IzzyJan 21

AI at its best: the review we requested from Google's "security" console (quotes intended as questioning the term) "failed". I'm pretty sure, with not a single human involved.

Works. </s>

So whenever Google's "safe" browsing warns you about something, make sure to check for yourself (if you can) – do not blindly trust them. Being Big does not imply being competent. Obviously.

But sure, put them into control of everything, what could go wrong…

Show threadIzzyJan 21

The reason seems quite obvious here: the app in question is an APK Updater. Oh, does that match the current/upcoming changes in Goog's policy? I'm very surprised (not), this certainly is pure coincidence (not).

And no, we won't remove the app from our repo just because of Goog shenanigans and their "alternative realities". Count the number of malware found at F-Droid+IzzyOnDroid (0), compare that to findings at Play (∞), get to your conclusion (🖕).

(sorry, am fed up with this BS)

Show threadC.Suthorn Jan 21
@[email protected] Apple has been forced in EU (and other legislations with comparable IT laws) to allow alternative App shops. This was never needed in Android, as Android was not a walled garden and alternative App shops simply existed. But if Google is going to create a walled garden by forbid "side loading", the LEX APPLE will apply and Google must invite alternative app shops. Have F-Droid and IzzyOnDroid already made a request to Google? If Google denies such a request: The German Gessellschaft für Freiheitsrechte @ [email protected] might be interested to sue.
Show threadLooKeR
@Life_is @IzzyOnDroid Droid-ify will not be going to Play Store anytime soon (probably never). I do not see a reason for doing that, at least for now
Jan 21 at 2:40pmWeb
Show threadC.Suthorn Jan 21
@[email protected] @[email protected]

I didn't say to go to the “Play Store,” but to Google, to the legal department that banned apps such as “X” because they contain CSAM. If there are several app stores, there may of course be apps that are available on the Play Store and on one or more alternative app stores. And apps that are only available on the Play Store. And apps that are only available on alternative app stores.

Is Google allowed to review apps that are only available in alternative app stores but not in the Play Store?

That's not the problem at all. The problem is that developers from marginalized groups cannot register with Google. And they don't have to. The alternative app store registers with Google. And the app store submits the app from an anonymous developer for review.

On the other hand, this is a legal question: Do alternative app stores have to have their apps checked by Google? A court can decide this. But only if such an app store exists. Because only that store is affected. And only an affected party can sue. As I wrote, I can imagine that the GFF would support such a strategic lawsuit. Because it is important for the preservation of civil liberties.

I don't want to live in a world where there are only two groups: 99.99% who only have Google and iOS apps on their devices, but not a single free one. And 0.01% who only have free apps on their devices, but not a single one from Google or Apple.