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John Wu
@topjohnwu
I've seen so many people talking about "freedom" when talking about root detection. I do not think the fundamental problem here is a freedom issue. As stated in this previous tweet, Google's Pixel offerings are IMO the most "free" Android devices out there.
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John Wu
@topjohnwu
You can replace the kernel. You can compile your own Android OS. On Pixels, you can even sign the images and have verified boot enforced. You can install F-Droid and only run FOSS apps. You actually DO have the freedom to run almost all software with something you can control.
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John Wu
@topjohnwu
On the Pixel 6, the TEE OS is open source, although it's still not user replaceable *yet*. I know there are people trying to make this a reality, although I have no idea about the progress and whether this is even feasible or not.
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John Wu
@topjohnwu
But even if you can replace everything, including TEE, the Android platform will still provide mechanisms to allow apps to know what software they are running on. And as long as apps expect to run on "Google Certified" systems, you still won't escape the "root detection" issue
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@qpjafj2ugxjowgs
Replying to
@topjohnwu
same opinion. Android should provide trusted environment. but, large companies should not abuse it, unlike what they are now. and AOSP should not be Google dependent THAT much. they are taking controls away from user. revoking user access from ~/Android was huge mistake.
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