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You could not pay me to use any of these apps. All of my own devices run some form of Linux (Debian for servers, Arch for desktop/laptop, GrapheneOS on phone).
by drnick1 7mo ago
You could not pay me to use any of these apps. All of my own devices run some form of Linux (Debian for servers, Arch for desktop/laptop, GrapheneOS on phone). I generally refuse to use non-free software, the main exception being Steam on a dedicated gaming rig.
I really don't understand why everything has to be an "app." My phone only has a handful of apps, including two web browsers, through which other things are accessed. No app gets access to location, sensors, the camera, or the microphone.
- graemep 7mo agoApps can gather data, and there are lots of things that requires apps now. Edit: I meant apps can gather data.
- drnick1 7mo agoApps obviously gather data. In fact, on common phone operating systems, they tend to have access to an insane amount of information, including what other apps are used, hardware identifiers, information related to Google/Apple accounts and more. As for things "requiring" apps, I am happy to do without those. If I cannot access something through a website on a device under my control, I will not use it. No convenience is worth more than my freedom and privacy.
- graemep 7mo agoOops. I meant apps can gather (more) data. The inconvenience is considerable. In the last few days I had the choice of use the app or drive 20 mins each way plus park, walk and possibly queue. Required (UK) government ID verification. The issued my new passport without that! It is often more costly to not use an app, not just inconvenient. My daughter had to use the bus company app to get (much cheaper) monthly ticker to get to school. I use few apps, keep location turned off, do not use wallet, etc. but there is going to be more and more pressure to use apps.
- drnick1 7mo ago> In the last few days I had the choice of use the app or drive 20 mins each way plus park, walk and possibly queue. It's rather shocking that this government service, whatever it may be, isn't accessible through a normal browser. Still, I would rather spend an hour driving somewhere than run spyware on my phone, at least if this is a one-time event. If I somehow faced an insurmountable inconvenience however, I would probably cave in and purchase a cheap Android phone only for these tasks.
- nickburns 7mo agoCan you offer some examples?