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. pavlov · 1789565998 · focus · HN ↗

      > "Apple and Google are WELL past due for regulation in this space."

      There is major regulation in place already. EU's Digital Markets Act forces these OS gatekeepers to allow alternative app stores and external payment methods. It also prevents Apple from playing anti-competitive games with App Store rules, like banning hyperlinks within apps that could be used to allow the user to make a payment elsewhere.

      The current US government won't do anything to follow suit, but hopefully a future one might.

      1. graemep · 1789566308 · focus · HN ↗

         > There is major regulation in place already. EU's Digital Markets Act forces these OS gatekeepers to allow alternative app stores

         So does that mean:

         1. People in the EU can continue to use F-Droid etc. exactly as they have in the past, permanently? No Google verification of developers needed? 2. People are free to install apps from any APK they choose?

         1. lern_too_spel · 1789571192 · focus · HN ↗

            Yes. Even beyond that, people outside the EU are free to install apps from any APK they choose.
      2. cute_boi · 1789566311 · focus · HN ↗

         Yea, but apple and google keep finding out loopholes and unfaithful compliance, it is time for EU to have some backbone.
      3. shevy-java · 1789566319 · focus · HN ↗

         The US government acts here in favour of a monopoly market. Trump violates free market principles; quite interesting how Trump works against core capitalistic means, in favour of personal corruption.
      4. sunaookami · 1789570070 · focus · HN ↗

         The EU is not interested in liberating phone operating systems because it goes against their digital wallet push which forces everyone to use an attested, Google/Apple sanctioned device and operating system.

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