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Mobile USENET readers

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  Mobile USENET readers Jim the Geordie <jim@geordieland.co.uk> - 2026-08-22 13:41 +0100
    Re: Mobile USENET readers Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> - 2026-08-22 15:28 +0200
    Re: Mobile USENET readers Jeff Layman <Jeff@invalid.invalid> - 2026-08-22 17:11 +0100
      Re: Mobile USENET readers Dave Royal <dave@dave123royal.com> - 2026-08-22 18:20 +0100
        Re: Mobile USENET readers Dave Royal <dave@dave123royal.com> - 2026-08-24 18:10 +0100
          Re: Mobile USENET readers Computer Nerd Kev <not@telling.you.invalid> - 2026-08-25 14:35 +0000
            Re: Mobile USENET readers Computer Nerd Kev <not@telling.you.invalid> - 2026-08-25 15:01 +0000
              Re: Mobile USENET readers Computer Nerd Kev <not@telling.you.invalid> - 2026-08-26 11:53 +1000
                Re: Mobile USENET readers Dave Royal <dave@dave123royal.com> - 2026-08-26 07:51 +0100
      Re: Mobile USENET readers Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> - 2026-08-22 09:26 -0800
        Re: Mobile USENET readers Jeff Layman <Jeff@invalid.invalid> - 2026-08-23 14:48 +0100
          Re: Mobile USENET readers Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> - 2026-08-23 07:12 -0800
            Re: Mobile USENET readers Jeff Layman <Jeff@invalid.invalid> - 2026-08-23 18:51 +0100
              Re: Mobile USENET readers Woody <harrogate3@ntlworld.com> - 2026-08-23 20:13 +0100
                Re: Mobile USENET readers Truth in Writing <OnlyTruthMatters@is.invalid> - 2026-08-23 21:14 +0000
                Re: Mobile USENET readers David Wade <g4ugm@dave.invalid> - 2026-08-23 23:46 +0100
            Re: Mobile USENET readers Trolleybus <ken@birchanger.com> - 2026-08-24 09:14 +0100
              Re: Mobile USENET readers Colin Macleod <user7@newsgrouper.org.invalid> - 2026-08-24 09:43 +0000
                Re: Mobile USENET readers Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> - 2026-08-24 16:42 +0200
                  Re: Mobile USENET readers Jeff Layman <Jeff@invalid.invalid> - 2026-08-24 17:46 +0100
        Re: Mobile USENET readers Colin Macleod <user7@newsgrouper.org.invalid> - 2026-08-24 08:59 +0000
      Re: Mobile USENET readers Ivan Zelenyi <iz264279@gmail.com> - 2026-08-23 18:21 +0500
        Re: Mobile USENET readers Dave Royal <dave@dave123royal.com> - 2026-08-25 15:47 +0100
          Re: Mobile USENET readers Ivan Zelenyi <iz264279@gmail.com> - 2026-08-26 07:32 +0500
    Re: Mobile USENET readers Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> - 2026-08-22 21:30 +0100
    Re: Mobile USENET readers Lumin Etherlight <lumin+usenet@etherlight.link> - 2026-08-23 12:58 +0300
      Re: Mobile USENET readers Nuno Silva <nunojsilva@invalid.invalid> - 2026-08-23 19:12 +0100
      Re: Mobile USENET readers Jim the Geordie <jim@geordieland.co.uk> - 2026-08-23 20:13 +0100

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#155187 — Mobile USENET readers

Are there any good new readers for androids?

-- 
Jim the Geordie

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#155188

On 22.08.26 14:41, Jim the Geordie wrote:
> 
> Are there any good new readers for androids?

Good ones? No.

-- 
"Ave! Morituri te salutant!"

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#155192

On 22/08/2026 13:41, Jim the Geordie wrote:
> 
> Are there any good new readers for androids?

Piaohong is just about acceptable for /reading/. Posting is another 
matter. It doesn't appear to be available at the Playstore any more.

There are some Italian enthusiasts who have rewritten Piaohong to some 
extent. The latest one is still working on it. If you want to see how 
it's going, it's probably best to subscribe to it.tlc.cellulari.android 
and use DeepL or Google to translate the text.

These mods of Piaohong are only available as *.apk files to download and 
install.
See 
<https://mega.nz/file/CIhiFKDT#H4FvPyZ_SIWKitPvaUxjKstjNmgPJhyMqwZxI4VkWVE>

-- 
Jeff

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#155193

Jeff Layman <Jeff@invalid.invalid> Wrote in message:

> On 22/08/2026 13:41, Jim the Geordie wrote:
>> 
>> Are there any good new readers for androids?
> 
> Piaohong is just about acceptable for /reading/. Posting is another 
> matter. It doesn't appear to be available at the Playstore any more.
> 
> There are some Italian enthusiasts who have rewritten Piaohong to some 
> extent. The latest one is still working on it. If you want to see how 
> it's going, it's probably best to subscribe to it.tlc.cellulari.android 
> and use DeepL or Google to translate the text.
> 
> These mods of Piaohong are only available as *.apk files to download and 
> install.
> See 
> <https://mega.nz/file/CIhiFKDT#H4FvPyZ_SIWKitPvaUxjKstjNmgPJhyMqwZxI4VkWVE

mod.PiaoHong, which I use, hasn't been updated since it was
 created in 2024. It was made by decompiling the APK and modifying
 it. Posting works OK.

I'll repost here part of a recent subthread in the 'SD card vs.
 Esim?' thread:

AJL <noemail@none.com> Wrote in message:

> On 8/21/26 11:44 PM, Dave Royal wrote:
>>On Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:25:07 -0000 (UTC), AJL wrote:
>>> Dave Royal wrote:
>>>>AJL wrote:
>  
>>>>> My favorite Android newsreader was Groundhog. I still used it for
>>>>> reading Usenet until just a few days ago When Amazon updated my Fire
>>>>> tablet and completely broke it.
> 
>>>> Try Alfio's 2.02_M17_OC from here:
>>>> <https://mega.nz/folder/7yhzFSYA#dGGTmFcuO_ags9lZRrFoqA>
>>>> Filters are inadequate but it's quite usable.
> 
>>> Unfortunately none of my current Android gear will load the apks. It's
>>>  apparently a security issue...
> 
>>It's an old app, minimally modified a few years ago. I run it on Android 
>>13 and I know folk who run it on recent devices.
> 
>>it says it won't install; you tap 'More info' and 'install anyway'
>>before running it you have to give it permissions manually to access the 
>>filestore - files? photos?
> 
> Both my current Android tablets do the same. The popups first say install
>  anyway? Then a refusal. Then an override line is offered and tapping that
>  with your apk I got another popup that says not installed.  
> 
>>There's also a new app being tested in it.tlc.cellulari.android. I leave 
>>you to investigate that. 

So it's clearly difficult to install.

The newsreader currently being tested in the Italian newsgroup is
 completely new, and unfinished. I've tried it. 
-- 
Remove numerics from my email address.

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#155252

Dave Royal <dave@dave123royal.com> Wrote in message:

> 
> The newsreader currently being tested in the Italian newsgroup is
>  completely new, and unfinished. I've tried it. 

The author of this new Made-in-Italy newsreader, MCSM, has now
 announced it on 
alt.comp.software.newsreaders

-- 
Remove numerics from my email address.

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#155306

In comp.mobile.android,news.software.readers Dave Royal
<dave@dave123royal.com> wrote:
>> The newsreader currently being tested in the Italian newsgroup is
>>  completely new, and unfinished. I've tried it. 
> 
> The author of this new Made-in-Italy newsreader, MCSM, has now
>  announced it on 
> alt.comp.software.newsreaders

From: MCSM <mcsm@despam.aleeas.com>
Newsgroups: alt.comp.software.newsreaders,alt.comp.freeware
Subject: NeReO 1.1 - a free, text-only Usenet reader for Android (GPLv3)
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:41:00 +0200
Organization: macomesiamomessi?
Message-ID: <1161qtg$3er12$1@news.usenet.ovh>
X-Newsreader: MesNews/1.08.06.00-it
Face:
iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAADAAAAAwAQAAAAB/ecQqAAAACXBIWXMAAA7DAAAOwwHHb6hkA
AAAsElEQVQYlX3OMQ6CUAwG4JeYyCYXMPYKjg4NHTyJ8QKyORBgks0rcBWiiVwD5AKP7Q2N2NenTsQ
uX9K0f34z6ZhZHFjqhNhSSUKXGFBioXoi1cINSU7ax64Q7oHhErgqfWBcKXajDx9cglB7NNol5OGcm
mK+0peGYwdmMhgJr+U6smAYUCHej4HeL/k4yMmCD4N/4PQulFnaChZPHsZzFYh/MGMGwjZTDHskJSf
41+wN4Py9CdDuDEsAAAAASUVORK5CYII=

A FEW WORDS ABOUT THIS PROJECT
First of all this is an *Italian Project* ;)

I built *NeReO* purely for my own enjoyment. I'm not a programmer - I
actually know nothing about coding. I wrote it with an AI assisting me
step by step (Claude, by Anthropic), learning as I went along.

It came out of a personal itch. I wasn't happy with the only two 
Android
newsreaders I could find: Piao Hong's NG Reader Mod 17 by Alfio, and 
Phonews
(which, to unlock posting, is payware). I wanted a clean, configurable,
text-only Usenet reader, and there wasn't one - so I made my own.

I'm happy to share it with anyone: it's free and open source (GPLv3),
you can use, copy and modify it freely. If it's useful to you, that
already makes me glad; if you find a bug or have an idea, drop me a 
line:
half of what works well today exists because someone took the trouble 
to
point it out.

Usenet Still Lives! ;)

Download (APK): https://ogy.de/37qd
Source (GPLv3): https://ogy.de/yngn
Readme_en.txt: https://ogy.de/zz9g
(all files are store in my Mega.nz account - these are the short links)

NeReO 1.1 - Ne(ws) Re(ader) O(pen-source)
A free, text-only Usenet (NNTP) newsreader for Android.

If you read Usenet from a phone and want discussions, not a binary
downloader: NeReO does text only. No binary groups, no attachments,
no ads, no telemetry. Free software, GPLv3. Interface in English and
Italian.

What it does:
 - Multi-server NNTP over SSL/TLS with authentication (RFC 3977/4643),
   automatic IPv6/IPv4 fallback.
 - Threaded view (JWZ on References), plus sequential and grouped
   views, and a continuous whole-thread view.
 - Scoring filter engine, slrn/Gnus style: contains/wildcard/regex on
   From, Subject, Message-ID, Xref and Body; per-group scope (wildmat);
   expiry; kill/hide/highlight/watch; kill-file import/export.
 - Posting: replies with quoting (four modes), crossposting,
   signatures, per-server identities, local drafts.
 - RFC 2047 headers, quoted-printable, base64, multiple charsets;
   Face/X-Face; ROT13; full headers.
 - Backup/restore of the configuration, with optional encryption.

New in 1.1:
 - In-app language switch (English / Italian), so you can change the
   language without touching the phone's locale - works down to
   Android 8.
 - Database safety net: if a future update or an older-APK downgrade
   makes the stored schema incompatible, NeReO now backs up the data
   and warns you instead of silently wiping it.

Requirements: Android 8.0 or later.

BTW, Any comments and bug reports welcome

-- 
MCSM
Now posting from MesNews
*Usenet Still Lives* !

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#155308

In comp.mobile.android,news.software.readers,alt.comp.software.newsreaders
Computer Nerd Kev <not@telling.you.invalid> wrote:
> Download (APK): https://ogy.de/37qd
> Source (GPLv3): https://ogy.de/yngn
> Readme_en.txt: https://ogy.de/zz9g

https://ogy.de/37qd
https://mega.nz/file/SJchhT7Q#6-OKR9F7H3ShCxVOlUpOZXRcvPzCoZzhJ-sXe9-IWHk
blob:https://mega.nz/f402e09f-8c96-4693-aabd-52e51bf6029f
Name: NeReO_1-0.apk
Size: 11820692 bytes (11 MiB)
CRC32: D7DC8EFA
CRC64: B82A07AA1010A0CF
SHA256: 27941594B0F56987E808B4DED03B1D974BF124EE4C15244219B433A1C49B6251
SHA1: 21D7D3C80FFF6B746906196C7840FEC9102041E5
BLAKE2sp: 1AF67BDEF0903A6CA1DC1897D11F29FAF92A4A3B76B8DACAF7EBF7C1D4E46B55
adb install ./applicazioni/NeReO_1-0.apk
Performing Streamed Install
Success
NeReO org.openusenet.reader Version 1.1 (41) 
No trackers
No loggers
Primary ABI arm64-v8a
Main activity org.openusenet.reader.ui.MainActivity
SELinux default:targetSdkVersion=35:complete
Activities .ui.MainActivity
Services androidx.room.MultiInstanceInvalidationService
Receivers androidx.profileinstaller.ProfileInstallReceiver
Providers androidx.startup.InitializationProvider
Uses permissions android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE
 org.openusenet.reader.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION
 android.permission.INTERNET
Permissions android.permission.DUMP 
 .DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION
Shared libs libandroidx.graphics.path.so
Signatures C=39,ST=UD,L=Udine,O=MaComeSiamoMessi,OU=MCSM,CN=M.B.
 Issuer: C=39,ST=UD,L=Udine,O=MaComeSiamoMessi,OU=MCSM,CN=M.B.
 Issued date: Wed Jul 22 05:10:18 PDT 2026
 Expiry date: Sun Jul 16 04:10:18 PST 2051
 Type: X.509, Version: 1, Validity: Valid
 Serial number: 01
 Checksums
  MD5: f7a56414697474bb4dfdc0b94f2a300c
  SHA-1: d9fd93445b6e3e849d4edf11bff7fae9932bcafe
  SHA-256: 99e317c8efc749bf9e8b15c724e788711d9b9d00d405d0099109bf7beb0eff29
Launch activity org.openusenet.reader.ui.MainActivity
NeReO Welcome! 
1. Set up a server (top-right icon)
2. Subscribe to groups using the + button
   Servers (name host port usessl/tls user(optional) password(optional)
    Known servers Eternal September, Solani, OVH, tcpreset, Paganini(BOFH)
   Filters
   Identity and signature
   Appearance
   Maintenance and backup
   About
   Drafts
   What's new
   Quit application

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#155322

In news.software.readers Computer Nerd Kev <not@telling.you.invalid> wrote:
> In comp.mobile.android,news.software.readers,alt.comp.software.newsreaders
> Computer Nerd Kev <not@telling.you.invalid> wrote:

Note that these posts sent from news.tcpreset.net were not sent
by me. I'm not sure if this is a deliberate attempt to advertise
the newsreader by pretending others are recommending it, or the AI
slopcode in it is so bad it confused the author's From header with
mine when they tried to post using it. Either way, I'd avoid it.

The original "Computer Nerd Kev <not@telling.you.invalid>" is
currently only posting from the server at news.ausics.net.

-- 
__          __
#_ < |\| |< _#

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#155328

Computer Nerd Kev <not@telling.you.invalid> Wrote in message:

> In news.software.readers Computer Nerd Kev <not@telling.you.invalid> wrote:
>> In comp.mobile.android,news.software.readers,alt.comp.software.newsreaders
>> Computer Nerd Kev <not@telling.you.invalid> wrote:
> 
> Note that these posts sent from news.tcpreset.net were not sent
> by me. I'm not sure if this is a deliberate attempt to advertise
> the newsreader by pretending others are recommending it, or the AI
> slopcode in it is so bad it confused the author's From header with
> mine when they tried to post using it. Either way, I'd avoid it.

Strange. I recommend anyone interested in NeReO to follow its
 progress in it.tlc.cellulari.android. There is a new version
 every day - two yesterday! I think it suits phones more than
 tablets; on my 10" tablet it's still work in progress. The source
 is available.

mod.PiaoHong, which I use, hasn't been updated since it was
 created in 2024 from a 10yo app that was still in the PlayStore
 but no longer worked. It was made (by Alfio from the same NG) by
 decompiling the APK and minimally modifying it to run on the then
 latest version of Android. (I modified mine further to remove the
 advertising banner.) I run it on Android 13 and I know folk who
 run it on more recent devices but IDK if it's installable on
 Android 17. 

It's ages since I installed it but IIRC:
- you allow installation of non-playstore apps somewhere in
 settings, security
- it says it won't install; you tap 'More info' and 'install anyway'
- before running it you have to give it permissions manually to
 access the filestore - files? photos?  

It's usable. The main weakness is the lack of easy or effective
 filtering. (NeReO looks like being better in that area - e.g a
 Plonk button.)

-- 
Remove numerics from my email address.

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#155194

Jeff Layman wrote:
> On 22/08/2026 13:41, Jim the Geordie wrote:
>> 
>> Are there any good new readers for androids?
> 
> Piaohong is just about acceptable for /reading/. Posting is another 
> matter. It doesn't appear to be available at the Playstore any more.

If by "newsreaders" we mean the ability to read & post with an app, there's
a group for that which showed in the past more than one Android newsreader.
   news.software.readers

This discussion comes up every year, and there are multiple newsreaders,
where it boils down to which is the least worst of those newsreaders.

In addition, there are web pages if READING is truly the only goal.

 <https://www.planetusenet.com/groups/comp.mobile.android>
 <https://tinyurl.com/pug-comp-mobile-android>
 <https://i2pn2.pugleaf.net/groups/comp.mobile.android>
 <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android> <== still works as of 6/2026
 <https://comp.mobile.android.narkive.com/>
 <https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/comp.mobile.android
 <https://groups.google.com/g/comp.mobile.android>
 <https://www.novabbs.com/tech/thread.php?group=comp.mobile.android>

But I haven't checked those in a while as most are likely deprecated.

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#155217

On 22/08/2026 18:26, Maria Sophia wrote:
> Jeff Layman wrote:
>> On 22/08/2026 13:41, Jim the Geordie wrote:
>>>
>>> Are there any good new readers for androids?
>>
>> Piaohong is just about acceptable for /reading/. Posting is another
>> matter. It doesn't appear to be available at the Playstore any more.
> 
> If by "newsreaders" we mean the ability to read & post with an app, there's
> a group for that which showed in the past more than one Android newsreader.
>     news.software.readers
> 
> This discussion comes up every year, and there are multiple newsreaders,
> where it boils down to which is the least worst of those newsreaders.
> 
> In addition, there are web pages if READING is truly the only goal.

>   <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android> <== still works as of 6/2026

It's unfortunately not available in the UK unless a VPN is used:
"Blocked due to UK Online Safety Act"

-- 
Jeff

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#155218

Jeff Layman wrote:
>> In addition, there are web pages if READING is truly the only goal.
>>   <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android> <== still works as of 6/2026
> 
> It's unfortunately not available in the UK unless a VPN is used:
> "Blocked due to UK Online Safety Act"

Hi Jeff,

Oh, wow. Really? That sucks. 

What the heck is "online safety" when it comes to Usenet? WTF? 
They're idiots.

I just looked and it works for me (in the USA, in California).
 <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android> 

I'm going to guess that since porn is on Usenet (as porn is everywhere),
that "the UK authorities" decided to lock up all of Usenet, in their
infinite wisdom in applying their sick so-called morals to others?

Dunno... 

Why else would Usenet web archives be blocked to UK owners?

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#155226

On 23/08/2026 16:12, Maria Sophia wrote:
> Jeff Layman wrote:
>>> In addition, there are web pages if READING is truly the only goal.
>>>    <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android> <== still works as of 6/2026
>>
>> It's unfortunately not available in the UK unless a VPN is used:
>> "Blocked due to UK Online Safety Act"
> 
> Hi Jeff,
> 
> Oh, wow. Really? That sucks.
> 
> What the heck is "online safety" when it comes to Usenet? WTF?
> They're idiots.
> 
> I just looked and it works for me (in the USA, in California).
>   <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android>
> 
> I'm going to guess that since porn is on Usenet (as porn is everywhere),
> that "the UK authorities" decided to lock up all of Usenet, in their
> infinite wisdom in applying their sick so-called morals to others?
> 
> Dunno...
> 
> Why else would Usenet web archives be blocked to UK owners?

Have a look at the first couple of sections here:
<https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-safety-act-explainer/online-safety-act-explainer>

The problem is really the final paragraph of "Who the Act applies to". 
This is why Newsgrouper has cut off access by anyone in the UK 
(generally based on IP address).

And it could get even tougher. At 
<https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/170/communications-and-digital-committee/news/217266/online-safety-act-inquiry-launched-by-committee/>, 
published on 27 July, it states "However, serious concerns have been 
raised that the regime is currently ineffective. Ofcom, the regulator 
charged with its implementation and enforcement, has faced criticism for 
not going far enough or fast enough in its efforts to hold online 
services and tech companies to account."

Mission creep, eh?...

-- 
Jeff

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#155231

On Sun 23/08/2026 18:51, Jeff Layman wrote:
> On 23/08/2026 16:12, Maria Sophia wrote:
>> Jeff Layman wrote:
>>>> In addition, there are web pages if READING is truly the only goal.
>>>>    <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android> <== still works as 
>>>> of 6/2026
>>>
>>> It's unfortunately not available in the UK unless a VPN is used:
>>> "Blocked due to UK Online Safety Act"
>>
>> Hi Jeff,
>>
>> Oh, wow. Really? That sucks.
>>
>> What the heck is "online safety" when it comes to Usenet? WTF?
>> They're idiots.
>>
>> I just looked and it works for me (in the USA, in California).
>>   <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android>
>>
>> I'm going to guess that since porn is on Usenet (as porn is everywhere),
>> that "the UK authorities" decided to lock up all of Usenet, in their
>> infinite wisdom in applying their sick so-called morals to others?
>>
>> Dunno...
>>
>> Why else would Usenet web archives be blocked to UK owners?
> 
> Have a look at the first couple of sections here:
> <https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-safety-act-explainer/ 
> online-safety-act-explainer>
> 
> The problem is really the final paragraph of "Who the Act applies to". 
> This is why Newsgrouper has cut off access by anyone in the UK 
> (generally based on IP address).
> 
> And it could get even tougher. At <https://committees.parliament.uk/ 
> committee/170/communications-and-digital-committee/news/217266/online- 
> safety-act-inquiry-launched-by-committee/>, published on 27 July, it 
> states "However, serious concerns have been raised that the regime is 
> currently ineffective. Ofcom, the regulator charged with its 
> implementation and enforcement, has faced criticism for not going far 
> enough or fast enough in its efforts to hold online services and tech 
> companies to account."
> 
> Mission creep, eh?...
> 

Try using Eternal-September. I have not found any problems with it i 
nearly 20 years.

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#155234

As of Sun, 23 Aug 2026 20:13:25 +0100, Woody wrote:
> Try using Eternal-September. I have not found any problems with it i 
> nearly 20 years.

Where is the searchable ES webpage archive you speak of which allows anyone
(not just Ray Banana's subscribers) to search & reference Usenet articles?

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#155235

On 23/08/2026 20:13, Woody wrote:
> On Sun 23/08/2026 18:51, Jeff Layman wrote:
>> On 23/08/2026 16:12, Maria Sophia wrote:
>>> Jeff Layman wrote:
>>>>> In addition, there are web pages if READING is truly the only goal.
>>>>>    <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android> <== still works as 
>>>>> of 6/2026
>>>>
>>>> It's unfortunately not available in the UK unless a VPN is used:
>>>> "Blocked due to UK Online Safety Act"
>>>
>>> Hi Jeff,
>>>
>>> Oh, wow. Really? That sucks.
>>>
>>> What the heck is "online safety" when it comes to Usenet? WTF?
>>> They're idiots.
>>>
>>> I just looked and it works for me (in the USA, in California).
>>>   <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android>
>>>
>>> I'm going to guess that since porn is on Usenet (as porn is everywhere),
>>> that "the UK authorities" decided to lock up all of Usenet, in their
>>> infinite wisdom in applying their sick so-called morals to others?
>>>
>>> Dunno...
>>>
>>> Why else would Usenet web archives be blocked to UK owners?
>>
>> Have a look at the first couple of sections here:
>> <https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-safety-act-explainer/ online-safety-act-explainer>
>>
>> The problem is really the final paragraph of "Who the Act applies to". 
>> This is why Newsgrouper has cut off access by anyone in the UK 
>> (generally based on IP address).
>>
>> And it could get even tougher. At <https://committees.parliament.uk/ 
>> committee/170/communications-and-digital-committee/news/217266/online- 
>> safety-act-inquiry-launched-by-committee/>, published on 27 July, it 
>> states "However, serious concerns have been raised that the regime is 
>> currently ineffective. Ofcom, the regulator charged with its 
>> implementation and enforcement, has faced criticism for not going far 
>> enough or fast enough in its efforts to hold online services and tech 
>> companies to account."
>>
>> Mission creep, eh?...
>>
> 
> Try using Eternal-September. I have not found any problems with it i 
> nearly 20 years.

Its fine, but the question was readers for mobile devices. "newsgrouper" 
has web pages that work on a mobile device, eternal september doesn't


Davr

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#155238

On Sun, 23 Aug 2026 07:12:11 -0800, Maria Sophia
<mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

>Jeff Layman wrote:
>>> In addition, there are web pages if READING is truly the only goal.
>>>   <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android> <== still works as of 6/2026
>> 
>> It's unfortunately not available in the UK unless a VPN is used:
>> "Blocked due to UK Online Safety Act"
>
>Hi Jeff,
>
>Oh, wow. Really? That sucks. 
>
>What the heck is "online safety" when it comes to Usenet? WTF? 
>They're idiots.
>
>I just looked and it works for me (in the USA, in California).
> <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android> 
>
>I'm going to guess that since porn is on Usenet (as porn is everywhere),
>that "the UK authorities" decided to lock up all of Usenet, in their
>infinite wisdom in applying their sick so-called morals to others?
>
Do you think that nobody in the UK is on Usenet?

What happened is that some non-UK organisations thought it was easier
to block access to those in the UK rather than try to meet the
requirements of the Act.

>Dunno... 
>
>Why else would Usenet web archives be blocked to UK owners?

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#155240

Trolleybus <ken@birchanger.com> posted:

> On Sun, 23 Aug 2026 07:12:11 -0800, Maria Sophia
> <mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:
> 
> >Jeff Layman wrote:
> >>> In addition, there are web pages if READING is truly the only goal.
> >>>   <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android> <== still works as of 6/2026
> >> 
> >> It's unfortunately not available in the UK unless a VPN is used:
> >> "Blocked due to UK Online Safety Act"
> >
> >Hi Jeff,
> >
> >Oh, wow. Really? That sucks. 
> >
> >What the heck is "online safety" when it comes to Usenet? WTF? 
> >They're idiots.
> >
> >I just looked and it works for me (in the USA, in California).
> > <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android> 
> >
> >I'm going to guess that since porn is on Usenet (as porn is everywhere),
> >that "the UK authorities" decided to lock up all of Usenet, in their
> >infinite wisdom in applying their sick so-called morals to others?
> >
> Do you think that nobody in the UK is on Usenet?
> 
> What happened is that some non-UK organisations thought it was easier
> to block access to those in the UK rather than try to meet the
> requirements of the Act.

Newsgrouper.org is my site, I'm just an individual not an organisation
with a legal team, and I *am* in the UK so it would be risky for me to 
ignore UK law.  The Online Safety Act applies to all services accessible
in the UK which provide "User to user" communication facilities.
The requirements of the Online Safety Act are far-reaching but not
very clearly defined, and the penalties for non-compliance can be
severe.

When the act was introduced I spent considerable time studying it.
The official guidance produced by Ofcom runs to a few thousand pages!
You are required to undertake and document complicated reviews of
your service across many specified potential risk areas.  You are
then required to respond any reports of such problems and remove
anything problematic.  BUT you also have a duty to preserve your users'
rights to free speech.  There are no clear definitions of where the
line between these potentially conflicting obligations should be drawn.

To take just one example, the legality of "assisted dying" has been a
live political issue here in the last few years.  But aid or
encouragement to commit suicide is one of the types of speech strictly
forbidden by the OSA.  It is easy to imagine discussion of the general
question being attacked by opponents of assisted dying and reported
as a violation of the act.

So I reached the conclusion that the only practical course for me was
to block access to my site from my own country :-(

-- 
Colin Macleod ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ https://cmacleod.me.uk

FEED GAZA NOW!  SAVE GAZA NOW!  HOUSE GAZA NOW!  FEED GAZA NOW!

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#155242

Colin Macleod wrote:
> Trolleybus <ken@birchanger.com> posted:
> 
>> On Sun, 23 Aug 2026 07:12:11 -0800, Maria Sophia
>> <mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:
>> 
>>>Jeff Layman wrote:
>>>>> In addition, there are web pages if READING is truly the only goal.
>>>>>   <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android> <== still works as of 6/2026
>>>> 
>>>> It's unfortunately not available in the UK unless a VPN is used:
>>>> "Blocked due to UK Online Safety Act"
>>>
>>>Hi Jeff,
>>>
>>>Oh, wow. Really? That sucks. 
>>>
>>>What the heck is "online safety" when it comes to Usenet? WTF? 
>>>They're idiots.
>>>
>>>I just looked and it works for me (in the USA, in California).
>>> <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android> 
>>>
>>>I'm going to guess that since porn is on Usenet (as porn is everywhere),
>>>that "the UK authorities" decided to lock up all of Usenet, in their
>>>infinite wisdom in applying their sick so-called morals to others?
>>>
>> Do you think that nobody in the UK is on Usenet?
>> 
>> What happened is that some non-UK organisations thought it was easier
>> to block access to those in the UK rather than try to meet the
>> requirements of the Act.
> 
> Newsgrouper.org is my site, I'm just an individual not an organisation
> with a legal team, and I *am* in the UK so it would be risky for me to 
> ignore UK law.  The Online Safety Act applies to all services accessible
> in the UK which provide "User to user" communication facilities.
> The requirements of the Online Safety Act are far-reaching but not
> very clearly defined, and the penalties for non-compliance can be
> severe.
> 
> When the act was introduced I spent considerable time studying it.
> The official guidance produced by Ofcom runs to a few thousand pages!
> You are required to undertake and document complicated reviews of
> your service across many specified potential risk areas.  You are
> then required to respond any reports of such problems and remove
> anything problematic.  BUT you also have a duty to preserve your users'
> rights to free speech.  There are no clear definitions of where the
> line between these potentially conflicting obligations should be drawn.
> 
> To take just one example, the legality of "assisted dying" has been a
> live political issue here in the last few years.  But aid or
> encouragement to commit suicide is one of the types of speech strictly
> forbidden by the OSA.  It is easy to imagine discussion of the general
> question being attacked by opponents of assisted dying and reported
> as a violation of the act.
> 
> So I reached the conclusion that the only practical course for me was
> to block access to my site from my own country :-(

Colin Macleod wrote:
> So I reached the conclusion that the only practical course for me was
> to block access to my site from my own country :-(

Hi Colin Macleod,

I am the culprit who brought your wonderful site up, initially in the c.m.a
ng, to provide an answer to the question of *read-only* on mobile devices.

   From: Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com>
   Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android,news.software.readers
   Subject: Re: Mobile USENET readers
   Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:26:24 -0800
   Message-ID: <116cm3v$gik$1@nnrp.usenet.blueworldhosting.com>
 
   Jeff Layman wrote:
   > On 22/08/2026 13:41, Jim the Geordie wrote:
   >> 
   >> Are there any good new readers for androids?
   > 
   > Piaohong is just about acceptable for /reading/. Posting is another 
   > matter. It doesn't appear to be available at the Playstore any more.

   If by "newsreaders" we mean the ability to read & post with an app, 
   there's a group for that which showed in the past more than just that 
   one Android newsreader, namely news.software.readers

   This discussion comes up every year & there are multiple newsreaders,
   where it boils down to which is the least worst of those newsreaders.

   In addition, there are web pages if READING is truly the only goal.
   <https://www.planetusenet.com/groups/comp.mobile.android>
   <https://tinyurl.com/pug-comp-mobile-android>
   <https://i2pn2.pugleaf.net/groups/comp.mobile.android>
   <https://newsgrouper.org/comp.mobile.android> still works as of 6/2026
   <https://comp.mobile.android.narkive.com/>
   <https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/comp.mobile.android
   <https://groups.google.com/g/comp.mobile.android>
   <https://www.novabbs.com/tech/thread.php?group=comp.mobile.android>
   But I haven't checked those in a while as most are likely deprecated.

The record shows that on news.admin.peering, I was also who asked Retro 
Guy (RIP) to build the novabbs newsreaders to allow the hoi polloi
non-fettered web-based search-based read-only access to Usenet archives.

And I was instrumental (unfortunately) by accidentally getting Google to 
drop Google Groups, as I had an insider who helped me in the past
get them to change their URL to the simpler one seen above.

I complained to Google (internally, through my informal contact), 
and the informal answer came back that certain management levels
didn't even *know* about the Google Groups web archive, so they
killed the update around February 2022 wiping out the whole group.

My friend was a casualty, which is one more arrow in the back 
for "no good deed goes unpunished" when dealing with bureaucracy.

As for your predicament, I didn't know anything about it, so I 
apologize as I had blamed the authorities, and, well, it's still
the authorities in the UK being pig-headed, but you are simply
dealing with how one individual handles those bureaucratic morons.

We had something similar happen to us in the USA around July 2008
when then NY governor Baby Cuomo teamed up with AT&T and AOL for a 
political "save the children" stunt by wiping out Usenet on those 
platforms (luckily, over time, people saw the duplicity in Cuomo).

Slowly but surely, the deceitful bureaucrats are gutting Usenet.
You are the victim, as are we.

We *need* a non-registration non-nntp web-searchable Usenet archive!
May I ask all involved, does one exist that works also in the UK?

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#155248

On 24/08/2026 15:42, Maria Sophia wrote:

> We *need* a non-registration non-nntp web-searchable Usenet archive!
> May I ask all involved, does one exist that works also in the UK?

<https://csiph.com/search>

It goes back about 11 years or so.

-- 
Jeff

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