so Android is mostly developed by google so I assume it also sends a lot of data over to google. Is there an OS that’s privacy respecting?
Android is not developed by Google. It’s open source but Google adds a lot of stuff on top. There are ways to minimise what apps can spy on you: gboard, keep notes, calendar, calculator, gmail - all can be swapped for better and more privacy respecting apps from F-droid. You can also disable Google and other system (vendor) apps through adb. Some OSs if you don’t want to do that are Lineage OS and Calyx OS.
i have been using grapheneos for a while now, and honestly its been great. the only problem is limited hardware support (only pixel ≥5 unless officially supported - due to unlockable bootloader). i have gone cold turkey from google apps like maps, although it is possible to set it up to work. banking apps and stuff dont work obviously, but those apps should be avoided anyways. ive also heard (some) good things about lineage, calyx, and /e/. i wish linux phones were daily drivable, but sadly it is not yet practicle for most. i would personally recommend at least looking into graphene on a pixel.
If you’re very technical and understand Linux, security, etc in great lengths (such as how to setup your own iptables rules with looking for help or creating your own scripts), and really know what your doing, a rooted non-gapps lineageos (optionally microg) is a great choice, as long as you install things like AFWall+ and such to lock it down a ton. Heavy emphasis on “understanding” what you’re doing here, since if you don’t, a rooted device could be bad on security.
If you’re not at that comfort level or have the time for that kind of stuff, GrapheneOS (unfortunately on pixel) is the best option.
If you don’t want to give Google any of your money, and you don’t want to go into the super low level system control with root, the best option is probably still lineageos with microg (or without if you don’t need push notifications for anything).
I’d recommend DivestOS then, it’s a fork of Lineage that has as much Google and other proprietary code removed as possible.
Only downside is that you can’t use microg, so not the best choice if you need apps that are heavily dependant on it.
I don’t, so I’m pretty happy with it.
you can install tracker control or netGuard to see or block those connections
but it must be better to start with graphene, lineage or iodé as your base
Android is based on the linux kernel and can be stripped of proprietary software. Custom versions like graphene os exist that are great for privacy.
thanks everyone for the replies, unfortunately most of the OSes you guys have provided aren’t compatible with my current phone (redMi 11 pro), so if I ever get a google pixel, I will use graphene OS. Good night everyone.
