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Is it possible to allow sideloading and keep users safe?

(shkspr.mobi)
205 points ColinWright | 4 comments | 30 Aug 25 12:03 UTC | HN request time: 0.694s | 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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fruitworks ◴[31 Aug 25 14:37 UTC] No.45083459[source]▶
I have bought one. The problem is that all the good hardware is locked down because of people like you.

All of the services I need to operate my buisness (such as my banking app) are also locked down to locked down OSes thanks to the silent majority and viewers like you.

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1. scarface_74 ◴[31 Aug 25 16:15 UTC] No.45084306[source]▶
What bank doesn’t allow you to access them from a website? If your bank doesn’t allow access from a website on your computer then you made a choice to use a hostile bank.
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2. immibis ◴[01 Sep 25 05:49 UTC] No.45089820[source]▶
N26 doesn't.
3. rcxdude ◴[01 Sep 25 11:38 UTC] No.45091875[source]▶
Most of the ones in the UK, if you access them via the website, require a security code from their app. They often have a backup via the terribly-insecure method of phoning or texting you a code.

You keep calling this 'hostile' and we should choose something else, but the whole reason we're complaining is because the choices are going away! Should we wait until we have literally zero choice (as opposed to limited choices with bad tradeoffs) before complaining?

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4. scarface_74 ◴[01 Sep 25 17:27 UTC] No.45094716[source]▶
Your problem is with the banks - you should be getting laws passed or direct your energy there. None of the major banks in US are app only and they all have fully functioning websites.