Google has been trying to make Android proprietary for a few years now, and that’s not news, as many AOSP default apps have been abandoned over time in favor of proprietary Google ones. This was never a huge problem for me, as you can still use those apps without network access or use open source alternatives like Fossify on a custom ROM.
However, the situation is quickly getting worse, now that Google is actively trying to prevent the development of custom ROMs and taking a page from Apple’s book by forcing developers to beg them for permission to release apps on the Android platform, even outside of the Play Store - giving Google full control.
Is there still any hope left for privacy respecting Android ROMs? What do you think will happen next? And what would be your suggestions for those looking for a phone in 2025?
If you have a different perspective on the situation, also please comment below!
We need the EU to regulate Banking and Payment apps to not rely on Google apis first and mandate that they have to be available in open app stores or as apk.
Right now the EU regulation is pushing banks to require more of Google or Apple because it’s unclear and banks won’t take a chance of getting fined.
Among the requirements are: ensure the device and the OS were not “altered”. What does that mean exactly? Answer: [crickets].
But that’s why many banks just go with the Google Play Integrity API.
Even just forcing them to stop blocking access on the website when they detect a phone would be nice.
I have to enable desktop mode on ironfox since ~2 years ago for my bank. Then the scaling is terrible and its hard to click buttons
Exactly. It’s like we’ve somehow been told that we must support only the main 2 OSs and nothing else.
They don’t even do that with their own apps.
Maybe they can regulate themselves first as a start then. They already use Matrix, so it’s not like they are completely lost regarding IT Security and FOSS.
They don’t seem to care about Apple cut for other app stores why would they care about this.
Cause it’s a European / national security concern in the long run.