I’m trying to get some non-tech-savy family members to switch to /e/OS, but they will only do so if they can install a couple google apps, like maps and gmail. So, I have a question:
Is it really that bad to use a google application on a degoogled operating system like /e/?
Yes, I understand that everything that you do inside of the app will be reported back to google: this is no different than any other app. You can limit the permissions of these apps to use location only when the app is in use, and you can limit the access to other things like your contacts and calendars.
So, besides the in-app data that they will collect on you, is there anything else that I should be worried about? Can the google app track you in other ways, like by finding out your phone number or EIMI? Or perhaps the app doesn’t have to respect the permissions that you allowed for it?
I use Google Maps, because it does what I want - driving directions mostly - better than the other apps I have tried. I use it without logging in, so information sent to Google is not personally identifiable. I would be quite relaxed about logging in, because my Google account is configured to not save my location history. But Maos works fine without logging in, so I don’t bother
I have in the past used K-9 Mail (and /e/'s forked Mail apps) to access my GMail account, but now I use GMX’s Mail Collector feature to collect messages from GMail into my gmx.com mailbox.
I use 2 Google apps since they are irreplaceable: Maps and YouTube. Okay, for YouTube I could use NewPipe but YT Re-Vanced without logging in is unbeatable (no commercials, no adds, no sponsorbullshit etc.).
Maps is the only app that just cannot be replaced. Tried all the alternatives, they just don’t do it. Too little, too late, too less. Maps is, unfortunately, unbeatable and unbearable.
But not logged in and via XPrivacyLua, TrackerControl and App Ops I block every possible way of Google getting data.
GMaps WV is a WebView wrapper for using Google Maps without exposing your device.
Features
Clears private data on close
Blocks access to Google trackers and other third-party resources
Restricts all network requests to HTTPS
Allows toggling of location permission
Downsides
Navigation is not available, only turn-by-turn direction list
WebRTC isn't blocked due to WebView limitations
Cache isn't cleared due to resource/data considerations, however could allow tracking without other data (cookies)
Manually clear app cache if necessary, may be addressed in future
I couldn’t work with GMaps WV. Browser (Firefox Klar) and DuckDuckgo keep blocking, delaying etc. and couldn’t navigate. So as I see it, there is just non alternative to maps. Unfortunately.
GMaps WV blocks some of the tracking requests and would use a separate cookie/data store from your browser.
If you use a browser with strong state partitioning like Mull or Brave combined with a blocker like uBlock Origin or Brave built in, then there is no reason to use GMaps WV.
