There is no "the app". There are many apps. The protocol is open, so you could even write your own app, or if you lack the skills or time to do so, commission

There is no "the app". There are many apps. The protocol is open, so you could even write your own app, or if you lack the skills or time to do so, commission somebody else to write one and nobody can stop you. In contrast, the siloed "dictator companies" control API/protocol access so it's almost impossible to develop alternative applications.