[jtvjan]

The exceptions list mentions:

> When the purpose is to test, investigate, or correct the security of a computer, system, or computer network.

> When a person wants their device to stop collecting personal information.

Aren't those the reasons most people install custom ROMs? For getting security updates past the life of the smartphone, and to stop Google tracking you.

[yummypaint]

I think it's more about boiling the frog. Temper the initial outrage with exceptions, let people get used to the idea that repairs are wrong but it's sometime ok, then remove exceptions later. It's the same long game the inkjet printer people have been unfortunately winning for a while now.

[tomcooks]

Exactly, it all starts with exceptions until it's time for "think about the children", "nothing to hide, right?" and it's easygame towards "safety of our people"

[as1mov]

When it comes to phones, the excuse is "security" of the phone, locking down the device as much as possible. And it's sad how that sentiment is echoed even on forums like HN. Apple as already a closed walled garden, Android is quickly moving that way with each release.

[Fiveplus]

Not that I view this comment with a cynical eye, rather with an inquisitive perspective, I would love to read more examples which started with an exception cause and ended up with a blanket rule enforcement.

[dane-pgp]

I think the general pattern here is "mission creep"[0] of which [1] is a classic example.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_creep

[1] https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2008/11/anti-terror_l...

[harpratap]

I installed custom ROMs on my Samsung and Oneplus devices in the past to improve performance. The hardware was more than capable but only custom ROMs were optimised enough to run smoothly. Doing the same to all the Xiaomi devices in my family too.

[pimeys]

Used to do that with every phone I had, especially the Xiaomis due to them sending lots of tracking with the default install.

The OnePlus 8 Pro is the first phone I feel doesn't need a custom ROM. It has some annoiying things such as Facebook or Chrome preinstalled, but those were either uninstalled or hidden quite fast.

Let's see how long this will get updates though...