Android
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| Basic Information | |
|---|---|
| Short description | {{{short_description}}} |
| Release Year | 2003 |
| Product Type | Software |
| In Production | Yes |
| Official Website | https://android.com/ |
Android is an operating system developed and released by Google since 2005. It is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen-based mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, but is also used in smart TVs, cameras, in-car infotainment systems, etc.[citation needed]
Consumer impact summary[edit | edit source]
Google, as the developer of Android, has faced scrutiny over privacy concerns, short software support lifespans, patent disputes, and anti-competitive behaviors.[citation needed]
Google encourages the use of their Play Integrity API, a mechanism for Android applications to detect whether they are running on a non-OEM version of Android. This is employed mostly to prevent users from running Android versions with anti-consumer features removed, i.e. ads and unconsented data collection. For example, the Android YouTube app which leverages the API to detect whether it has been patched to remove ads, in which case it will refuse to play back videos.
Incidents[edit | edit source]
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this software. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the Android category.
Data collection[edit | edit source]
- Main article: Android Data Collection
Android mobile devices, even when minimally configured, collect and share with Google extensive user data with little options for opting-out, raising privacy concerns.
Android System Safety Core silent install[edit | edit source]
In January 22, 2025, Google quietly rolled out Android System SafetyCore to all Android devices. The installation of the program neither informed consumers that it was installed, nor did it request consumers to install it onto their devices.
OEM Locked Bootloaders
Article: Motorola
In North America, Many of Android devices like phones or tablets will not allow consumers to unlock and do what they want to modify the software. Therefore, it has been incredibly difficult and nearly impossible to root and install custom ROMs into the device unless an exploit has been found.