A grassroots network of apps, text threads and forums are sharing real-time ICE location data. The Trump administration says that’s illegal, Alex Woodward reports
The CNN article talks a bit more about privacy issues. This bit caught my eye:
It’s only available on iOS because Aaron says the app would have to collect information that could ultimately put users at risk to provide the same experience on Android.
I would like to see some details about this. Perhaps there's a way to work around that problem, even if it meant publishing on F-Droid instead of Google Play.
Would it be possible to create a webapp version of this? With ICE and CBP freely able to search phones now, I am worried about retaliation if they find this app on the phone.
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TL,DR: "It's difficult, so we'll hide behind privacy excuses rather than helping the largest number of at-risk people."
Seriously, if VPN companies and every other company that handles sensitive data anonymously can do it, so can these developers. When 70% of the worldwide smartphone user base uses Android, an iOS-only app is just not good enough anymore.
I don't know. An app that only people with direct interest in this matter would use regularly, seems like a pretty convenient way to mark people of interest, no?
Not even in a sci-fk distopían way. Imaginet: TSE sees the app on your screen as you're powering it down in line? BOOM baby, alligator town.
No?
As much as I trash DeCeNtrAlIZaTiOn, maybe THIS is when you actually need DeCeNtrAlIZaTiOn, to protect all participants