Post Archive

Since installing Graphene OS, I've found my cell phone experience to be far better than it has ever been in my life. Gone are the days of crappy, bloated, OneUI and all of the rest of the nonsense I used to deal with on my Samsung. I really didn't expect Graphene OS to be so snappy. It's proven to me that Android isn't a bloated piece of crap.

Of course, I really enjoy the extra security features as well. They're not front and center though. My main threat model was with Google. I'm glad to be rid of them. Ironic, considering the device I'm using is a Google Pixel. I'm more willing to use my phone for purposes I wouldn't have considered before. I stopped using my smartphone for family pictures years ago. There was a scenario where Google Photo sent me a notification with a picture of my daughter. It said "who is this?". Apparently, there's a feature that sorts people using facial recognition. Absolutely not under any circumstance would I give Google my childs name. First of all, my daughter never consented to that. Second, she's not old enough to grant consent for that anyway. The entire thing disturbed me, and that's just scratching the surface. Nothing about any of their services is worth the level of intrusion into my life that they were working toward. If not for Graphene OS, I'd probably be using a flip phone or something.

Something I've noticed is that there's this wierd stereotype about Graphene OS users. Specifically, that we're all criminals. I understand why law enforcement agencies might be frustrated with it. From what I've observed, some police aren't very respectful of the constitution. They just want results. It's unfortunate that people like that are allowed to be police at all. The constitution exists for a reason, and trampling on it won't make you any friends. Do your job properly, or step aside for someone that will.

What would a criminal do with Graphene OS, anyway? Lock their phone? Assuming they're guilty, they're still a criminal that's being investigated. Clearly, they've made a mistake with regards to operational security. A Graphene OS phone isn't going to change that. By the same token, a Graphene OS phone probably won't help the falsely accused. Your phone isn't a lawyer.

I use Graphene OS for the same reason I drive a car that runs properly: because it works. The security emphasis is just a very nice bonus. Even then, having a lock on your door isn't suspecious. How else are you going to prevent the wrong people from accessing your home, car, or phone? My bank account is on my phone. I'd expect the bank I use to keep money under lock and key, and I'll do the same on my end. So should everyone. Criminals are out there, and they're looking to screw you over. Don't make it easy for them.

"Well, if you have nothing to hide, why hide?"

Fair enough, since we're not hiding anything, can I have your Bank Account and Credit card numbers? Oh, and your social too. How about your mom's phone number? Thanks in advance! Listen, our society runs as smoothly as it does because people use discretion. There are entire industries built around socially engineering private information out of unsuspecting people. Everyone has things that need to be hidden. There's nothing suspicious about it.

This is directed at Graphene OS users that are exploiting the duress pin feature to screw with police: Knock it off. You're not cool, you're not funny. You're incriminating yourself for no reason.

In situations like that, the best thing you can do is keep your mouth shut and ask for a lawyer. Guilty, innocent, it doesn't matter. That's what you must do. They may employ shady tactics. Don't fall for it. They're not your friends and are not on your side. If you're so tough that you think you need a duress pin to thwart the cops, you can handle whatever else they throw at you. Which is mostly just words and boredom.

The courts are where these kinds of problems are solved. Don't give the judge a reason to doubt you.