this post was submitted on 01 Jul 2025
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Privacy

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A place to discuss privacy and freedom in the digital world.

Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.

In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.

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[–] besselj@lemmy.ca 90 points 1 week ago (3 children)

Techbros don't understand or care about consent

[–] minorkeys@lemmy.world 29 points 1 week ago (1 children)

No-one in big business does.

[–] frunch@lemmy.world 9 points 1 week ago

Just grab em by the dongle

[–] irotsoma@lemmy.blahaj.zone 9 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

They got that idea "ask for forgiveness not permission" pushed to them by capitalist extremists for too long. I despise that concept in any context, whether justifying rape or violating privacy or anything else. But I even see it in TV shows these days portrayed as normal. Gross 🤮

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[–] Blaster_M@lemmy.world 73 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (5 children)

If you don't want this stuff on your phone, lemme point you to:

GrapheneOS (Pixels only, has Most Security at Tinfoil Hat level while also providing compatibility for Google Play (optional, sandboxed) and SafetyNet)

CalyxOS (Pixels, Some Moto G 5G, Fairphone 5, 4, SHIFTphone 8, less Security than GrapheneOS but has Security)

LineageOS (Many older devices, runs unlocked boot so least Security but still can run sans google)

[–] Xttweaponttx@sh.itjust.works 1 points 6 days ago

There's a lineagoOS fork that comes prepackages with microG as well, helping to keep google services style stuff working (maps links etc) without using any actual google services. It's my daily driver, would recommend!

https://lineage.microg.org/

YMMV - some stuff still flat out doesn't work if it's too reliant on google services. Graphene is definitely better in that regard, if you have a pixel.

[–] BingBong@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

If we are on an old pixel (eg pixel 4) is it more or less secure to switch to graphene? Neither Google nor graphene are doing updates for that model anymore

I've thought of getting an 8 to put graphene on but the recent news from the project about Google making it harder on them has me pausing since I don't fully understand what is affected.

I don't want Gemeni anywhere near my messages and phone content.

[–] HumanPerson@sh.itjust.works 7 points 1 week ago (2 children)

You can put graphene on a 4. It won't be supported but will be more secure. Still not recommended by me or grapheneos. They say that the reason they support pixels is due to the security, not the aosp support, and that they will continue to develop grapheneos. Android 16 is the first new build with the changes and grapheneos is testing it now iirc. I would personally recommend seeing how 16 goes (possibly post after the update hits stable asking for user feedback) and decide based on that. You should probably get something new as the complete lack of security updates is quite bad but that could help you decide whether to go with graphene. Personally, I am on grapheneos and am not worried about it.

[–] sonalder@lemmy.ml 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

You should not be worried according to GrapheneOS's team.

[–] steal_your_face@lemmy.ml 5 points 1 week ago

Yup. They're going to continue support as promised.

https://xcancel.com/GrapheneOS/status/1936420921931084075#m

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[–] oaklandnative@lemmy.world 4 points 1 week ago

I was considering a switch but due to recent policy changes at Google, I'm now concerned about long-term (or even short-term) support for GrapheneOS and other custom ROMs:

https://grapheneos.social/@GrapheneOS/114671100848024807

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[–] iturnedintoanewt@lemmy.world 50 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (2 children)

Interestingly, the same mentioned article from Android Police sells it as a "privacy win". I've tried to read it as a positive spin, and I seriously don't understand what these guys have been smoking.

https://www.androidpolice.com/upcoming-gemini-for-android-change-privacy-settings/

[–] jimi_henrik@lemmy.world 22 points 1 week ago

I completely agree, I guess what they call "privacy win" is that this feature can now work without storing data on Google (highlighted by me):

Based on Google's email, it seems the company will allow Gemini to access messages, WhatsApp, and control device system settings without requiring that you enable the Gemini Apps Activity setting for your account. This setting saves your Gemini history to your Google account, potentially allowing for better personalization.

Previously, if you had this setting disabled for your Google account, you weren't able to use the Messages, Phone, Utilities, or WhatsApp extensions in Gemini (via 9to5Google). Once this change rolls out to your account, you will be able to access these features without having to save your Gemini history on Google's servers.

When they say

potentially allowing for better personalization

they sound like the companies trying to sell you these features without mentioning the privacy implications of said features. :/

[–] ViatorOmnium@piefed.social 12 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

In a glass half full perspective, it won't send all your data to Google's servers. The part they are not saying is that the data even remotely related to your query is going to be sent to Google anyway. They are claiming they will delete the data after 72 hours, which I believe they will for now, but knowing them, there's probably going to be a sneaky policy update in a couple of years.

[–] Whats_your_reasoning@lemmy.world 44 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

We use Chromebooks at my work (along with the whole Google suite), and we are bound by the rules of HIPAA. Without a way to opt out of this AI crap, I increasingly worry about what all of this means for our clients' privacy. Especially with this administration, with RFK deadset on targeting people with disabilities.

[–] BubblyRomeo@kbin.earth 7 points 1 week ago (2 children)

We use Chromebooks at my work (along with the whole Google suite), and we are bound by the rules of HIPAA.

Assuming you mentioning HIPAA and disabilities, you must probably work in the healthcare industry. What kind of backwater hospital/healthcare company uses chromebook?! I know chromebooks are prelevant in the education industry but healthcare.... They are cheap but Google makes up that money through Google Workplace vendor lock in! Man.... I have seen Linux running on hospitals even in 3rd world countries.... If you can, please quit that job! A healthcare workplace using chromebooks will not give a damn to employee's privacy!

[–] rothaine@lemmy.zip 10 points 1 week ago (1 children)

What kind of backwater hospital/healthcare company uses chromebook

I was at a specialist's office and noticed they were using Windows XP. This was 3 years ago.

[–] jnod4@lemmy.ca 6 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Windows XP might be more secure soon than any machine running Gemini

[–] Blaster_M@lemmy.world 1 points 5 days ago

Privacy =/= Security. Windows XP might have good privacy (I would argue Windows 2000 is better for that, as it doesn't have Product Activation), but security is nonexistant in 2025 in either case. For malware, it's free real estate.

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This makes me so happy I'm using Graphine OS. Also the entire idea that there "not storing my history" I don't trust them. They have already been sued multiple times over keeping ingogneto data.

[–] pigup@lemmy.world 33 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Living the good life over here:

[–] eronth@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 1 week ago (6 children)

How much of a risk is GraphenOS to install? I really don't wanna brick my phone.

[–] Blaster_M@lemmy.world 10 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (2 children)

https://grapheneos.org/

Only for Google Pixel phones. The install process is right there. You just need a chromium-based browser (chrome, edge, vivaldi, opera, brave, etc.), an Unlocked Pixel, and the usb cable.

Also, back up your stuff. Flash Unlocking your phone to install a different OS erases everything on it (for security reasons).

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[–] etherphon@midwest.social 31 points 1 week ago (3 children)

Great, well bye bye Pixel 6a, about time anyways I guess. I knew it was only a matter of time before they did something to make these devices completely unbearable, "AI" bullshit has done it.

[–] sonalder@lemmy.ml 58 points 1 week ago (20 children)

Just install GrapheneOS on your device and AI is pretty much gone

[–] Core_of_Arden@lemmy.ml 19 points 1 week ago

Just about to say the same, since he has a pixel phone...

[–] etherphon@midwest.social 9 points 1 week ago (4 children)

I will definitely give it a shot, I've loaded an alternate OS on a phone before but it was more about customization then. Hopefully there will continue to be options like this for people who prefer to use their own brain and don't mind pressing buttons instead of giving voice commands. I don't want to talk to inanimate objects I talk to myself enough.

[–] sonalder@lemmy.ml 8 points 1 week ago (15 children)

Well GrapheneOS is a a robust mobile OS built for security. It brings amazing privacy out-of-the-box and control features. You really own your phone! Not Google, not Big Techs and Government, YOU.

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[–] NotKyloRen@lemmy.zip 20 points 1 week ago

So a system-wide wiretap?

[–] shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zip 14 points 1 week ago

No, it's really not. Primarily, because I'm using LineageOS with absolutely no Google services at all installed.

[–] Lemmchen@feddit.org 14 points 1 week ago

Just disable Gemini completely.

[–] blouse5293@mtgzone.com 14 points 1 week ago

That's why degoogle community have more users recently !

[–] pound_heap@lemmy.dbzer0.com 13 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I believe most people who care about privacy don't trust Gemini or Google in general. So it's not an issue if you already not using Gemini app. It can be uninstalled (at least for now) even without going alternative ROM way

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[–] tamal3@lemmy.world 9 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (3 children)

I went outside my comfort zone and installed Lineage on my old Pixel, only to find out I couldn't get wi-fi calling, so I reverted to my Google OS. Oh no. Any options other than Lineage or a new phone? This 6 year old phone works great except for the lack of updates, and except for the upcoming Gemini updates :( I'm struggling.

Edit: Ubuntu Touch, anybody?

Edit 2: Looks like VoLTE isn't supported on Ubuntu, either. Any idea why?

[–] FrostyPolicy@suppo.fi 14 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (4 children)

GrapheneOS is the way to go with a Pixel phone. Wifi calling works just fine on my Pixel 8. As does VoLTE.

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[–] NotKyloRen@lemmy.zip 10 points 1 week ago (3 children)
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[–] J92@lemmy.world 7 points 1 week ago

So what happens if I have Gemini disabled overall on my phone?

[–] Caketaco@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (9 children)

Alright, is there some super-populated center for enthusiast nerds who make Androids less 1984 and shit? Like, the fdroid sub or something? I’m still on the ol’ Tim Cooker but when this thing croaks I’m switching teams. I don’t need Google getting sloppy seconds, though.

I mean, feels like everyone has a phone these days. Surely some niche sect of Internet nerds has a cutting edge solution for this shit.

Is it just GrapheneOS with FDroid apps? What about Google Play Store apps, can I use those without getting fucked? Can I retain nearly every stock feature on an Android without selling my soul to Google? Which Android phone should I buy if I want things to run smoothly with the modifications I need to make? (Are those new touch flip-phones on the menu? Are they more durable now? I fantasize about DS emulation, and slapping my phone together to hang up on people. I just remember hearing all about the highly scratch-able screens and hinge problems.)

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[–] Maeve@kbin.earth 5 points 1 week ago

Gemini now has a second set of toggles buried in its settings menu. You can go to Profile → Apps inside the Gemini app and manually disable access to Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, or Utilities. But these are turned on by default, even if you’ve disabled tracking in the past.

So I just went to the app in my neighbor's phone, and it asked me to switch. I said no, and it won't let me do anything else. So will this need to be done next week?

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