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Is it possible to allow sideloading and keep users safe?

(shkspr.mobi)
205 points ColinWright | 2 comments | 30 Aug 25 12:03 UTC | HN request time: 0.521s | source
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m463 ◴[31 Aug 25 05:39 UTC] No.45080628[source]▶
"sideloading" connotates something that is negative.

On systems before apple's locked-down iphone, it was just called "installing".

The PC revolution started with people just inserting their software into the comptuer and running it. You didn't have to ask the computer manufacturer or the OS vendor permission to do it.

And note that apple doesn't allow you to protect yourself. You cannot install a firewall and block arbitrary software on your phone. For example, you can not block apple telemetry.

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scarface_74 ◴[31 Aug 25 10:29 UTC] No.45082064[source]▶
Yes and called viruses, dozens of toolbars on your computer, key loggers, malware, ransomware, etc.

If you want an open phone, buy one. But I instruct all of the older members of my family to buy iPhones and iPads.

I’ve been programming computers since 1986 and even I have never said it would be cool to side load on my phone.

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1. sorenjan ◴[31 Aug 25 10:41 UTC] No.45082129[source]▶
> I’ve been programming computers since 1986 and even I have never said it would be cool to side load on my phone.

Because you know about the options, and probably have at least one computer where you can install what you want. Imaging if 1986 you only had access to an iPhone, like most young people today, would you still be programming computers 40 years from now then? There are new computer science students in university that doesn't know how file paths work.

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2. JustExAWS ◴[31 Aug 25 10:49 UTC] No.45082160[source]▶
In 1986, it would have been like having my only “computer” my Atari 5200. Are you really arguing that kids today don’t know that computers exist? I can’t see myself enjoying programming if the only thing I had was an iPhone with a keyboard and mouse - but it being “open”.