I’m considering purchasing a Boox Palma 2 e-reader and I want to make sure I’m aware of some important privacy implications.
Has anyone else bought this device? What are your thoughts on the security and privacy features?
I’m particularly concerned about accessing books and documents. Are there any specific steps I can take to protect myself from potential data breaches or eavesdropping?
Additionally, how does the Boox Palma 2 store and manage user data?
Any insights or advice from fellow book lovers who have experience with this device would be super helpful!
Can I use a VPN on this device to further protect me?
I’m actually doing similar research for myself! Glad to meet another book lover here 
Since it is an android “tablet(?)” with an e-ink display, it won’t be as secure or private as a Pixel Tablet running Graphene OS for obvious reasons. If privacy is your main concern, there shouldn’t be any problems turning the Palma 2 into a mostly offline e-reader (besides installing the occasional security updates). You may consider downloading your books/documents from another device and transferring them over.
Besides that, I am not too familiar with Boox’s privacy policy myself. I can do some quick research and update this thread later though
Edit: Their privacy policy mostly pertains to their website. However, there is this FAQ from customer support from 2020
I also looked into this eink tablet once but it seemed to shady to me. I mean afaik it does nkt have a mic but some models have camera’s i have seen. I wouldnt take that. If you keep it on guest wifi it is probably not going to do a lot of harm just don’t put sensitive data on such devices.
According to the FAQ, Boox doesn’t collect customers’ personal info proactively. Only when users opt-in to send feedback logs can they be accessed. Users have the choice to share logs or not, and it’s optional for reporting software bugs.
- The Boox Palma/Palma 2 comes with a Rear Camera and Dual Microphones.
- The Boox offers Google Play Services and Google Play Store.
- The Boox models come with an optional ONYX account. While not required, this account provides additional functionality and storage space for users to organize and manage their content.
- It is also known that BOOX/ONYX is a Chinese Company.
Consider using the device in offline mode, limiting app installations, or exploring alternative e-readers with more stringent privacy practices like the Pocketbook.
There is also the possibility of using Universal Android Debloater and remove any apps and services that you do not want.
You could also use NextDNS or MullvadDNS to block any third-party connection. Maybe even using a VPN could help as well.