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Uncomfortable Questions About Android Developer Verification

(commonsware.com)
400 points ingve | 2 comments | 27 Aug 25 05:14 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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userbinator ◴[27 Aug 25 06:06 UTC] No.45035952[source]▶
This shouldn't just be "questions"; this should be a full-on opposition. Do not give them even an inch, or they'll take a mile.

"debugger vendors in 2047 distributed numbered copies only, and only to officially licensed and bonded programmers." - Richard Stallman, The Right to Read, 1997

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teekert ◴[27 Aug 25 06:17 UTC] No.45036017[source]▶
Why is it so complex to have a foss mobile OS.

I only have Linux PCs (laptops) and servers, 100% of my work and personal stuff is done there (though for work I do need to hop into MS365, Google Workspace, Zoom, etc, hooray for browsers, my final firewall between me and the walled gardens, though we can have a whole discussion on that).

For mobile, we have PostmarketOS, Phosh, Ubuntu Touch. I really must try living in them, is it on me? IDK, our government even has an identity app for iOS and Android. I should not be using it, I should stick to web. But its so much more convenient. I'm just weak, aren't I?

Maybe I should go for Ubuntu touch, with an iPad on the side or something. At least my most personal device is something I control then. Or just keep my Linux laptop handy (or make a cyberdeck!). But I want a computing platform that does not require carrying a bag. It's kinda sad. Even GrapheneOS (one of the most personal and secure mobile computing experiences out there)'s future is in the hands of its greatest adversary, the one that does not want you to have a personal computing experience.

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rattyJ2 ◴[27 Aug 25 07:11 UTC] No.45036382[source]▶
I could be one of the people running an ungoogled phone, but my bank refuses to have an app that runs on an ungoogled OS for "security"
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t_mahmood ◴[27 Aug 25 07:52 UTC] No.45036680[source]▶
My bank blocks my mobile with Lineage OS, and it's not even possible to login to the web site without the mobile app. Absolutely pathetic.

Now I have to keep my 4 year old phone with 2 year outdated Android to access the bank application. Which deemed more safe then my mobile with latest security updates. Haha

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yummypaint ◴[27 Aug 25 09:37 UTC] No.45037323{4}[source]▶
You do have the option to change your bank when they consistently do dumb stuff you don't approve of. Shopping around will probably get you a better savings rate anyway.
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1. t_mahmood ◴[27 Aug 25 10:28 UTC] No.45037702{5}[source]▶
Unfortunately, not an option right now. Setting up foreign currency payout is difficult in my country, a lot of paperworks needed, we don't even have PayPal. Also, the previous autocratic government, that was forcefully expelled after a bloody movement, left most of the banks in ruin. So not a lot of options left.
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2. Freak_NL ◴[27 Aug 25 11:17 UTC] No.45038066[source]▶
There is also the issue that other factors can keep you tied to a bank. Like having a mortgage there and getting a discount on home owner insurance for it, as well as getting a discount on the mortgage interest for banking with them.

Changing banks is easy when it's just about cash in a savings account. Not so easy in other cases.