Denzil Ferreira1d ago
EU needs to make a stand on Play Integrity. If app devs enforce Play Integrity, this means only Google Certified devices can use banking, etc. This excludes all alternative mobile OS. No #postmarketOS, no #SailfishOS, no Android derivatives #GrapheneOS etc. You don't need Play Integrity. If someone is capable to install or use alternative OS, they sure know what to install or not install, it is on their responsibility. Using non-root but bootloader unlocked device (otherwise can't use alternative OS) does not make my device less secure. On the contrary, it is using an up to date OS with the latest security patches. Do we really want all mobile devices have to be Google Certified? No. #mobile #integrity #bootloader #unlocked #nonsense #Europe
Show threadPaolo Redaelli1d ago
@denzilferreira
I bet that Eu bureaucrats are instead really really happy about #PlayIntegrity since they gives them **apparent** total #censorship powers. Sadly I also bet they are too stupid to understand they are handling the keys of power to an evil entity overseas
Show threadDenzil Ferreira1d ago

@paoloredaelli I'm not sure I follow the reasoning behind EU wanting Play Integrity being a mandatory requirement for non Apple devices. Same way EU forced Apple to open their walled garden.

The only nuance thing here is, a Google Certified device means that they are running Google's proprietary blobs. So really, the course of action is, install alternative OS/use alternative OS and instead tell the devs of apps with Play Integrity checks that there are alternatives to check a device is not compromised - because that is what it should be about. Force Google to provide a different verification path that allows alternative ROMs/OS to be seen as safe.

Show threadPaolo Redaelli1d ago
@denzilferreira
I agree the whole line. But I'm also pessimistic and I won't be surprised discovering that EU politicians have been "financially facilitated" to endorse #Google way of controlling society. And those not oiled may be just fool enough to think that they can "control the dragon" and use Google infrastructures themselves to control the population
Show threadDenzil Ferreira1d ago

@paoloredaelli we don't know what we don't know 😉 I trust we can elect EU representatives which share the same concerns. It is our responsibility to make sure of that if we want change. There are so many items that require attention, some more pressing than others. And we have the option of not using a smartphone at all 🙈 Banks are making their apps only work on such devices with Play Integrity, and closing bank offices. Soon, you can't check your balance, transfer, etc unless you have a smartphone that is certified (iPhone or Google Certified device).

Meanwhile, we can have an open dialog like we are having here, so that people around the world also think about what this actually means for them: no alternatives, no options, a monopoly.

Show threadPaolo Redaelli1d ago
@denzilferreira
Luckily not all the banks are evilâ„¢, for example I plainly refuse to work with banks that are not fully usable with a plain browser and no Android/iOS "certified" device
Show threadSusanne1d ago
@paoloredaelli @denzilferreira I agree, but they are all phasing out these options here (Austria) and only after strongly worded emails they let you use different options "for now".
Show threadPaolo Redaelli
@karhima
That is a huge problema that must be solved on the political level.
In Italy there are banks "forcing the apps" (I.e. Intesa) other not. Mediolanum and Monte dei Paschi are perfectly usable without a smartphone. Mediolanum is also usable using only a landline!
@denzilferreira
Jun 24 at 7:28amWeb
Show threadDenzil Ferreira1d ago
@paoloredaelli @karhima for example, my bank uses a an app that receives OTP codes, biometric authentication. However, without Play Services, you can't use it at all. Meaning I need to use a device with them if I want to use my bank, including website. For now, they are not blocking non Google Certified devices, but if they do, it's impossible to do any bank activities.
Show threadSusanne1d ago
@denzilferreira @paoloredaelli I even go a step further and say: offer something that works without any smartphone. Even our tax office does that. Why no bank?