Dan GillmorMay 3, 2023

Dear developers: I don't want to use your app on my phone. I want a mobile web version, and you can do that.

Thanks kindly.

Show threadpaladintom
@dangillmor Hard disagree. The user experience is far better on dedicated apps.
May 3, 2023 at 11:32amMona for iPad
Show threadJoe OrtizMay 3, 2023

@paladintom @dangillmor The reason why most people such as Dan (and myself included) want less reliance on apps is because most apps have trackers that basically affect your privacy and freedom. It's a well-known fact that most apps send so much data to data brokers and other Big Tech companies that you Tom don't understand.

FOSS apps are the exceptions rather than the rules since they usually don't track people

Show threadpaladintomMay 3, 2023

@joeo10 @dangillmor Joe, I do indeed understand how apps track users and sympathize with those who wish to not be tracked at all.

I personally prefer a better experience with apps that PWAs don’t quite offer yet. I DO care about privacy overall which is why I’ve gone with Apple, who I consider the least worst. I know Apple isn’t perfect, but I also try to use apps from indie devs that sync to iCloud on the backend and have reasonable privacy policies.

Show threadJoe OrtizMay 3, 2023
@paladintom @dangillmor There's only one way that would force companies to stop: enact strong privacy laws and sadly the US (as a example) don't have any of that right now.
Show threadSiderea, Sibylla BostoniensisMay 4, 2023

@joeo10

Hello, yes, I'd like to register my disapproval of how apps needlessly consume disk space on my phone?

It infuriates me that I have to clutter up my finite disk space with garbage apps if I want to interact with organizations I do business with every once in a while.

They cut into disk space for apps that I actually want.

@paladintom @dangillmor

Show threadGen X-WingMay 3, 2023

@paladintom @dangillmor I find that “web is the only choice” and “app is the only choice” to be a self centered take on it. One of those “this works for me, everyone else is wrong” type of things.

Me, I haven’t used a single web app in my life that I’ve actually liked. I find every single of them having fundamental flaws for me they can’t overcome (because that’s how browsers work).

But everyone doesn’t value the same things.