[ahje]

> can the app really be spreading that fast, if people are having to download it from github, and override their devices security settings to install it?

I suspect widespread public dissent does require quite a lot of motivation. Sending an APK file over Bluetooth or a web link is most likely not that much of a hassle in that situation.

> Also the words "serious public disorder" send chills down my spine for some reason. It sounds like it's right out of some dystopian movie.

Yeah, it's outright scary, and the fact that the local news outlets here barely mentions it doesn't make that feeling any better. I'm sure there's a rational explanation but it still feels... disturbing...

[throwawaysea]

Do all android phones let you install an app by opening a file or clicking a link? I would think carriers restrict phones’ capabilities in this regard.

[ahje]

I've never encountered an Android device that didn't allow me to install an APK. Is that an actual thing?

[throwawaysea]

I’m not sure. But as I understand it, in the US carriers don’t just allow any phone to connect to their network, but rather only ones they have whitelisted (I might be wrong). That’s why I assumed they would also restrict loading apps on the side somehow.