What are everyone’s recommendations on making android more private? Given Google’s recent behavior around tracking and the like, I’m not really comfortable with then having all of my data. I’ve even contemplated going to iOS, since apple doesn’t have a vested interest in me having less privacy… But I just don’t like their OS lol.
I’ve tried GrapheneOS, and it’s not awful. For usability, I did have to add Google apps back in, but at least they are sandboxes.
For the moment though, my daily driver is a Samsung S21. What can I do to make I more private?
So far, I have:
- Switched to Samsung browser with adblock.
- Started using duckduck go.
- Installed duckduck go’s app tracking protection. That was an eye opener.
- Restricted location history in Google maps.
What else? I know Graphene is typically the gold standard, but I’m trying to see what I can do short of that.
I’m curious what you don’t like about iOS. I started out on Android, switched to iOS and never looked back. I realized I was doing most customization in Android to feel like iOS lol. the privacy upgrade is priceless imo.
iOS is not private, it’s secure.
Private: Only you can see it, the servicing company does not. In the case, Apple not only sees your data but sells it too.
Secure: The data is protected from unwanted access by 3rd party vendors.
These are rough definitions though.
Considering how easily tools like Graykey and Cellebrite can collect data from iPhones, I’m not sure if I would even call them secure.
Yeah, this is what concerns me.
Stock Android is neither. So for the average user, Apple iOS is probably better.
I’m on lemmy so I’m probably not the average user lol.
Makes sense. In that case, I guess I’d still take iOS since it’s secure, while stock Android is neither private nor secure. You make an important distinction though.
Depends on your usage.
I use Android, because I can make it secure and I can guarantee privacy in certain areas.
iOS is better for the masses though, and I do think they put a significant effort to ensure security. Especially on an OS level.
Thanks for the feedback. :)
Privacy now that Apple owns your data instead of Google. Apple is always calling back home , they ask for so much private information when you create an account , they control your app store and what apps you are allow to have. Even on the lockdown mode which was supposed to be the most secure it still contact apple servers and when using a VPN not all traffic pass through the tunnel , because Apple dont allow you. If you really want privacy buy a device that you own , and can control. Your privacy and security is on your hands not in a big corporation.
Pure personal preference. I’ve traditionally gone back and forth almost every time I get a new phone. It’s really only in the last 2-3 years I’ve hit the point I significantly prefer android.
For me, some of the interface choices on iOS are no Bueno. Additionally, the lack of a button, or simulated button is not something I’m fond of.
I’m also not convinced they are more private. I think Apple’s incentives line up more with mine than Google’s, but only barely. Independent researchers are pretty mixed on whether Apple is actually blocking all apps, or just making it so Apple is the only one who can profit off of people’s data.
The only reason I think they are probably more private is the giant hissy fit Facebook threw over their settings.
Thanks for the answer! Makes sense to me. Yeah, the Facebook reaction to that settings change made me think they’re actually doing something to prevent at least third party apps from accessing user data. And the whole thing about refusing to build a back door into iOS for the FBI.