Forced app download: Difference between revisions
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'''Forced app download''' is a practice by businesses and government entities | |||
'''Forced app download''' is a practice committed by businesses and government entities where users must download an app on their smartphones to perform simple tasks that may have otherwise been possible on a standard web browser<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Tian |first=Deyu |last2=Ma |first2=Yun |last3=Balasubramanian |first3=Aruna |last4=Liu |first4=Yunxin |last5=Gang |first5=Huang |last6=Liu |first6=Xuanzhe |date=17 Mar 2021 |title=Characterizing Embedded Web Browsing in Mobile Apps |url=https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9380491 |journal=IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing |volume=21 |issue=11 |pages=3912 - 3925 |via=IEEE Xplore}}</ref> (e.g., adding a credit card for payments) or in real life (e.g., ordering a coffee).<!-- Although this is a theme article, and therefore has more relaxed editorial guidelines, i'm going to put a 'needs more verification' notice on this page to encourage the use of more citations. Have also put some comments throughout to highlight tonal issues/any questions I have. Very solid start on the whole though! | |||
-Keith --> | -Keith --> | ||
Implementation of forced app download is increasing in many countries with the aim of digitization. For example, in Singapore, it is impossible for residents to have a bank account without using the bank's mobile application{{Citation needed}}. Additionally, Singapore residents must also utilize a smartphone that runs an unmodified version of iOS or Android in order to download the mandate apps from their respective app stores{{Citation needed}}. | |||
#'''Identification and tracking of users''' - | Because forced app download generally means alternative measures, such as website access, are possible, entities that engage in this practice have little reason to do so outside of personal gain. They may find it favorable for several reasons, including: | ||
#'''Identification and tracking of users''' - often accomplished through device identifiers, location information, and network connection.{{Citation needed}} | |||
#'''Increased digital integration''' - | #'''Increased digital integration''' - more integrating means more sharing data with payment processors,{{Citation needed}} ad providers,{{Citation needed}} and more. | ||
#'''Increased centralization and dependency on big companies''' - | #'''Increased centralization and dependency on big companies''' - further consolidates power and wealth into large companies such as the tech companies who own the app stores as well as payment processors like Visa and MasterCard{{Citation needed}} | ||
==Characteristics== | ==Characteristics<!-- Some 'citation needed' notices below are not *as* mandatory, but it improves the credibility - JamesTDG -->== | ||
Forced app download involves: | Forced app download involves: | ||
#'''Forcing download and use of app to interact with a business''' - Basic tasks like ordering, making payments, changing settings. | #'''Forcing download and use of app to interact with a business''' - Basic tasks like ordering,{{Citation needed}} making payments, changing settings.{{Citation needed}} | ||
#'''Deliberately crippling or removing functionality from the web experience''' - Prevent users from having an alternative interface to perform basic tasks. | #'''Deliberately crippling or removing functionality from the web experience''' - Prevent users from having an alternative interface to perform basic tasks.{{Citation needed}} | ||
#'''Forcing users to always be on the latest version of an app''' - "For your security" (as they usually claim), most of these apps will constantly check for the latest version and self-disable if they are older than | #'''Forcing users to always be on the latest version of an app''' - "For your security" (as they usually claim), most of these apps will constantly check for the latest version and self-disable if they are older than x-version.{{Citation needed}} (varies by company)<!-- Imgur example: https://imgur.com/gallery/i-hate-this-type-of-bgGI7LR - JamesTDG --> | ||
#'''Mandatory use of account''' - For most of these apps to work, you must have an account for features to work. For example, with | #'''Mandatory use of account''' - For most of these apps to work, you must have an account for features to work.{{Citation needed}} For example, making an order with Luckin Coffee mandates installing the app and creating an account tied to a personal phone number;{{Citation needed}} guests are disallowed from making orders incognito.{{Citation needed}}<!-- Citation actually needed here --> | ||
==Key implications== | ==Key implications== | ||
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===Mandatory use of "approved devices" and big-tech operating systems=== | ===Mandatory use of "approved devices" and big-tech operating systems=== | ||
Most apps are only available for download on official from official app stores, meaning consumers must use a device running stock iOS or Android, or else jump through hoops to run them<ref>{{Cite web |title=Run Android apps on Arch Linux |url=https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Android#Run_Android_apps_on_Arch_Linux |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=archlinux.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How do I get an apk file from an Android device? |url=https://stackoverflow.com/questions/4032960/how-do-i-get-an-apk-file-from-an-android-device/18003462#18003462 |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Stack Overflow}}</ref> | Most apps are only available for download on official from official app stores, meaning consumers must use a device running stock iOS or Android, or else jump through hoops to run them.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Run Android apps on Arch Linux |url=https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Android#Run_Android_apps_on_Arch_Linux |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=archlinux.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How do I get an apk file from an Android device? |url=https://stackoverflow.com/questions/4032960/how-do-i-get-an-apk-file-from-an-android-device/18003462#18003462 |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Stack Overflow}}</ref> | ||
Devices must also be running stock operating systems since most government and business apps conduct intrusive checks<ref>{{Cite web |title=Configure API responses (optional) |url=https://developer.android.com/google/play/integrity/setup#default |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Android Developers}}</ref> and will not run if a device is | Devices must also be running stock operating systems since most government and business apps conduct intrusive checks<ref>{{Cite web |title=Configure API responses (optional) |url=https://developer.android.com/google/play/integrity/setup#default |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Android Developers}}</ref> and will not run if a device is jail-broken or rooted.<!-- How prevalent is this outside singapore? also seems like a direct restatement of what was said earlier --><!-- The following block should include info about common apps that integrate these invasive measures. --> | ||
Some companies such as big banks in Singapore have also started incorporating checks for "unverified apps" in their app. This means their app will scan your phone and check for sideloaded apps (anywhere that is not the official app store. For example, an app downloaded directly from APK Mirror or an unofficial app repository like F-Droid) as part of "anti-scam security measures that include restricting customers from accessing the banks’ digital services on their mobile phones if apps from unverified app stores – also known as sideloaded apps – are detected"<ref>{{Cite web |last=See Kit |first=Tang |date=26 Sep 2023 |title=DBS, UOB become latest banks to restrict access if unverified apps are found on customers' phones |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/dbs-uob-anti-scam-sideloaded-app-malware-measure-latest-bank-restrict-app-access-3796806 |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Channel News Asia}}</ref> | Some companies such as big banks in Singapore have also started incorporating checks for "unverified apps" in their app. This means their app will scan your phone and check for sideloaded apps (anywhere that is not the official app store. For example, an app downloaded directly from APK Mirror or an unofficial app repository like F-Droid) as part of "anti-scam security measures that include restricting customers from accessing the banks’ digital services on their mobile phones if apps from unverified app stores – also known as sideloaded apps – are detected."<ref>{{Cite web |last=See Kit |first=Tang |date=26 Sep 2023 |title=DBS, UOB become latest banks to restrict access if unverified apps are found on customers' phones |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/dbs-uob-anti-scam-sideloaded-app-malware-measure-latest-bank-restrict-app-access-3796806 |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Channel News Asia}}</ref> | ||
=== | ===Surge pricing=== | ||
So far, the implementation of surge pricing in the context of businesses that use forced app download has not yet been seen. However, trust that the enterprising individuals and | {{Main|Surge Pricing}} | ||
So far, the implementation of surge pricing in the context of businesses that use forced app download has not yet been seen. However, trust that the enterprising individuals and eCommerce platform providers (especially "modern headless eCommerce" companies<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cicman |first=Joe |last2=Pfeiffer |first2=Emily |date=3 May 2022 |title=Doing, Selling, And Being Headless Commerce |url=https://www.forrester.com/blogs/doing-selling-and-being-headless-commerce/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Forrester}}</ref>) looking to maximize clean out of consumers' wallets will quickly develop and deploy surge pricing once businesses with forced app download gain sufficient footing both in their respective industries and in general market penetration.<!-- rather than making this assertion, maybe try and find come companies who have proposed/patented systems to this end? Also tone gets a bit strong here --><!-- I'll come back later and finish this up once I have more time to look at relevant examples. --> | |||
Since ordering and payments are entirely digital, it is very possible to see surge pricing (similar to what we've seen from ride hailing companies like Uber, Lyft and Grab) implemented across other industries. | Since ordering and payments are entirely digital, it is very possible to see surge pricing (similar to what we've seen from ride hailing companies like Uber, Lyft and Grab) implemented across other industries. | ||
For example, a restaurant | For example, a restaurant with enough popularity could implement surge pricing to increase prices during peak hours, such as lunch time on weekdays to impact the downtime office crowd that is lacking in time and places to eat, or nighttime hours on weekends when people are looking to go out. | ||
===Third-party integration=== | ===Third-party integration=== | ||
Similar to how some car insurance providers in the U.S. are adjusting their rates based on "smart reporting" from cars, it is also very possible for other intrusive and oppressive pair ups to happen. For example: | |||
*Restaurants, cafes and bars with forced app download sharing data with health insurance companies, who increase your premium if they see a lifestyle/pattern of ordering unhealthy dishes or overly large portions, or frequenting that bubble tea shop too often. | *Restaurants, cafes and bars with forced app download sharing data with health insurance companies, who increase your premium if they see a lifestyle/pattern of ordering unhealthy dishes or overly large portions, or frequenting that bubble tea shop too often. | ||
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'''Mobile Carriers and App marketplaces''' | '''Mobile Carriers and App marketplaces''' | ||
Companies like [[digital turbine|Digital Turbine]] auction<ref>{{Cite web |title=DT Fairbid |url=https://www.digitalturbine.com/dt-fairbid |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2023 |website=Digital Turbine}}</ref> off placement in carriers automatic download lists and recommended app's placement in first and third party app stores<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turn Subscribers Into Fans |url=https://www.digitalturbine.com/telecom |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Digital Turbine}}</ref> | Companies like [[digital turbine|Digital Turbine]] auction<ref>{{Cite web |title=DT Fairbid |url=https://www.digitalturbine.com/dt-fairbid |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2023 |website=Digital Turbine}}</ref> off placement in carriers automatic download lists and recommended app's placement in first and third party app stores.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turn Subscribers Into Fans |url=https://www.digitalturbine.com/telecom |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Digital Turbine}}</ref> | ||
Digital turbine sells forced app downloads from app developers like: [[zynga]], | Digital turbine sells forced app downloads from app developers like: [[zynga]], Miniclip games, [[King Digital Entertainment|'''King''' Digital Entertainment]] and [[Uber EULA precludes jury trial|Uber]], placement in forced download lists to carries like: [[Verizon]], [[AT&T]], [[Cricket wireless]], US cellular, Tracfone and T-mobile.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A New Horizon for Apps is Emerging |url=https://www.digitalturbine.com/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Digital Turbine}}</ref> | ||
===Banking and finance=== | ===Banking and finance=== | ||
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==='''Insurance'''=== | ==='''Insurance'''=== | ||
Auto insurance companies like [[Progressive]], require non policy holders effected by automotive incidents their policyholders claim to submit photos and video evidence of damages exclusively through their mobile app.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Auto insurance claims |url=https://www.progressive.com/claims/auto-process/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=[[Progressive]]}}</ref> Affected non policy holders can't complete the entire claim process through their website even though you can start the process online from any device and web browser.<ref name=":0" /> | Auto insurance companies like [[Progressive]], require non policy holders effected by automotive incidents their policyholders claim to submit photos and video evidence of damages exclusively through their mobile app.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Auto insurance claims |url=https://www.progressive.com/claims/auto-process/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=[[Progressive]]}}</ref> Affected non-policy holders can't complete the entire claim process through their website even though you can start the process online from any device and web browser.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
===Utilities and public services=== | ===Utilities and public services=== | ||
SP Group is Singapore's primary and default electricity provider, as well as the country's only provider for gas and water for consumers. In 2022, SP Group removed the ability to manage payments from their website, forcing users to download and use their mobile app to pay bills/manage recurring payments<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pay SP utility bills with SP app |url=https://www.spdigital.sg/spapp/bill-payment |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=SPdigital}}</ref> | SP Group is Singapore's primary and default electricity provider, as well as the country's only provider for gas and water for consumers. In 2022, SP Group removed the ability to manage payments from their website, forcing users to download and use their mobile app to pay bills/manage recurring payments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pay SP utility bills with SP app |url=https://www.spdigital.sg/spapp/bill-payment |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=SPdigital}}</ref> | ||
As they are the country's | As they are the country's sole gas and water provider, residents will effectively be forced to download SP Group's app eventually. | ||
===Home appliances and hardware=== | ===Home appliances and hardware=== | ||
Speaker and sound hardware company [[Sonos]] has been a big practitioner of forced app download since at least 2017<ref>{{Cite web |title=Make Sonos work without internet |url=https://en.community.sonos.com/advanced-setups-229000/make-sonos-work-without-internet-6795315 |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=[[Sonos]]}}</ref> | Speaker and sound hardware company [[Sonos]] has been a big practitioner of forced app download since at least 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Make Sonos work without internet |url=https://en.community.sonos.com/advanced-setups-229000/make-sonos-work-without-internet-6795315 |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=[[Sonos]]}}</ref> Sonos makes it unnecessarily difficult, if not impossible for their customers to use their hardware without an app and/or internet connection. | ||
Even though it is possible to use Sonos speakers without an app, initial setup has required the download and use of Sonos' app since at least May 2022. | Even though it is possible to use Sonos speakers without an app, initial setup has required the download and use of Sonos' app since at least May 2022. | ||
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===Retail and ecommerce=== | ===Retail and ecommerce=== | ||
Ecommerce giant [[Shopee]] which has a stronghold in online retail in South East Asia and Latin America has integrated a soft forced app download to their customer experience. | Ecommerce giant [[Shopee]], which has a stronghold in online retail in South East Asia and Latin America, has integrated a soft forced app download to their customer experience. | ||
While it is still possible to browse, shop and checkout on a web browser, coupons usable on the web experience (regardless if mobile or desktop device) are limited to "Shipping Discount" coupons only. All other shopping coupons "Discount & Cashback" are only usable with Shopee's apps on iOS and Android. | While it is still possible to browse, shop and checkout on a web browser, coupons usable on the web experience (regardless if mobile or desktop device) are limited to "Shipping Discount" coupons only. All other shopping coupons "Discount & Cashback" are only usable with Shopee's apps on iOS and Android. | ||
When a customer attempts to check out on a web browser, Shopee shows that Discount & Cashback coupons are not usable because "Current device does not meet voucher T&C". On closer inspection of the terms and conditions of those coupons, Shopee specifies "Device: iOS, Android". What they are referring to is you must download and use their mobile apps for those operating systems in order to use most of their coupons. As pictured, the coupons are still not available on iOS and Android devices if the customer is using their web browser | When a customer attempts to check out on a web browser, Shopee shows that Discount & Cashback coupons are not usable because "Current device does not meet voucher T&C". On closer inspection of the terms and conditions of those coupons, Shopee specifies "Device: iOS, Android". What they are referring to is you must download and use their mobile apps for those operating systems in order to use most of their coupons. As pictured, the coupons are still not available on iOS and Android devices if the customer is using their web browser, thus effectively forcing customers to download the Shopee app. | ||
[[File:Shopee restricts coupon usage to app only.png|thumb|LEFT: Shopee limits customers to using "Shipping Discount" coupons only if checking out on a web browser (desktop and mobile). | [[File:Shopee restricts coupon usage to app only.png|thumb|'''LEFT:''' Shopee limits customers to using "Shipping Discount" coupons only if checking out on a web browser (desktop and mobile). '''MIDDLE:''' All other shopping coupons "Discount & Cashback" are only usable with Shopee's apps on iOS and Android. | ||
MIDDLE: All other shopping coupons "Discount & Cashback" are only usable with Shopee's apps on iOS and Android | |||
'''RIGHT:''' Closer inspection of the terms and conditions where Shopee specifies a device requirement for using many of their coupons. | |||
Using a web browser on iOS and Android does not count and coupons in question remain disabled in this scenario.]] | When Shopee specifies "Device: iOS, Android", they mean customers must download and use their mobile apps for those operating systems in order to use most of their coupons. Using a web browser on iOS and Android does not count and coupons in question remain disabled in this scenario.]] | ||
[[File:Shopee coupon still unusable on mobile web.jpg|thumb|Using a web browser on iOS and Android does not count and coupons with the device requirement remain disabled. What Shopee means by "Device: iOS, Android" in their coupons' terms and conditions is that customers | [[File:Shopee coupon still unusable on mobile web.jpg|thumb|Using a web browser on iOS and Android does not count and coupons with the device requirement remain disabled. What Shopee means by "Device: iOS, Android" in their coupons' terms and conditions is that customers are required to download and use the Shopee app for coupons to be redeemable.]] | ||
===Food and beverage=== | ===Food and beverage=== | ||
An increasing number of 'digital-native' food businesses that are app-only are making their way onto the market. For example, Luckin Coffee, a Starbucks competitor | An increasing number of 'digital-native' food businesses that are app-only are making their way onto the market. For example, Luckin Coffee, a Starbucks competitor from China, with stores in Singapore and planned expansion into Malaysia and the US in 2025,<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 Oct 2024 |title=China’s Luckin Coffee reportedly planning US launch in 2025 |url=https://www.worldcoffeeportal.com/Latest/News/2024/October/China-s-Luckin-Coffee-reportedly-planning-US-launc |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=World Coffee Portal}}</ref> only allows ordering of beverages and payments via its app. The way it works is you download the app, register an account, log in, order a coffee and pay for it, then pick it up at a Luckin Coffee location. "With Luckin, you do not order coffee over the counter like in regular Western coffee shops. Instead, you do everything online. I ordered my drinks here without even needing to talk to the Barista!"<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Jan 2024 |title=I Taste Tested 3 Signature Luckin Coffee Drinks, Photos (Creamy Dreamy, Big Cheesy, Coconut Latte) |url=https://www.clearlycoffee.com/review-signature-luckin-coffee-drinks-photos-creamy-dreamy-big-cheesy-coconut-latte/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Clearly Coffee}}</ref> | ||
With a food-and-beverage business that is fully committed to forced app | With a food-and-beverage business that is fully committed to forced app downloads like Luckin Coffee, there is no way to order nor pay at the physical store. You must download and use the app to interact with the business. | ||
Forced app download represents the next stage of evolution from QR code based ordering. The key differences are: | Forced app download represents the next stage of evolution from QR code based ordering. The key differences are: | ||
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|- | |- | ||
|Ordering | |Ordering | ||
|Order | |Order must be placed via app | ||
|QR is pushed but usually possible to order offline (in real life) | |QR is pushed but usually possible to order offline (in real life) | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Login | |Login | ||
|You | |You must create an account and log in to place an order | ||
|Not required, often no registration is possible | |Not required, often no registration is possible | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Payments | |Payments | ||
|Cashless digital payment only | |Cashless digital payment only | ||
Payment | Payment must be made via app | ||
|Depending on website, sometimes order online, pay offline | |Depending on website, sometimes order online, pay offline | ||
Depending on business, cash payments are usually possible | Depending on business, cash payments are usually possible | ||