Want to Avoid Malware on Your Android Phone? Try the F-Droid App Store
In the early days of Android, co-founder Andy Rubin set the stage for the fledgling mobile operating system. Android’s mission was to create smarter mobile devices, ones that were more aware of their owner’s behavior and location.“If people are smart,” Rubin told Business Week in 2003, “that information starts getting aggregated into consumer products.” A decade and a half later, that goal has become a reality: Android-powered gadgets are in the hands of billions and are loaded with software shipped by Google, the world’s largest ad broker. Our work at Yale Privacy Lab, made possible by Exodus Privacy’s app scanning software, revealed a huge problem with the Android app ecosystem. Google’s defective privacy and security controls have been made painfully real by a recent investigation into location tracking, massive outbreaks of malware, unwanted cryptomining, and our work on hidden trackers. As Android builds rolled out, however, it became clear that Rubin’s baby contained very little GNU, a vital anchor that keeps GNU/Linux operating systems transparent via a licensing strategy called copyleft, which requires modifications to be made available to end-users and prohibits proprietary derivatives.
Nearly All Google Pixel Phones Exposed by Unpatched Flaw in Hidden Android App
Around 125 Android apps tracked user behaviour to run a million-dollar ad scam
Hack Brief: Beware the Spammy Pokemon Go Apps Being Pushed to Millions of iPhones
Discover Related
Google Play apps with North Korean malware found: Report
South Korea removes DeepSeek from app stores pending privacy review
Apple charged with abuse of power over app tracking tool by German regulator
Fake Apps & URLs: How Cybercriminals Manipulate Brands & How to Fight Back
Apple lashes out at iPhone porn app maker and the EU rules allowing its download
UK watchdog targets Apple, Google mobile ecosystems with new digital market powers
Court rules Android privacy case against Google can go ahead
Apple’s app store puts kids a click away from a slew of inappropriate apps
Union Govt to launch 3 apps and platforms to protect consumers in digital marketplace
Protect yourself from cybercriminals, delete THESE apps before it's too late
Why Spotify is banning users? Here’s why Modded apps are a big No-No!
Android 15 users alert: Government flags high-risk security threats
Google is releasing huge new Android update early – to fix a major problem with phones
Telangana: Cyber Fraudsters Target Citizens with Fake PM Schemes Apps
How to find and delete unused apps on your Android device? Smart tips
Google's AI-Fueled Profits Continue Despite Regulatory Threats
Google tools to combat mobile phone theft start rolling out to users
Indian Government Issues High Severity Warning for Android Users