this post was submitted on 19 Feb 2025
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Android

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[–] henfredemars@infosec.pub 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I've really got mixed feelings about this feature to the point where I can't see myself using this. Firstly, security should be built-in through the use of good design choices, not added via some toggle. But sure, let's consider a toggle that improves security. Why is this getting confused with sideloading? Why should apps have this visibility into my settings?

Overall, the idea stikes me as half-baked and trying to serve too many sometimes conflicting interests.

[–] SirEDCaLot 3 points 1 day ago

It's part of a worrying trend which seems like Google is trying to hyperconsolidate Android. Apps can already check if a device is running genuine original firmware, which means a lot of banking apps don't play well with third party firmware is like grapheneos. It should be none of the apps fucking business what OS I am running. But by giving developers the ability to check this stuff, they can wash their hands of it and complain they aren't forcing anybody to run anything it's those darn app developers.

[–] nekusoul@lemmy.nekusoul.de 32 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

So, this "advanced protection" mode prevents me from installing apps from non-PlayStore sources and developers could design their app in a way that requires this mode? So if someone is reliant on a single app requiring this mode then they would essentially have to get rid of all "unwanted" apps? Why do I think this "advanced protection" isn't actually intended to protecting the user?

I really hope these checks can be circumvented, but even more that this will get them some EU lawsuits.

[–] AI_toothbrush@lemmy.zip 12 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

Yeah apps should not prevent you from running them in enviroments they dont want to be run in. A law like this would fix stupid banking apps and other things as well.

[–] nekusoul@lemmy.nekusoul.de 4 points 3 days ago

Yup. I hate to admit it, but the only reason why I'm currently running a custom firmware again is because my current banking app plays well with GrapheneOS. Otherwise I'd probably not bother. Being able to use a banking app is just too convenient (for me personally).

[–] heavydust@sh.itjust.works 44 points 3 days ago (2 children)

Instead of forcing developers to make more reliable applications, Google will leak this status (privacy invasive IMHO) and developers will use it to block features.

Am I wrong somewhere?

[–] haverholm@kbin.earth 35 points 3 days ago (1 children)

No, that sounds accurate. Basically "Advanced protection" puts security in Google's hands, and therefore is irrelevant to people worried about Google being the security risk...

Advanced protection

blocks side loading

disables installing apps from outside the Google Play Store

β€” so to me, running a degoogled Android device it is not just useless but actively harmful to the security of future apps that may become overreliant on this monopolist framework.

[–] possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Maybe Google could stop shipping malware via advertising

[–] haverholm@kbin.earth 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

They absolutely could, and arguably they should β€” will they, though?

They will if the cost/benefit equation changes. I don't only mean economics here, but I am using "cost/benefit" as a wide spectrum metaphor. In other words, once it's not worth doing, they won't do it anymore.

[–] LodeMike 4 points 3 days ago
[–] RobotToaster@mander.xyz 11 points 3 days ago (1 children)
[–] haverholm@kbin.earth 9 points 3 days ago (1 children)

More to the point, WHO WAS PHONE?

[–] RobotToaster@mander.xyz 4 points 3 days ago (1 children)
[–] haverholm@kbin.earth 4 points 3 days ago

Please do! πŸ˜„