Forced app download: Difference between revisions
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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 | Most apps are only available for download on 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 | Devices must also be running stock operating systems, as 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 [[Sideloading|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 [[Sideloading|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=== | ===Surge pricing=== | ||
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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: | 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 | *Restaurants, cafes and bars with forced app download sharing data with health insurance companies, who increase a user's premium if they see a lifestyle/pattern of ordering unhealthy dishes or overly large portions. | ||
*Government tax agency charging | *Government tax agency charging a user "excess carbon footprint" taxes because they often order a lot of clothes beyond the number that the "Average" person of their profile wears, based on what the user's favorite fast fashion retailer with forced app download is sharing with them. | ||
===Discrimination=== | ===Discrimination=== | ||
Those who can not or do not have the required technology are further disadvantaged. Not everybody can afford a smart phone. Not everybody can operate one, differences in visual ability, physical ability, mental ability (e.g., dementia) can make smart phones unusable. Visitors, tourists, and those who have had a device lost, stolen or broken lose out. If banking requires an app, and your phone breaks, how | Those who can not or do not have the required technology are further disadvantaged. Not everybody can afford a smart phone. Not everybody can operate one, differences in visual ability, physical ability, mental ability (e.g., dementia) can make smart phones unusable. Visitors, tourists, and those who have had a device lost, stolen or broken lose out. If banking requires an app, and your phone breaks, how does one get the money to buy a replacement? | ||
===Decreased security=== | ===Decreased security=== | ||
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===Increased vulnerability in adverse circumstances=== | ===Increased vulnerability in adverse circumstances=== | ||
It may become harder to function in emergency situations. If network connections are unavailable, or power is out for an extended period, how | It may become harder to function in emergency situations. If network connections are unavailable, or power is out for an extended period, how does one get necessities? | ||
When errors are found in the app | When errors are found in the app, one may lose access to important services. With a web browser, one has alternatives. What are the alternative to the app? | ||
In domestic violence, control of devices can be one of the ways to control a person. If a device is needed to access the bank, then whoever controls that device may control the money. Even if the victim gets physical possession of a device, the other party may be able to remotely manipulate it.[[File:Digital turbine logo .png|alt=digital turbine logo |thumb|digital turbine logo ]] | In domestic violence, control of devices can be one of the ways to control a person. If a device is needed to access the bank, then whoever controls that device may control the money. Even if the victim gets physical possession of a device, the other party may be able to remotely manipulate it.[[File:Digital turbine logo .png|alt=digital turbine logo |thumb|digital turbine logo ]] | ||