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Is it possible to allow sideloading and keep users safe?

(shkspr.mobi)
205 points ColinWright | 5 comments | 30 Aug 25 12:03 UTC | HN request time: 0s | 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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mystraline ◴[31 Aug 25 12:30 UTC] No.45082687[source]▶
1. I buy computer hardware, like an iPhone

2. I try to install my own software.

3. I'm prevented in installing my software on my device without "permission" from manufacturer.

4. Therefore, I do not own said hardware; manufacturer still does.

5. Therefore this is a indefinite rental instead of a sale.

6. I was defrauded with a fake sale, and Apple is defrauding IRS by not being properly taxed over millions of rental units (phones, tablets)

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1. john-h-k ◴[31 Aug 25 13:42 UTC] No.45083094[source]▶
If this is true, why doesn’t someone sue and make an absolute huge amount of money?
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2. tomkarho ◴[31 Aug 25 13:57 UTC] No.45083180[source]▶
There was a class action suit against Sony over preventing PS3 users from installing Linux on their consoles. I think it ended in Sony losing and having to pay reparations. Whether it was a "huge amount" is subject to debate.
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3. bbarnett ◴[31 Aug 25 14:17 UTC] No.45083319[source]▶
Yes, but fheg advertised this feature pre-sale, and took it away later.

So Apple has never allowed sideloading. Google however?

Well if an update breaks that, it would be the same thing sort of.

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4. tomkarho ◴[31 Aug 25 15:55 UTC] No.45084149{3}[source]▶
Isn't Google kind of doing something to that ilk rn?
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5. bbarnett ◴[31 Aug 25 17:18 UTC] No.45084943{4}[source]▶
And that's where class action stuff happens, just like with Sony.