While GrapheneOS offers enhanced security and privacy features at the operating system level, it’s important to recognize that true privacy cannot be achieved solely through the choice of OS. The majority of data collection and user tracking occurs at the application and network levels: Through web browsing, app usage, and online services. Even on a hardened OS, extensive use of mainstream apps and internet platforms significantly undermines privacy gains.
The idea of “privacy-focused ROMs” as a complete solution is misleading. Most data harvesting happens not at the OS level, but through the digital behaviors of users, such as logging into services, granting app permissions, and engaging with cloud-based platforms. In this context, operational security and usage patterns matter far more than the underlying software.
Consider this: a user with a stock Android device who limits their activity to occasional WhatsApp messages maintains a far smaller digital footprint than the average GrapheneOS user who actively browses the web and relies on numerous corporate-owned applications. Minimalism, not just technology, is key to reducing exposure.
GrapheneOS appeals to a specific demographic, those seeking technical differentiation while still participating in mainstream digital ecosystems. However, the irony becomes apparent when even its developers suggest iPhones as the next best alternative! Ultimately, no device or OS can fully insulate users from surveillance if their behavior remains deeply integrated with data-driven services. True privacy requires not just tools, but deliberate, consistent choices about how and when we connect.
I don’t know who is an authority on this nor do I know anyone saying it is a “complete solution” or a one stop shop. It is really a starting point from an OS level for the users to use the right tools for their needs. Some may be privacy forward, some may not be. It really depends on what the user wants and how they want to use their smartphone.
I disagree with your assessment that it significantly undermines it. There are features and functionality of the OS that you can that maintains your personal privacy from your other identities or pseudonyms with OS profiles to keep it fully compartmentalized.
This all depends on what a person’s threat model is. You nor I can’t conclusively claim what you say here one way or the other.
This isn’t irony. It’s indeed the next best option for privacy and security (if GOS is not your cup of tea) as stock Android does not provide the level of privacy and security that iPhone can. What even is your point here?
First of all, true privacy comes from being fully disconnected off the grid and not interacting with anything or anyone. Your logic or belief of what true privacy should be is faulty.
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This is a poorly explained opinion that does not make sense to me.
Privacy is all about controlling what information is sent to who. You’re right that most privacy issues happen in the apps and websites we use every day. Your operating system controls a lot of what data apps and websites are allowed to have with permissions, so an operating system that gives you more choices on what to allow apps and websites to access is by definition more private.
GrapheneOS provides more granular permissions than stock Android and allows you to block more things from apps like networking. It enforces these permissions with much stronger security as well. When we’re talking about the security of a phone or computer we’re usually talking about data security so essentially the security and privacy of the operating system are one and the same.
When they talk about iPhones being more private, that’s what they’re talking about, in fact they’re usually specifically saying that iPhone give you more privacy from apps. They also provide stronger security than most Android phones, which is necessary to enforce the privacy features of the OS.
Indeed. 60.93% of the post is pure AI according to ZeroGPT.
If you look at the OP’s past posts, he’s suggested Huawei as an alternative since AI told him that’s what Chinese experts recommend.
Overall, I don’t think GrapheneOS or any other OS offers a full solution for everyone. Maybe one day we’ll get a resurrection of ChrOnion (Chromium with Tor) included in GrapheneOS, but that day is not today sadly.
