I know a fair amount for a 'layperson', which you can (probably rightly) argue means I am unqualified for comment in these circles, and you are right that I am including too much speculation. I absolutely, inarguably overstepped. My bad.

However, with regard to Android being owned - this article is literally about the CIA tools that are used to compromise Android. The trove has been released. It is incontrovertible at this point: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/wikil...

The issue is to what extent other fundamental assumptions are now called into question. Is it only android, or is Chrome now suspect as well? What protocols are compromised?

I suspect we will find out more in the coming days, and I should have been more circumspect in my own post. It was unbecoming.

In any event, thanks for your feedback.