[LINK] Australian Data Network

[Roger Clarke]

> On 2021/08/17 11:35 pm, David wrote:
>> Why can't we have a plain-vanilla mobile 'phone using embedded Linux
>> but without the blatant Google spyware?

On 18/8/21 8:59 pm, Kim Holburn wrote:
> https://www.fosslinux.com/43842/linux-phones-for-privacy.htm
> https://www.ubuntupit.com/best-linux-secure-phones-for-privacy-and-security/
> 
> Replace Android with linux:
> https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/linux-smartphone-operating-systems/

Go easy on me, because I don't carry a mobile phone  (:-)}

Can such Linux-based phones be purchased with Australian consumer
protections in place, or only by means of a caveat-emptor international
transaction?

Crucially, will such Linux-based phones run on Australian networks?

I guess the second question mainly comes down to:
(1)  will such phones work with any SIM that is put into it?
(2)  will the Australian networks talk only with the SIM, i.e.
     are they agnostic re the device and the systems software?

The inherent location-and-tracking features of cell-based networks can't
be avoided.

And the applications installed on devices, and the protocols and
standards used by those applications, are subject to all the same
spyware risks as mainstream handheld iOS.

But it would be nice, or at least less nasty, to have a device whose OS
was unlikely to be (a) controlled by a powerful corporation, and (b)
subject to deep-nested monitoring and manipulation by that corporation
and whoever it calls a 'strategic partner' at the time.


-- 
Roger Clarke                            mailto:Roger.Clarke at xamax.com.au
T: +61 2 6288 6916   http://www.xamax.com.au  http://www.rogerclarke.com

Xamax Consultancy Pty Ltd      78 Sidaway St, Chapman ACT 2611 AUSTRALIA

Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Law            University of N.S.W.
Visiting Professor in Computer Science    Australian National University