Safer to install big tech apps or use browser only for privacy?

Gruntz

So, I’m fairly new to the graphene system, and I’m wondering if it’s safe to install the big tech apps on a specific user profile or is it safer to use only the web browser versions?

I’ve noticed that if I try to use FB and want to read or send messages when I’m trying it on the browser, it seems to want me to download the messenger app, which kind of defeats the purpose if I’m trying to stay only in the browser.

I know that the sandboxing in graphene is supposed to block all the traffic and pings from these big tech apps when they’re trying to track across multiple apps and a browser, and I’m just wondering if that’s still good enough to not have to worry about apps trying to collect more data than I necessarily want?

EverettHitch

Gruntz I know that the sandboxing in graphene is supposed to block all the traffic and pings from these big tech apps

This is not correct, even on GrapheneOS they are perfectly capable of doing this.

Running those services on the web doesn't collect as much information, that is not to say they are benign. But in general webapps/webpages do not have all capabilities available to native apps also in respect to tracking.

ErnestThornhill

Gruntz I know that the sandboxing in graphene is supposed to block all the traffic and pings from these big tech apps when they’re trying to track across multiple apps and a browser

This is not at all true. I highly suggest you familiarize yourself with the GrapheneOS website; especially this section: https://grapheneos.org/features#sandboxed-google-play.

ShoulderSurfin

I would install all Meta apps in a separate profile by themselves.

Vsratoslav

In webapp, but browser must be set accordingly - configured ublock with applied configurations within, decentaleyes, canvas blocker, privacy badger addons must be working as well. Best browser for that is Fennec

EverettHitch

Vsratoslav from privacy standpoint maybe, from security pov absolutely not. The more addons you add, the more unique it makes you. You want to blend in. It doesn't look like you want to give up on scripts and native apps are even more evil. Use chrome based browser.

Vsratoslav

EverettHitch if i stand out with the ton of addons it is not a security issue, but privacy, you're confusing concepts. Or you can tell me how it is insecure?

EverettHitch

Vsratoslav read this https://grapheneos.org/usage#web-browsing

Vsratoslav

EverettHitch when you use default browser they see nearly a thousand identifiers. Go to browser fingerprint testing sites and see them all. They differ with every device and doing uncomplicated manipulations with data they have, find you easily. With 4 addons that removes identifiers, they can identify only that SOMEBODY uses 4 addons. Which is more secure?

ErnestThornhill

@EverettHitch and @Vsratoslav, out of respect for the OP, let's continue your discussion elsewhere since it's starting to stray from the topic of their question.

Vsratoslav

ErnestThornhill we are discussing exactly what OP is asking.

EverettHitch

ErnestThornhill if you chose to run web apps as opposed to native apps, it is important that you do it in secure browser which gecko based browsers aren't. Your argumentative behaviour is what diarupts diacuasion.