this post was submitted on 21 Jul 2023
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Privacy
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Good suggestions. I just set Firefox to use DDG as my default search... something I've been slowly working my way through also, is replacing all the default-google apps on my phone with FOSS alternatives. It's involving a bit of trial and error, as of course free software that doesn't monetize the user often doesn't provide the polished experience you get from a google app. Many of them are perfectly fine though.
I'd recommend also that everyone installs DuckDuckGo browser app on their phone, as it blocks trackers in all your other apps even when you're not browsing. Pixel 7a has a truly disturbing amount of tracking requests, not sure if other phones are as bad.
If you have a Pixel then install GrapheneOS. Zero trackers or bloat, and better security
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm currently using Nova (I can almost hear you groaning haha), AFAICT the DDG app is blocking any trackers in that.
Does GrapheneOS match Nova in features? Tbh the main one that I use Nova for is to take control of the home screen (removing the stupid google widgets that take up 1/3rd of screen), and letting me customize the amount of apps per row / column
You mean Nova Launcher? That's an app you can use as a home screen (I'm using it right now actually.) GrapheneOS is a completely different OS that replaces the stock Android on your phone. If your phone is OEM unlocked you can install it very easily: https://grapheneos.org/install/web
You can block apps from accessing the internet completely in GrapheneOS. I have Nova Launcher blocked right now since it collects data, though without access to the Internet it can't send that data anywhere. You can also block sensor access, useful for preventing apps from getting other data. In general a very big upgrade over stock android.
Oh I see, GOS is a rom? I'm really nervous about putting a custom rom on my phone, last time I tried that it permanently broke all the NFC on my samsung galaxy
You don't have to do any rooting to install it, unlike how you would with Samsung phones in the past. You can't install GrapheneOS on a phone that doesn't already allow OEM unlocking and it only works with Pixel phones, but the process is simple and extremely low risk. You just plug the phone into your computer and use the web tool in your browser.
If you ever want to return to the normal Android, Google has a similar tool that allows you to easily reinstall the original OS.
Thanks for the explanation! It seems I've been irrationally afraid of installing new OS's after previous experience.