Skip to content

Commit

Permalink
feat: Split up Android Mobile Phones page sidebar (#2620)
Browse files Browse the repository at this point in the history
Signed-off-by: Daniel Gray <[email protected]>
  • Loading branch information
redoomed1 authored and dngray committed Jul 21, 2024
1 parent f399643 commit f16ed50
Show file tree
Hide file tree
Showing 12 changed files with 541 additions and 480 deletions.
463 changes: 0 additions & 463 deletions docs/android.md

This file was deleted.

108 changes: 108 additions & 0 deletions docs/android/distributions.md
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
---
meta_title: "The Best Custom Android OSes (aka Custom ROMs) - Privacy Guides"
title: "Alternative Distributions"
description: You can replace the operating system on your Android phone with these secure and privacy-respecting alternatives.
schema:
-
"@context": http://schema.org
"@type": WebPage
name: Private Android Operating Systems
url: "./"
-
"@context": http://schema.org
"@type": CreativeWork
name: GrapheneOS
image: /assets/img/android/grapheneos.svg
url: https://grapheneos.org/
sameAs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GrapheneOS
subjectOf:
"@context": http://schema.org
"@type": WebPage
url: "./"
-
"@context": http://schema.org
"@type": CreativeWork
name: Divest
image: /assets/img/android/divestos.svg
url: https://divestos.org/
sameAs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DivestOS
subjectOf:
"@context": http://schema.org
"@type": WebPage
url: "./"
---
A **custom Android-based operating system** (often known as a **custom ROM**) is a popular way to achieve higher levels of privacy and security on your device. This is in contrast to the "stock" version of Android which comes with your phone from the factory, and is often deeply integrated with Google Play Services.

We recommend installing one of these custom Android operating systems on your device, listed in order of preference, depending on your device's compatibility with these operating systems.

## AOSP Derivatives

### GrapheneOS

<div class="admonition recommendation" markdown>

![GrapheneOS logo](../assets/img/android/grapheneos.svg#only-light){ align=right }
![GrapheneOS logo](../assets/img/android/grapheneos-dark.svg#only-dark){ align=right }

**GrapheneOS** is the best choice when it comes to privacy and security.

GrapheneOS provides additional [security hardening](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardening_(computing)) and privacy improvements. It has a [hardened memory allocator](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/hardened_malloc), network and sensor permissions, and various other [security features](https://grapheneos.org/features). GrapheneOS also comes with full firmware updates and signed builds, so verified boot is fully supported.

[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://grapheneos.org){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-eye-16:](https://grapheneos.org/faq#privacy-policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" }
[:octicons-info-16:](https://grapheneos.org/faq){ .card-link title=Documentation}
[:octicons-code-16:](https://grapheneos.org/source){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
[:octicons-heart-16:](https://grapheneos.org/donate){ .card-link title=Contribute }

</div>

GrapheneOS supports [Sandboxed Google Play](https://grapheneos.org/usage#sandboxed-google-play), which runs [Google Play Services](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Play_Services) fully sandboxed like any other regular app. This means you can take advantage of most Google Play Services, such as [push notifications](https://firebase.google.com/docs/cloud-messaging), while giving you full control over their permissions and access, and while containing them to a specific [work profile](../os/android-overview.md#work-profile) or [user profile](../os/android-overview.md#user-profiles) of your choice.

[Google Pixel phones](../mobile-phones.md#google-pixel) are the only devices that currently meet GrapheneOS's [hardware security requirements](https://grapheneos.org/faq#future-devices).

### DivestOS

<div class="admonition recommendation" markdown>

![DivestOS logo](../assets/img/android/divestos.svg){ align=right }

**DivestOS** is a soft-fork of [LineageOS](https://lineageos.org).
DivestOS inherits many [supported devices](https://divestos.org/index.php?page=devices&base=LineageOS) from LineageOS. It has signed builds, making it possible to have [verified boot](https://source.android.com/security/verifiedboot) on some non-Pixel devices.

[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://divestos.org){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:simple-torbrowser:](http://divestoseb5nncsydt7zzf5hrfg44md4bxqjs5ifcv4t7gt7u6ohjyyd.onion){ .card-link title="Onion Service" }
[:octicons-eye-16:](https://divestos.org/index.php?page=privacy_policy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" }
[:octicons-info-16:](https://divestos.org/index.php?page=faq){ .card-link title=Documentation}
[:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/divested-mobile){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
[:octicons-heart-16:](https://divested.dev/pages/donate){ .card-link title=Contribute }

</div>

DivestOS has automated kernel vulnerability ([CVE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Vulnerabilities_and_Exposures)) [patching](https://gitlab.com/divested-mobile/cve_checker), fewer proprietary blobs, and a custom [hosts](https://divested.dev/index.php?page=dnsbl) file. Its hardened WebView, [Mulch](https://gitlab.com/divested-mobile/mulch), enables [CFI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control-flow_integrity) for all architectures and [network state partitioning](https://developer.mozilla.org/docs/Web/Privacy/State_Partitioning), and receives out-of-band updates.
DivestOS also includes kernel patches from GrapheneOS and enables all available kernel security features via [defconfig hardening](https://github.com/Divested-Mobile/DivestOS-Build/blob/master/Scripts/Common/Functions.sh#L758). All kernels newer than version 3.4 include full page [sanitization](https://lwn.net/Articles/334747) and all ~22 Clang-compiled kernels have [`-ftrivial-auto-var-init=zero`](https://reviews.llvm.org/D54604?id=174471) enabled.

DivestOS implements some system hardening patches originally developed for GrapheneOS. DivestOS 16.0 and higher implements GrapheneOS's [`INTERNET`](https://developer.android.com/training/basics/network-ops/connecting) and SENSORS permission toggle, [hardened memory allocator](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/hardened_malloc), [exec-spawning](https://grapheneos.org/usage#exec-spawning), [JNI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_Native_Interface) [constification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Const_(computer_programming)), and partial [bionic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bionic_(software)) hardening patchsets. 17.1 and higher features GrapheneOS's per-network full [MAC randomization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAC_address#Randomization) option, [`ptrace_scope`](https://kernel.org/doc/html/latest/admin-guide/LSM/Yama.html) control, [automatic reboot](https://grapheneos.org/features#auto-reboot), and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth [timeout options](https://grapheneos.org/features#attack-surface-reduction).

DivestOS uses F-Droid as its default app store. We normally [recommend avoiding F-Droid](obtaining-apps.md#f-droid), but doing so on DivestOS isn't viable; the developers update their apps via their own F-Droid repositories ([DivestOS Official](https://divestos.org/fdroid/official/?fingerprint=E4BE8D6ABFA4D9D4FEEF03CDDA7FF62A73FD64B75566F6DD4E5E577550BE8467) and [DivestOS WebView](https://divestos.org/fdroid/webview/?fingerprint=FB426DA1750A53D7724C8A582B4D34174E64A84B38940E5D5A802E1DFF9A40D2)). We recommend disabling the official F-Droid app and using [F-Droid Basic](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.fdroid.basic) **with the DivestOS repositories enabled** to keep those components up to date. For other apps, our recommended methods of obtaining them still apply.

<div class="admonition warning" markdown>
<p class="admonition-title">Warning</p>

DivestOS firmware update [status](https://gitlab.com/divested-mobile/firmware-empty/-/blob/master/STATUS) and quality control varies across the devices it supports. We still recommend GrapheneOS depending on your device's compatibility. For other devices, DivestOS is a good alternative.

Not all of the supported devices have verified boot, and some perform it better than others.

</div>

## Criteria

**Please note we are not affiliated with any of the projects we recommend.** In addition to [our standard criteria](../about/criteria.md), we have developed a clear set of requirements to allow us to provide objective recommendations. We suggest you familiarize yourself with this list before choosing to use a project, and conduct your own research to ensure it's the right choice for you.

- Must be open-source software.
- Must support bootloader locking with custom AVB key support.
- Must receive major Android updates within 0-1 months of release.
- Must receive Android feature updates (minor version) within 0-14 days of release.
- Must receive regular security patches within 0-5 days of release.
- Must **not** be "rooted" out of the box.
- Must **not** enable Google Play Services by default.
- Must **not** require system modification to support Google Play Services.
127 changes: 127 additions & 0 deletions docs/android/general-apps.md
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
@@ -0,0 +1,127 @@
---
title: "General Apps"
schema:
-
"@context": http://schema.org
"@type": WebPage
name: General Android Apps
url: "./"
-
"@context": http://schema.org
"@type": MobileApplication
name: Shelter
applicationCategory: Utilities
operatingSystem: Android
-
"@context": http://schema.org
"@type": MobileApplication
name: Secure Camera
applicationCategory: Utilities
operatingSystem: Android
-
"@context": http://schema.org
"@type": MobileApplication
name: Secure PDF Viewer
applicationCategory: Utilities
operatingSystem: Android
---
We recommend a wide variety of Android apps throughout this site. The apps listed here are Android-exclusive and specifically enhance or replace key system functionality.

### Shelter

<div class="admonition recommendation" markdown>

![Shelter logo](../assets/img/android/shelter.svg){ align=right }

**Shelter** is an app that helps you leverage Android's Work Profile functionality to isolate or duplicate apps on your device.

Shelter supports blocking contact search cross profiles and sharing files across profiles via the default file manager ([DocumentsUI](https://source.android.com/devices/architecture/modular-system/documentsui)).

[:octicons-repo-16: Repository](https://gitea.angry.im/PeterCxy/Shelter#shelter){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-code-16:](https://gitea.angry.im/PeterCxy/Shelter){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
[:octicons-heart-16:](https://patreon.com/PeterCxy){ .card-link title=Contribute }

</div>

<div class="admonition warning" markdown>
<p class="admonition-title">Warning</p>

Shelter is recommended over [Insular](https://secure-system.gitlab.io/Insular) and [Island](https://github.com/oasisfeng/island) as it supports [contact search blocking](https://secure-system.gitlab.io/Insular/faq.html).

When using Shelter, you are placing complete trust in its developer, as Shelter acts as a [Device Admin](https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/admin/device-admin) to create the Work Profile, and it has extensive access to the data stored within the Work Profile.

</div>

### Secure Camera

<div class="admonition recommendation" markdown>

![Secure camera logo](../assets/img/android/secure_camera.svg#only-light){ align=right }
![Secure camera logo](../assets/img/android/secure_camera-dark.svg#only-dark){ align=right }

**Secure Camera** is a camera app focused on privacy and security which can capture images, videos, and QR codes. CameraX vendor extensions (Portrait, HDR, Night Sight, Face Retouch, and Auto) are also supported on available devices.

[:octicons-repo-16: Repository](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/Camera){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-info-16:](https://grapheneos.org/usage#camera){ .card-link title=Documentation}
[:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/Camera){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
[:octicons-heart-16:](https://grapheneos.org/donate){ .card-link title=Contribute }

<details class="downloads" markdown>
<summary>Downloads</summary>

- [:simple-googleplay: Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.grapheneos.camera.play)
- [:simple-github: GitHub](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/Camera/releases)
- [:material-cube-outline: GrapheneOS App Store](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/Apps/releases)

</details>

</div>

Main privacy features include:

- Auto removal of [Exif](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exif) metadata (enabled by default)
- Use of the new [Media](https://developer.android.com/training/data-storage/shared/media) API, therefore [storage permissions](https://developer.android.com/training/data-storage) are not required
- Microphone permission not required unless you want to record sound

<div class="admonition note" markdown>
<p class="admonition-title">Note</p>

Metadata is not currently deleted from video files but that is planned.

The image orientation metadata is not deleted. If you enable location (in Secure Camera) that **won't** be deleted either. If you want to delete that later you will need to use an external app such as [ExifEraser](../data-redaction.md#exiferaser-android).

</div>

### Secure PDF Viewer

<div class="admonition recommendation" markdown>

![Secure PDF Viewer logo](../assets/img/android/secure_pdf_viewer.svg#only-light){ align=right }
![Secure PDF Viewer logo](../assets/img/android/secure_pdf_viewer-dark.svg#only-dark){ align=right }

**Secure PDF Viewer** is a PDF viewer based on [pdf.js](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PDF.js) that doesn't require any permissions. The PDF is fed into a [sandboxed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandbox_(software_development)) [WebView](https://developer.android.com/guide/webapps/webview). This means that it doesn't require permission directly to access content or files.

[Content-Security-Policy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Content_Security_Policy) is used to enforce that the JavaScript and styling properties within the WebView are entirely static content.

[:octicons-repo-16: Repository](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/PdfViewer){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/PdfViewer){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
[:octicons-heart-16:](https://grapheneos.org/donate){ .card-link title=Contribute }

<details class="downloads" markdown>
<summary>Downloads</summary>

- [:simple-googleplay: Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.grapheneos.pdfviewer.play)
- [:simple-github: GitHub](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/PdfViewer/releases)
- [:material-cube-outline: GrapheneOS App Store](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/Apps/releases)

</details>

</div>

## Criteria

**Please note we are not affiliated with any of the projects we recommend.** In addition to [our standard criteria](../about/criteria.md), we have developed a clear set of requirements to allow us to provide objective recommendations. We suggest you familiarize yourself with this list before choosing to use a project, and conduct your own research to ensure it's the right choice for you.

- Applications on this page must not be applicable to any other software category on the site.
- General applications should extend or replace core system functionality.
- Applications should receive regular updates and maintenance.
36 changes: 36 additions & 0 deletions docs/android/index.md
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
---
title: "Android"
icon: 'simple/android'
cover: android.webp
schema:
-
"@context": http://schema.org
"@type": WebPage
name: Android Recommendations
url: "./"
-
"@context": http://schema.org
"@type": CreativeWork
name: Android
image: /assets/img/android/android.svg
url: https://source.android.com/
sameAs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)
---

![Android logo](../assets/img/android/android.svg){ align=right }

The **Android Open Source Project** (AOSP) is an open-source mobile operating system led by Google which powers the majority of the world's mobile devices. Most phones sold with Android are modified to include invasive integrations and apps such as Google Play Services, so you can significantly improve your privacy on your mobile device by replacing your phone's default installation with a version of Android without these invasive features.

[:octicons-home-16:](https://source.android.com){ .card-link title=Homepage }
[:octicons-info-16:](https://source.android.com/docs){ .card-link title=Documentation}
[:octicons-code-16:](https://cs.android.com/android/platform/superproject/main){ .card-link title="Source Code" }

We recommend the following Android-specific tools to maximize your mobile device's security and privacy.

- [Alternative Distributions](distributions.md)
- [General Apps](general-apps.md)
- [Obtaining Applications](obtaining-apps.md)

To learn more about Android:

[General Android Overview :material-arrow-right-drop-circle:](../os/android-overview.md){ .md-button }
Loading

0 comments on commit f16ed50

Please sign in to comment.