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Groups > comp.os.linux.advocacy > #687639

Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app

From Marion <marion@facts.com>
Newsgroups alt.comp.os.windows-10, alt.privacy.anon-server, comp.mobile.android, comp.os.linux.advocacy
Subject Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app
Date 2025-03-19 03:13 +0000
Organization BWH Usenet Archive (https://usenet.blueworldhosting.com)
Message-ID <vrdcpg$ug5$1@nnrp.usenet.blueworldhosting.com> (permalink)
References (2 earlier) <d9qdtj9pe2ik9ontsjbn6bvoht46bg63tf@4ax.com> <chflalxlni.ln2@Telcontar.valinor> <buhgtjhuf38a8926k7tuv4mdvklnj61t8u@4ax.com> <ng6malx7dq.ln2@Telcontar.valinor> <filjtjp37usese9rfta97bnet1pmmkenas@4ax.com>

Cross-posted to 4 groups.

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On Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:38:14 -0400, micky wrote :


> So, since afaik I use the normal keyboard,  the question is whether the
> google suggestions of how to finish the text in the search box come only
> from what is in my computer, or from elsewhere too.   

If you want privacy, you have to replace Google apps with 1:1 equivalents.
 <https://www.androidauthority.com/heliboard-gboard-alternative-3505462/>
 <https://www.ghacks.net/2021/06/01/openboard-is-a-privacy-friendly-keyboard-for-android/>
 <https://developer.zebra.com/blog/using-openboard-keyboard-replacement-google-gboard> 
 <https://www.linuxlinks.com/openboard-keyboard-aosp/>

> The breadth of suggestions tells me they couldn't all be found in my
> little computer.   I don't remember any examples right now, but as soon
> as I do a google seach again, I'm sure I'll see some.  And not just
> google, Bing too!

The OpenBoard keyboard does not send your typing data to remote servers.
Gboard, by nature of its integration with Google services, collects data.

It's easy to tell. Turn off your Wi-Fi & cellular data. Try both out.

Openboard is designed to function offline, where Gboard requires internet
access for many of its features.

I looked up the URL for people to benefit from my actions, & just noticed
OpenBoard is discontinued, even as it works just fine on my Samsung. 
 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenBoard_(keyboard)>
 <https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard>
 <https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard/releases/tag/v1.4.5>
 <https://github.com/openboard-team/openboard/releases/download/v1.4.5/app-release.apk>

Some open-source privacy-aware replacements? Dunno. Searching I find these:

 *HeliBoard*
 <https://github.com/Helium314/HeliBoard>
 <https://github.com/Helium314/HeliBoard/releases/download/v2.3/HeliBoard_2.3-release.apk>

 *AnySoftKeyboard*
 <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.menny.android.anysoftkeyboard>

 *FlorisBoard*
 <https://github.com/florisboard/florisboard>

Years ago I had tested all the free keyboards, and settled on OpenBoard.
Maybe it's time to change?

Dunno, but anyone using Gboard should have no expectation of privacy.

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Thread

How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app anon <anon@invalid.info> - 2025-03-16 14:22 +0100
  Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app Retro Guy <retroguy@novabbs.org> - 2025-03-16 13:47 +0000
    Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app CrudeSausage <crude@sausa.ge> - 2025-03-16 10:20 -0400
      Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app Marion <marion@facts.com> - 2025-03-16 18:00 +0000
        Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app Marion <marion@facts.com> - 2025-03-16 18:16 +0000
          Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app Marion <marion@facts.com> - 2025-03-16 20:51 +0000
            Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app Jeff Layman <Jeff@invalid.invalid> - 2025-03-17 14:04 +0000
              Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app Marion <marion@facts.com> - 2025-03-17 20:55 +0000
                Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app black hats <tipped@partners.invalid> - 2025-03-18 09:52 +0100
        Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app Marion <marion@facts.com> - 2025-03-17 21:07 +0000
          Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app Nomen Nescio <nobody@dizum.com> - 2025-03-20 17:33 +0100
    Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2025-03-16 11:10 -0400
      Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app "R.Wieser" <address@is.invalid> - 2025-03-17 14:43 +0100
      Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app Marion <marion@facts.com> - 2025-03-17 21:16 +0000
      Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app Marion <marion@facts.com> - 2025-03-19 03:13 +0000
  Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app bad sector <forgetski@_INVALID.net> - 2025-03-16 17:28 -0400
  Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> - 2025-03-18 12:09 +0100
    Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app Marion <marion@facts.com> - 2025-03-18 14:37 +0000
  Re: How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app CrudeSausage <crude@sausa.ge> - 2025-03-18 10:56 -0400

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