Technology

I can see a promising market for 'dumb' point-and-shoot digital cameras reemerging.

• Doesn't automatically upload your pictures to train AI on, no internet-based privacy risks whatsoever

• No AI nanny telling you that your pictures are too naughty

• Never needs updates, can never be enshittified by new updates

• No risk of the government getting their hands on your pictures, unless they physically confiscate the device

• Can never be hacked without physical access to the camera

• Doesn't listen to you or watch you or otherwise spy on you

• Most models have easy to change user-replaceable batteries

• Most models are compatible with SD cards for easily upgradeable storage

• Can take advantage of a larger lens and more adjustable focus/zoom to take better pictures (Even a relatively cheap digital camera could potentially take better pictures than the ultimate flagship phones that cost 4-figures.)

Sphynx cats trigger it and you get an unwarranted alert that Google is very disappointed.

Reportedly, the app uses an on-device machine learning model to classify the content.

Using your shiny new phone to train AI...

For now its only supposed to check Google Messages, so not if you use a different text app.

But one vulnerability already is side loaded versions with super high version numbers so they won't be auto updated. Those will scan everything and do whatever with it. Considering the apps point is to scan for nudes, likely sending all your nudes to the hacker.

I've got a Pixel 9 I keep for development and uninstalled that system app a few months ago. It's still gone. Maybe updates are reinstalling it but saying that it cannot be uninstalled or removed is a lie.

Where’s the “android is more free than iOS” people now‽