Wwetop
- Joined Feb 22, 2023
Thank you for the reply @233328
233328 It doesn't. You can revoke the Sensors permission for all three of the Google apps (Play Services, Play Store and Services Framework) safely.
Edit for clarity: the notification permission isn't required either, it just might be useful, for example in the case that you use the Play Store for updates. Either way it's not a sensitive permission.
My Google Play services has 'Network', Google Play Store has 'Network' and 'Notifications', and Google Services Framework again has 'Network' access.
233328 Something else you might want to check: go into Settings > Apps > Special app access > Wi-Fi control > Disable it for Google apps and any other app you don't fully trust, if you haven't already done so. It's automatically granted to apps that request it since it isn't considered to be a dangerous permission but it's still sensitive and isn't necessary at all in many cases.
Thanks for the tip, I disabled for the three Google apps. I also revoked for one of my bank apps, not sure it would need that access. Currently F-Droid, Proton VPN and Signal all have Wi-Fi control allowed.
- Edited
Thank you for the replies @matchboxbananasynergy and @[deleted].
matchboxbananasynergy A few of the apps you're mentioning may require Play Services to work or to provide certain functionality. If you're going to be using Sandboxed Google Play for app compatibility, I would personally also use Play Store with a dummy account made especially for that purpose. Aurora Store can be used as well, although it's not always ideal for a few reasons, including the fact that apps can refuse to work if not installed through Play Store itself.
This is the approach I have gone with now. I have installed Google Play for compatibility but also use Aurora Store. This google account is only used on this phone.
matchboxbananasynergy I hope that helps. Welcome aboard!
Yes, it does help, thank you again.
[deleted] I would just add that if you will decide to install Play services etc., these has to be installed prior to installation of other apps that depends on it
Thank you, this is approach I have taken.
matchboxbananasynergy An app doesn't need Play Services to send data to Google, they can include Google libraries and run Google code, and while it's true that you can turn an app's Network permission off, a lot, if not most of the apps that require Play Services for their functionality will fundamentally be apps that require network access for their core functions, so revoking the network permission from it is likely out of the question.
I currently have Google Play services with just Network permission and Google Play Store with Network, notifications and Sensors. I am wondering if it needs the last two...
[deleted] As it can happen with meticulously worded text a reader might not easily see the important information in the text, especially when the text is a little bit technical. Maybe it is there and it is clear, I do not see it.
I think I agree on this. Especially when the reader is an interested party, but arguably still a novice in the area (i.e. me). I wonder if this text could be supported pictorially, as people do take information in differently.
I installed GrapheneOS yesterday on my Pixel 7 Pro and the installation process went very smoothly, certainly easier than CalyxOS that I tried recently.
I was a surprised at the lack of an app store initially, but I have read up and I am currently using the Aurora store anonymously. I know the app store is about choice, but I am not sure I have sufficient understanding to make an informed choice.
Ideally, I would like privacy, security and usability in any phone choice, but I am just a normal person and I do not have a need for anything exceptional in therms of security. I do use a mix of services/apps, Garmin, Roon, Proton mail/VPN, Natwest Bank, Bitwarden, Synology apps, Signal among others. Is there a way to remain secure and private?
I have read that Google play services is sandboxed, but I don’t really understand the implication. I tend to try and avoid google normally, however should I really install and use? I don’t know the answer. I could use a throwaway account I suppose, but if I did, say download google maps, how much information would google have available from the phone?
Is it a choice between security, which suggests installing google play services (and their app store), or privacy and installing via Aurora, F-droid or similar?
Thanks for reading.