Thread

1. Gareth321 · 1789560773 · focus · HN ↗

   MAYBE operating systems shouldn't have gatekeepers which can deny access to billions of customers for any and no reason at all. Apple and Google are WELL past due for regulation in this space. The fact that we cannot download and install software from the internet onto our phones JUST like we can do with our computers is a symbol of our inept and ineffective politicians.

   And before someone says "well akshully you can technically do it on Android," Google has been working tirelessly to make it as onerous as possible for both developers and customers. For example, users need to separately authorise each app (browser, files manager, alternative store, etc) to install an APK from outside the Play Store. Google also does background scans using "Play Protect" which will periodically delete apps Google doesn't approve of. This happened to me with SmartTubeNext. I have a dozen other ways Google ensures users are discouraged from stepping outside the Play Store.

   1. setgree · 1789563659 · focus · HN ↗

      And what should we do about apps' getting hacked, sending out malicious updates that get auto-updated and thereby infecting tens of millions or billions of phones simultaneously?

      I'm not saying we have the perfect system but anything that slants the system towards "easier downloads" or "less gatekeeping" brings large, obvious risks. I don't see how regulation would address them.

      1. yosef123 · 1789564292 · focus · HN ↗

         And what do windows / linux / macos do about apps getting hacked to billions of pc's simultaneously? How is that a new problem?

         1. Frieren · 1789565096 · focus · HN ↗

            If libraries didn't exist could not be created today. People tend to say that "it is impossible" when it actually only needs to be well organized.

            Splitting git tech-monopolies it is a survival need. Or we do it, or we will end up with a collapsed society. Entities that spy on all citizens and gatekeep access to news and services are contrary to basic human rights and democracy.

         2. no-name-here · 1789571170 · focus · HN ↗

            > macos

            MacOS has been moving to a more locked down model over the years - increasingly difficult to install unsigned applications, SIP, etc.

            > Windows

            I think Windows is incredibly impressive for its ability to run binaries from many years ago, but I don't think there's much people would point to as a positive regarding Windows’ approach to app security.

            1. oblio · 1789591451 · focus · HN ↗

               > but I don't think there's much people would point to as a positive regarding Windows’ approach to app security.

               Yet life in Windows land is perfectly fine in 2026 and has been for at least 2 decades.

               If Windows, which started at the bottom of the barrel security wise can make it, surely we can have more modern OSes that make freedom bearable?

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