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Re: PSA: Fossify Simple Mobile Tools FOSS replacement apps

From Theo <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk>
Newsgroups comp.mobile.android
Subject Re: PSA: Fossify Simple Mobile Tools FOSS replacement apps
Date 2026-05-04 11:56 +0100
Organization University of Cambridge, England
Message-ID <ljD*x7HFA@news.chiark.greenend.org.uk> (permalink)
References <10t15d7$b3i$1@nnrp.usenet.blueworldhosting.com> <10t445g$n0b$1@nnrp.usenet.blueworldhosting.com> <10t7fnb$2skl6$2@dont-email.me> <10t8ael$29j9$1@nnrp.usenet.blueworldhosting.com> <10t9gss$3f5pd$4@dont-email.me>

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Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> wrote:
> How does "paying" destroy privacy? Did you get your phone, your internet
> access and computers for free as a gift?

The problem is that it requires a payment method, which requires details
like real-name, real-address, email, etc.  Additionally those are often tied
to an 'account'.

In the real world you can buy with cash, avoiding the first problem, and if
you pay with a card in a shop, the merchant gets some details (name and card
number) but they don't get the email, phone number, address or the ability
to cross-reference other purchases (especially if made on a different card). 
You can also use prepaid cards or gift cards if you wish to give fewer
details.  Even if you purchase online, buying a phone/computer/etc from a
reseller (or used) means the original OEM doesn't get your details. 

Internet access does typically need your address, but there's a limit to how
much utility companies can invade your privacy (if everything is HTTPS they
can't snoop on your traffic).

On Android, purchases are tied to a Google account which means your other
activities on the phone become tied to that Google account too.  You can't
just use the account to purchase the app.  (I've not tried it, but I suspect
paid apps stop working if the account is removed?)

Some apps have their own ways to buy them that aren't tied to Google, but
most don't.

Theo

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Thread

PSA: Fossify Simple Mobile Tools FOSS replacement apps Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> - 2026-04-30 21:07 -0600
  Re: PSA: Fossify Simple Mobile Tools FOSS replacement apps Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> - 2026-05-02 00:04 -0600
    Re: PSA: Fossify Simple Mobile Tools FOSS replacement apps Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> - 2026-05-02 17:49 -0600
      Re: PSA: Fossify Simple Mobile Tools FOSS replacement apps Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> - 2026-05-03 23:56 -0600
    Re: PSA: Fossify Simple Mobile Tools FOSS replacement apps Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> - 2026-05-03 14:40 +0200
      Re: PSA: Fossify Simple Mobile Tools FOSS replacement apps Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> - 2026-05-03 14:16 -0600
        Re: PSA: Fossify Simple Mobile Tools FOSS replacement apps Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> - 2026-05-04 09:12 +0200
          Re: PSA: Fossify Simple Mobile Tools FOSS replacement apps Theo <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> - 2026-05-04 11:56 +0100
            Re: PSA: Fossify Simple Mobile Tools FOSS replacement apps Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> - 2026-05-04 17:02 +0200
            Re: PSA: Fossify Simple Mobile Tools FOSS replacement apps Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> - 2026-05-04 11:08 -0600
  Re: PSA: Fossify Simple Mobile Tools FOSS replacement apps Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> - 2026-05-03 14:37 +0200
    Re: PSA: Fossify Simple Mobile Tools FOSS replacement apps Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> - 2026-05-03 13:57 -0600

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