Google refuses to remove the state-sponsored app used to spy on Russian citizens (opens in new tab)

(play.google.com)

54 pointsthrowaway100x5y ago8 comments

8 comments

On what grounds should they remove it?

The app is bad and quite invasive, but it should be noted that it is supposed to be installed only in a specific context (covid patients who have chosen to quarantine at home) so it is not much different from e.g. exam proctoring software (which is also very invasive).

boomboomsubban5y ago

When compared to the alternate methods of quarantine, which are essentially imprisonment, this seems fairly reasonable. It seemingly even meets the UN nonbinding agreement on quarentines.[1] The security issues are ridiculous though, that might be worth taking it down for.

If this app is used for their QR-code plan it's a huge problem.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarantine#The_United_Nations_...

chrismeller5y ago

Absolutely. This was first posted as a great idea when Hong Kong took the same approach. There have been dozens of countries doing the same thing... just because it’s Russia, who had 9200 new cases today, now it’s evil?

kostenko81925y ago

This app is for people, who have confirmed COVID-19 and chose to stay at home instead of hospitalization

If you will convince Google to remove it a lot of people will be forced to stay at hospitals even with mild symptoms. Similar app exists in Russia and Poland, probably in other countries too

UPD: better app description

jrockway5y ago

Here is some background information I found in English: https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/04/01/surrender-everything

new_realist5y ago

When Larry and Sergey stopped caring about Google, the company lost true north. Now it drifts about, pulled by mercenary winds.

joemazerino5y ago

Google will do what it can to keep a presence in countries even authoritarian types. Google is a private entity that has to provide shareholder profits.

dathinab5y ago

They might not be required to remove it globally.

But if it's against EU law they get into trouble if they refuse to remove it there after being made aware of it.

Also what I'm wondering recently is how far Google can be held responsible for knowingly not removing apps which brake the app store term of services, especially if they have that Google protect/verified mark.

Like e.g. tick tock did at least in the past belong into that category.

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