Michael Veale

Today, part of Google’s new Play Rules come into force, banning VPN apps which affect ads or tracking, seemingly including those affecting DNS queries to include an ad block list like PiHole does. No vested interest in those rules, clearly, from the company with their trackers in 87.6% of Android apps! (@RDBinns et al. arxiv.org/pdf/1804.03603v3.pdf) support.google.com/googleplay/…

Only apps that use the VpnService and have VPN as their core functionality can create a secure device-level tunnel to a remote server. Exceptions include apps that require a remote server for core functionality such as: (paraphrased) parental control, usage tracking, device security, network tools, web browsing, carrier apps.

The VpnService cannot be used to: Collect personal and sensitive user data without prominent disclosure and consent; Redirect or manipulate user traffic from other apps on a device for monetization purposes (for example, redirecting ads traffic through a country different than that of the user); Manipulate ads that can impact apps monetization.

@RDBinns

in reply to Michael Veale

IzzyOnDroid ✅

in reply to Michael Veale • 2 years ago • •

G: if your entire business model is built on 💩 it stinks… 🙊 I mean: If G deems such drastic actions necessary it shows these apps must be at least somehow effective, huh?

So should you miss them: Welcome to #FDroid 😉 You might miss some "other" apps there – but then you won't find trackers and ad-bombing either 😁

#fdroid