1. Google apps require Google Play Services (GSF) to be installed. However, GSF is not a privledged app on GOS, so you can greatly restrict its permissions. My GSF only has access to network and phone permissions so I can use Google Messages RCS. However, both these apps can be installed as web apps (go to the website on the browser and click the three dots and click on add to home screen), which have way less access to what else is on your phone.
  2. Use the snapchat web app. But for apps where that isn't possible, all you can do is revoke permissions that the app doesn't need.
  3. Assuming the Garmin app has network access, Garmin can read your notifications. Personally I wouldn't share my notifications with my watch, because notifications contain pretty much all our personal data.
  4. Using Google on vanadium is better than using it on Google Chrome, but they can still use cookies or fingerprinting to build a profile on you. (And you can't disable first party cookies).
  5. Contacts can be stored locally or on the cloud, as with stock android. All these contacts should be visible to the stock contacts app, but you will have to use a seperate app to sync with your cloud contacts provider. Personally, I store my contacts locally and create a backup manually maybe once a month. Worst case, I message a mutual friend to get their contact info again.

    vincente213

    Thank you for a detailed reply!

    1: I'm not sure what a web app is and how to install those. For now, I've installed all apps from the Aurora store without logging in. But I'll take a look at the permissions for GSF and see how restricted I can make it without bricking the apps.

    2: I'll probably just kill it, seeing how much it tracks me.

    3: I did a little digging. According to Garmin no notification data goes to their servers. It's just a bluetooth connection between the phone and the watch. So I guess it comes down to how much I trust that...

    4: Even if Im going through a VPN?

    5: I think I'm getting a Proton account with a drive. That should do it.

        linuxaki88

        Thank you for replying!

        1: That's ok, I'm willing to give up some data for convenience.

        2: I think I might just kill it...

        3: I did a little digging. According to Garmin no notification data goes to their servers. It's just a bluetooth connection between the phone and the watch. So I guess it comes down to how much I trust that...

        4: I'll probably use a VPN all the time so that seems ok.

          DjBeau We're always happy to help here

          A web app is basically a bookmarked website that looks like an app on your home screen and looks like an app when you open it, but its actually just a website, which means it is isolated from other apps on your phone (normal apps can communicate with each other).

          As for privacy with a VPN, they dont block cookies, and regardless, there are many other ways to identify a user. See for yourself here. If you never log in or provide any personal information, they cant associate your searches with you, but they can associate them with each other.

          If you prefer google search results, consider alternative frontends like Startpage. They'll get you the same results, but wont send google all your fingerprinted data and cookies.

              DjBeau for 5 I'd like to mention you can export and import your contacts in the settings, as a file

                19 days later

                linuxaki88 I will restrict dynamic code loading, block native code debugging etc (if u do that maybe the app will crush, you have to try)

                Why does activating those two options enhance the security of GOS?

                  DjBeau Using DAVx5, you can sync your contacts to any service that supports CardDAV. I have mine with Mailbox.org (my email service provider).