this post was submitted on 15 Nov 2023
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Privacy
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The problem with graphene is that is shamelessly promotes proprietary software. They have build tools to try to make it safe to run non-free programs (proprietary software) but that entirely misses the point.
When you run non-free software you do not control the program, it controls you. There is no way to know what it really is doing and you can't make changes to it or even see what it is doing.
I agree and also avoid using their Sandboxed Play Services. Their values are security and "making sense". Its great to have the play services and store just working but as user apps. You can isolate them in a work profile without a problem.
There is no alternative, their point is that microG is not FOSS but a hacked together version of the proprietary play services parts, it may be verrry insecure as it needs to run as system app and often doesnt get updates. And it still talks to Google and actually sends lots of data.
Their approach is very economic. They ship regular play services, framework and store, but with a compatibility layer. This saves efford a lot and avoids breakages or blocking services (Aurora) over time.
Literally everyone can run GrapheneOS, thats the point. You dont need to use the sandboxed Play, but if you need it, it works.
It annoys me too that their preinstalled apps all suck.
They promote Vanadium and literally installing binaries from some random Github release.
F-Droid basic uses the new libraries and should be preinstalled as user app. They have reproducible builds now.
And I wont use Vanadium, as it doesnt support Firefox Addons. It may be hardened in some way but without Noscript and Ublock in my eyes no browser is really hardened if it can run every Javascript or block all, breaking 90% of websites.
How does GrapheneOS "shamelessly promote" proprietary software? I don't think I've ever seen them do this. Maybe you're referring to Sandboxed Play Services? But that isn't "shamelessly promoted" or recommended, it isn't even included in the OS, its just an optional app that can be installed for those who need it.
I assume you mean Sandboxed Play Services again? That's far from the only feature or benefit that GrapheneOS gives. They do much more work than just Sandboxed Play Services or making it safe to run "non-free" programs. They make it safe to run ANY program, regardless of license.
You just proved that they promote proprietary software though. Like it or not they encourage users to not seek freedom which is something I can not promote
Agreed with Mr random. Graphene gives users options, it's literally the cleanest phone install I've ever seen, there is no extra fluff installed. The users have to choose what they install. Full agency . We should celebrate more options for users.