HECKIN' PRIVATE CELL PHONE ROMs: Graphene, Lineage, Calyx, etc.

I talk about "private" and FLOSS cell phone roms and inherent issues with cell phones.

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[crunchyeater]

I'm such an open software advocate, I use no software at all. My shitposts use real shit.

[axion]

I thought the punchline of this video would be to mail someone and not use cellphones, but I remember the last time someone mailed something and it did not go well.

[AwkwardSegway]

"Don't use a cell phone."

I'm watching this on my cell phone, lol

[tmos]

This is literally the video is needed rn. Have been considering downgrading to an old android and using a custom ROM for
privacy, less distraction etc. Great video as always, kenny.

[NicolasGoulart]

Smartphones are so convenient to me that I can't get rid of them. But I get that convenience a lot of times is the enemy of privacy/safety/freedom in general.

[rothbardfreedom]

"Your lack of effort to join us in the fight against systemic privacy invasions is offensive. Do better" Smith, Luke

[MrJoseklon]

Kenny finally uploading on his main channel, LETS GO!!!!

[SimGunther]

TL;DW Don't use iOS, Android, Lineage, Calyx, or any OS made by people who sign an Anti-Stallman petition

Just go with Graphene, period.

[lilmikeytheskater]

I always tell my friends the same thing, it isn’t my personal privacy that matters. 1 data point gives them no power, but a billion does.

[topg]

Been using (Unofficial) Lineage OS 19 (Android 12) on my S8+ since last December, been rock solid, phone much faster than on stock rom

[jokroast]

My friend asked me to install GNU Linux on his machine unexpectedly, he saw me use it and asked about why. You can probably guess the rest.

[rataldo]

I LOVE your point about how, while individual privacy probably doesn't matter, systemic privacy is definitely a problem. It's not a big deal if someone knows where I go, but it IS a big deal if someone knows where EVERYONE goes.

I just recently got a Pixel6 and put GrapheneOS on it. Honestly I find it more usable than stock Android at this point. It bugs me a lot less and has settings that actually care about your privacy.

Some of my favorite features:
-Multiple user accounts with separate passwords/pins and permissions
-A "guest" account for the occasional "can I borrow your phone?"
-Sandboxed Google Play for the few apps I use that actually need Google Services
-Wi-Fi/Bluetooth timeouts so you aren't constantly broadcasting while doing nothing
-OS-level disable things like mic, camera, and gps
-Option for "approximate" location data for things like Weather apps
-Option for "storage scopes" so apps think they have access to files, but can only see the files they own, or you specifically allow them to see
-Easily use multiple SIM cards and disabling SIM cards at different times

[GlazedInfants]

I love storing all of my private and sensitive information on convenient little device that could be taken from me at any time!

[edwardcumpstey]

I thought you demolished the Georgia Guidestones.

[rudiwinkelstein]

I agree about Google Maps being superior to FOSS alternatives. I just use the web version in case I absolutely need google maps.

[speakertwentytwo]

4:25 Every new version of android has MAC address randomization, FWIW

Oh and awesome point - my privacy doesn't matter, EVERYONE's does.

The purpose of CalyxOS is to provide a privacy friendly (from big tech) phone experience while maintaining the Android security model and providing updates.
The purpose of GrapheneOS is to improve the Android security model and go absolutely above and beyond. There's a LOT of animosity between the two ROMs, mostly coming from the Graphene side, but they both have valid use cases.

[dalecombs]

Thank you for making these videos and all the work you do for open software advocacy.

[fossforever]

It depends on what you use your phone for.

My phone I only use to communicate with people and surf the web to look for useful information needed in the moment (directions etc) and as a timer/alarm

The things on smart phones that make people boring and dumb is social media on phones

[DrWursterich]

I can recommend the volla phone 2022. The VollaOS it comes with (which is a derivate of Lineage I believe) is pretty good but most ROMs work on it and it even supports dualboot.

[realseryoga]

The return of the free software advocate