Thank you a lot for the extensive und thorough answer which is not just “abolish Google, raid their headquarters and delete your data yourself”. It actually helps me. I know I could use GrapheneOS and remove everything Google from my life, but then again, there are certain apps I really need, which don’t work without Google even if you try really hard. For example my transport tickets would be 20% more expensive if I didn’t use the local transport authority’s app, Signal is only distributed through the Play Store etc. etc. – what’s even worse is, that these apps wouldn’t even need the Play Services if the developers really wanted it.
just use a more privacy friendly SMS app and phone app.
I use LineageOS, so I guess the integrated SMS and phone apps don’t do this?
better quick win would be using private and secure messenging, calling, and video chatting services
Also a good recommendation, thanks.
Most of my communication is through Matrix, Signal and Mail and I’m using encrypted phone calls through Signal and Matrix, so at least I’m somewhat safe from Google in that regard. Of course I still hemorrhage metadata, but privacy is not an all-or-nothing situation like many privacy evangelists shout into the void.
what’s even worse is, that these apps wouldn’t even need the Play Services if the developers really wanted it.
Yeah, that is really frustrating. Google’s stranglehold encompasses end users, phone manufacturers, and any company/developer creating an Android app (or even iOS app due to Firebase and other Google services). I hope that we all can start breaking free of Google without having to compromise as much as we currently have to.
I use LineageOS, so I guess the integrated SMS and phone apps don’t do this?
Based on what I’ve seen, using those apps should address the recent accusations/findings. Doesn’t mean that the same or similar thing isn’t happening through Google Play Services though. It also still exposes privacy risks due to the nature of SMS and network phone call infrastructure.
Of course I still hemorrhage metadata, but privacy is not an all-or-nothing situation like many privacy evangelists shout into the void.
I get that Matrix isn’t perfect, but I’m not sure I understand the amount of backlash it sometimes receives. Hopefully it can continue to improve by addressing those concerns.
Thank you a lot for the extensive und thorough answer which is not just “abolish Google, raid their headquarters and delete your data yourself”. It actually helps me. I know I could use GrapheneOS and remove everything Google from my life, but then again, there are certain apps I really need, which don’t work without Google even if you try really hard. For example my transport tickets would be 20% more expensive if I didn’t use the local transport authority’s app, Signal is only distributed through the Play Store etc. etc. – what’s even worse is, that these apps wouldn’t even need the Play Services if the developers really wanted it.
I use LineageOS, so I guess the integrated SMS and phone apps don’t do this?
Also a good recommendation, thanks.
Most of my communication is through Matrix, Signal and Mail and I’m using encrypted phone calls through Signal and Matrix, so at least I’m somewhat safe from Google in that regard. Of course I still hemorrhage metadata, but privacy is not an all-or-nothing situation like many privacy evangelists shout into the void.
Yeah, that is really frustrating. Google’s stranglehold encompasses end users, phone manufacturers, and any company/developer creating an Android app (or even iOS app due to Firebase and other Google services). I hope that we all can start breaking free of Google without having to compromise as much as we currently have to.
Based on what I’ve seen, using those apps should address the recent accusations/findings. Doesn’t mean that the same or similar thing isn’t happening through Google Play Services though. It also still exposes privacy risks due to the nature of SMS and network phone call infrastructure.
I get that Matrix isn’t perfect, but I’m not sure I understand the amount of backlash it sometimes receives. Hopefully it can continue to improve by addressing those concerns.