna know what the opportunity is? Our ever increasing dependency on smartphones that's being pushed upon us. Seemingly everything has to happen with an app these days. That's why Apple and Google/Android can get away with their shenanigans. Think about it: would they be so authoritarian if users' lives didn't necessarily require smartphones to function.

For my work I have to use an app to clock in and out. Physical bus tickets are out, when I take the bus here I have to buy a ticket with an app. In my locale paying via MobilePay is more and more becoming the only option. And in this country I have to use a digital ID app to do anything official.

We all have our day-to-day examples where we are forced to use a smartphone or else we're kinda screwed.
If it were up to me and didn't have to deal with half a dozen obligatory apps on a daily basis I'd revert to a Nokia brick, just for calling and sms. And Snake.

But you WILL use ze smartphone
Und you WILL be happy.

 

[Retro]

That's a great example you've got there.

I must admit that I totally live for the advanced functionality of my smartphone, so I just have to reluctantly accept this surveillance and control, sigh.