Google has been trying to make Android proprietary for a few years now, and that’s not news, as many AOSP default apps have been abandoned over time in favor of proprietary Google ones. This was never a huge problem for me, as you can still use those apps without network access or use open source alternatives like Fossify on a custom ROM.
However, the situation is quickly getting worse, now that Google is actively trying to prevent the development of custom ROMs and taking a page from Apple’s book by forcing developers to beg them for permission to release apps on the Android platform, even outside of the Play Store - giving Google full control.
Is there still any hope left for privacy respecting Android ROMs? What do you think will happen next? And what would be your suggestions for those looking for a phone in 2025?
If you have a different perspective on the situation, also please comment below!
That sounds horrifying. Although also completely predictable and expected, but I didn’t know that in Brazil it had reached that level. Isn’t Lula supposed to do something about it? Back in his first presidency (I was in Brazil back then), Linux was becoming the main OS.
Although the usual 2 party system ensures that the next government would destroy everything, so I imagine all the open source effort was demolished and it can’t keep being rebuilt from scratch every 4 years, when the next government return everything to microsoft.
Anyway, I sent you a message because I have personal interest in the issue. Thanks for the useful but horrifying information.