Android

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Android

Basic Information
Release Year	2008 (Android 1.0)
Product Type	Software
In Production	Yes
Official Website	https://android.com/

Android is an operating system which started in 2003, got acquired by Google in 2005, and made its first official release (Android 1.0) in 2008. 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.

Consumer impact summary

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

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

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

Main article: Android System SafetyCore

On 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

Main article: Motorola

In North America, many 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 on the device unless an exploit has been found.