Opening my weather app this morning I was greeted by this warning:
Google has announced that, starting in 2026/2027, all apps on certified Android devices will require the developer to submit personal identity details directly to Google. Since the developers of this app do not agree to this requirement, this app will no longer work on certified Android devices after that time.
It’s the first time I hear about this, seems to be about:
Cirrus app: Github
Was this a big thing I somehow missed? I hope more devs will follow suit.
They’re baking this right in the package installer of android, it goes beyond play services. I have my doubts that this will pass in the EU
But that begs the same question. If you never update your existing phone with google’s malware, you should be ok.
Obviously if you buy a new phone that’s already infected you’re screwed unless you can flash a new ROM on there.
My point is. People’s current phones do not have this malware on it yet. If you disable updates and/or degoogle, your device should continue to work as is. Perhaps without being able to use Google Play Store, but honestly that’s not huge loss for anyone that cares about this stuff in the first place.
True, but using a phone and never updating it likely leaves you open to other malware/attacks sadly.
That’s a bet I would rather take given the alternative.
I don’t want any big tech shit on any of my devices. Microsoft, Google, Meta, X, etc can all eat a dick. I have zero trust in any of em.