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Is it possible to allow sideloading and keep users safe?

(shkspr.mobi)
205 points ColinWright | 1 comments | 30 Aug 25 12:03 UTC | HN request time: 0.21s | source
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isodev ◴[31 Aug 25 08:33 UTC] No.45081510[source]▶
I think the premise that app stores, notarisarion and such protect users is false. It’s like saying sunglasses protect you from the sun - they help you not get blinded by it right away, but you still need sunscreen, wear a hat etc.

Apple/Google rejecting some obvious scam apps doesn’t mean people don’t get scammed or hurt in other ways. Just like online age verification doesn’t actually protect children or make you a better parent… its just straw man of sorts, designed to remove agency from users through a false sense of safety.

replies(2): >>45081563 #>>45082333 #
1. pixelfarmer ◴[31 Aug 25 11:23 UTC] No.45082333[source]▶
> It’s like saying sunglasses protect you from the sun

It is actually much closer than you think. There are the standard sunglasses and then you have actually rated sunglasses for various purposes. The more extreme the environment, the more the former gives a false sense of safety that just isn't there.