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We should have the ability to run any code we want on hardware we own

(hugotunius.se)
2071 points K0nserv | 2 comments | 31 Aug 25 21:46 UTC | HN request time: 0.439s | source
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kristov ◴[01 Sep 25 13:05 UTC] No.45092413[source]▶
I think the conversation needs to change from "can't run software of our choice" to "can't participate in society without an apple or google account". I have been living with a de-googled android phone for a number of years, and it is getting harder and harder, while at the same time operating without certain "apps" is becoming more difficult.

For example, by bank (abn amro) still allows online banking on desktop via a physical auth device, but they are actively pushing for login only via their app. I called their support line for a lost card, and had to go through to second level support because I didn't have the app. If they get their way, eventually an apple or google account will be mandatory to have a bank account with them.

My kid goes to a school that outsourced all communication via an app. They have a web version, but it's barely usable. The app doesn't run without certain google libs installed. Again, to participate in school communication about my kid effectively requires an apple or google account.

I feel like the conversation we should be having is that we are sleepwalking into a world where to participate in society you must have an account with either apple or google. If you decide you don't want a relationship with either of those companies you will be extremely disadvantaged.

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1. epolanski ◴[02 Sep 25 10:00 UTC] No.45100986[source]▶
Just to point out, while everything you say is true, there are already similar life destroying mechanisms such as getting debanked.

A friend of mine owns a hotel in southern Italy, long story short during an investigation into mafia-related businesses his operation was also checked (and fully cleared as 100% unrelated to any wrong business whatsoever, it just ended in a cross examination).

Since those examinations involved quite a lot of checking/investigating money trails all banks refuse to service him again because he created a massive amount of work for their legal, compliance, etc offices, really massive.

As banks are privately owned entities they can refuse you services, or simply make your life that miserable that even if they comply with law (e.g. open you an account), they can still deny you any services that they aren't mandated by law of offering (payment processing is a simple one: no credit card processing, you can't work as an hotel) or just be as slow as possible when it comes to everything.

There are multiple things that are absolutely life-impacting as of 2025 that go beyond being tied to a handful of operating systems and their rules.

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2. Hackbraten ◴[02 Sep 25 15:38 UTC] No.45104506[source]▶
> all banks refuse to service him again because he created a massive amount of work

I don’t get this line of reasoning. He certainly didn’t create that massive amount of work. The investigators did.

What is this, guilt by association?