[YUPampessimist]

When a simple Google search reveals the exact pattern mentioned occurring again and again, not just with phones but with networking gear, laptops, TV's, IoT devices, CDs (Sony rootkit anyone?), and websites loaded to the max with trackers and secret downloads onto people's machines, it moves from pessimism to "this is just how it works."

The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. You want crap free gadgets, make them sell crap free gadgets by ratting them out when they sell gadgets loaded with crap.

[paradite]

I am okay with the skepticism you have here but is there really a reason to create two throwaway accounts just to reply to me?

Do you happen to know me in real life? I can't think of another reason for this.

[a3n]

No one should have to justify wanting to remain private/anonymous.