What are everyone’s recommendations on making android more private? Given Google’s recent behavior around tracking and the like, I’m not really comfortable with then having all of my data. I’ve even contemplated going to iOS, since apple doesn’t have a vested interest in me having less privacy… But I just don’t like their OS lol.

I’ve tried GrapheneOS, and it’s not awful. For usability, I did have to add Google apps back in, but at least they are sandboxes.

For the moment though, my daily driver is a Samsung S21. What can I do to make I more private?

So far, I have:

  1. Switched to Samsung browser with adblock.
  2. Started using duckduck go.
  3. Installed duckduck go’s app tracking protection. That was an eye opener.
  4. Restricted location history in Google maps.

What else? I know Graphene is typically the gold standard, but I’m trying to see what I can do short of that.

  • ultimatespleen@lemm.ee
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    2 years ago

    I’m curious what you don’t like about iOS. I started out on Android, switched to iOS and never looked back. I realized I was doing most customization in Android to feel like iOS lol. the privacy upgrade is priceless imo.

    • gimlithepirate@lemmy.worldOP
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      2 years ago

      Pure personal preference. I’ve traditionally gone back and forth almost every time I get a new phone. It’s really only in the last 2-3 years I’ve hit the point I significantly prefer android.

      For me, some of the interface choices on iOS are no Bueno. Additionally, the lack of a button, or simulated button is not something I’m fond of.

      I’m also not convinced they are more private. I think Apple’s incentives line up more with mine than Google’s, but only barely. Independent researchers are pretty mixed on whether Apple is actually blocking all apps, or just making it so Apple is the only one who can profit off of people’s data.

      The only reason I think they are probably more private is the giant hissy fit Facebook threw over their settings.

    • _MoveSwiftly@lemmy.worldM
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      2 years ago

      iOS is not private, it’s secure.

      Private: Only you can see it, the servicing company does not. In the case, Apple not only sees your data but sells it too.

      Secure: The data is protected from unwanted access by 3rd party vendors.

      These are rough definitions though.

      • gimlithepirate@lemmy.worldOP
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        2 years ago

        Yeah, this is what concerns me.

        Stock Android is neither. So for the average user, Apple iOS is probably better.

        I’m on lemmy so I’m probably not the average user lol.