this post was submitted on 23 Aug 2023
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Privacy

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How to make a phone secure for children without using "Spyware"? (feddit.de)
submitted 10 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
36 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Many parent control apps are more like Spyware and are often also exactly that, Spyware which spy on your Kids. Or Google Family Link is also a great example which you can't remove even if you want too (as parent). I already setup a non-child-friendly blocking DNS and set the Age Limit in the Google Play Store and did all the Privacy related stuff, but I'm still thinking how can I make a Android phone more secure for children? The threads I'm talking about are non-child-friendly content, malware, scams, etc.

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[–] [email protected] 21 points 10 months ago (5 children)

This is unfortunately why I moved the kids devices to iPhone/iPad.

I was not able to find any native methods of locking things down without involving third parties collecting a ton of data.

In iOS I can set their account as a child account, which then lets me

  • limit what applications they can launch
  • what websites they can visit
  • how much screen time they spend in an app or category of apps
  • disable in app purchases
  • disable pop up advertisements in app
  • require approval from parent account for any app download (including free)
  • remove ability to delete apps or change specific settings

all with the native iOS settings

[–] [email protected] 8 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

limit what applications they can launch
what websites they can visit
how much screen time they spend in an app or category of apps
disable in app purchases
disable pop up advertisements in app
require approval from parent account for any app download (including free)
remove ability to delete apps or change specific settings

Google family link gives you controls over:

Android app activity and limits
Filters on Chrome, including custom black and whitelisting for websites
SafeSearch to remove sexually explicit and violet results in Google Search
Usage limits, including individual app limits
Google Play purchases, content restrictions, approval for app installs
Google Assistant app access and voice matching
Location tracking to find your child's device
Account info
Google Photo sharing
Google account sign in controls across new devices
Activity control such as web and YouTube history

source Seems like rather similar options to me?
But I have to admit to never having used either anyway.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago

I have used TimeLimit. It works completely local on the phone with the option to run it online if earned.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

Wait, this lets you disable pop up advertisements in apps? How does that work?

[–] [email protected] -1 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (2 children)

This is unfortunately why I moved the kids devices to iPhone/iPad.

I was not able to find any native methods of locking things down without involving third parties collecting a ton of data.

But creepy Apple collecting tons of data on your children is okay by you?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 10 months ago

Have you seen the provacy policy for some of these apps? Here’s an excerpt from a popular one:

Browsing. We automatically collect information when you visit the Site including your device’s IP address, browser and operating system, and statistics about how you use the Site. If you connect to our Site using a mobile device we may also collect information about your device including the operating system and browser used and a unique device identification number. We may collect information from the online interactions of subscribers through other websites, such as social media sites, email accounts or other interactive sites when you identify those sites to us.

Our system uses proprietary algorithms to review Account(s)’ online interactions through their registered devices and applications including interactions of Accounts with websites, social media sites, email accounts or other interactive sites including posts, blogs and other communications. This may include sensitive information such as information about racial or ethnic origin, political opinions or associations, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership or associations, sexual orientation or practices, criminal record or health or genetic information

source

[–] [email protected] 3 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

Yes - that data is already being collected regardless of which OS you choose; this is at least contained to the creator of your OS, not yet another entity.

Also, iOS being arguably less than Google’s collection and use.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

Yes - that data is already being collected regardless of which OS you choose; this is at least contained to the creator of your OS, not yet another entity.

Not if you install a deGoogled OS such as LineageOS, CalyxOS, Iodé or /e/,

Also, iOS being arguably less than Google’s collection and use.

Don't drink the kool-aid. Apple's reputation for being a privacy-respecting company is entirely fictional and created by Apple's marketing department. They collect as much data as Google does, make no mistake about it.

And even if they didn't, I don't consider "a little less" privacy invasion remotely good enough - especially when it's my children's privacy!

[–] [email protected] 9 points 10 months ago (1 children)

We’re talking out of the box solutions; what you’re talking about is custom roms that will be above most people’s skill set and time to do so.

iPhones are a thing because they simply work - that is a much bigger selling point than anything else you and I could suggest.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 10 months ago

You have a point there.

[–] [email protected] -5 points 10 months ago (1 children)

But that locks you into apple's walled garden, and supports their predatory practises. It's no better.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago

It's unfortunate but in some cases you do have to accept trade offs to get what you want. Not to mention apple has that built in, while much of what's being recommended here are custom roms and other things that are not exactly user friendly to run out of the box.