I contacted the Google through the BBB. Made the statement that lack of ability to install and configure a Kernel level firewall, edit the HOSTS file, and remov

I contacted the Google through the BBB. Made the statement that lack of ability to install and configure a Kernel level firewall, edit the HOSTS file, and remove unwanted bloat-ware reduces the security of the product. Google agreed their actions do this and said they find the lack of security acceptable. Having a firewall like Little Snitch should be acceptable to know where the phone is communicate, with whom, and how to prevent it. Re-imaging with a rooted image is not acceptable because this also reduces the device's security by prevent OTA updates! Gated community is broken when the end user cannot improve the security of the device above and beyond the lack polices of Google and Apple. For instant there should be no reason my device ever communicates with organizations I do not support such as Facebook or X-Twitter. X-Twitter is often used as command and control service in plain site. It is not just out-wards communicate to monitor but in-wards too. I've used Zone Alarm in the past at an international company to help find the infected servers and computers that where serving up viruses and other malware. *I would argue that the "Gated Community" analogy is flawed. A real world gated community still allows for the home owner to improve the security. By installing cameras, security system, and guards. Apple & Google prevent such actions.