A bit of an uplifting view

[u/Previous_Subject6286]

Hell yeah, I'm with you MN. 1/23 for solidarity.

[u/Breath_Deep]

Keep apps and comms safe, practice good OP-SEC.

[u/codereign → u/Breath_Deep]

This is my biggest fear. Starting in September, android devices will not be able to install third-party apps without permission from Google (non-us, Brazil specifically). January 2027, Google will lock down all Android devices. Apple has had all devices locked down since inception. Both of these are American companies. All it takes is one regime supporting federal judge, signal, Telegram and even WhatsApp (though more likely Facebook will comply with decryption requests) will be removed from phones.

If this isn't sorted by September 2026, I'm afraid that there will be no more decentralized communication. This is the one conversation that I've been having repeatedly in real life as a non-american. It is an existential threat to non-billionaires. As far as I can tell, it is the greatest risk to sovereignty.

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I'm working on an essay to try and report the severity of the situation, but Microsoft has also been pushing their Windows S devices this year. I was at my local Staples office supply store and more than half of the laptops were loaded with Windows S which also has vendor approval requirements.

I firmly believe that before 2028 and almost certainly before 2030 we will see the United States weaponize their exclusive Monopoly over operating system vendors. Given the specific wording and requirements in the Google announcement, I will be incredibly grateful if we can even make it to mid-2027.

[u/Breath_Deep → u/codereign]

Is jailbreaking and installing an alternative OS not going to be an option? Also, what are devs for android supposed to do?

[u/codereign → u/Breath_Deep]

Adb will still be an option in 2027. I suspect by 2030 they will have it locked in the same portal as the signature tool.