Update on Apples Unlawful Evil

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:11:31 -0700

An article dropped recently about Apple removing the App “ICEBlock” by the request of the Trump administration. Its not clear if this is lawful. Apple didn’t release any proof that they received a lawful order to remove the app, only a statement that they were complying with a lawful order.

Cory Doctorow listed some other apps that got removed over the years from Apple’s App Store that appeared suspicious to me. It is their platform, but if they are removing Apps that compete with their products, or puts them in a negative light, we need to have alternatives. With Google now requiring side-loading App developers go though a registration process, making it impossible to express activism anonymously though a phone you bought and paid for, choices are limited to Smartphones that use open source software. Hopefully this will cause these phones to increase in popularity.

Antimalware Security Is Now Bloatware

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 12:19:12 -0700

The primary purpose of installing a third-party security product is to protect the computer from unwanted and unnecessary software that can confuse and complicate the customer experience. Since 2023, or even before, consumer security products have undergone changes. From products that protect you from malicious software and unwanted access, to products that attempt to sell you add-ons that you don’t need, like VPN services.

It is for these reasons that I no longer recommend any 3rd party security products. The best way to protect yourself from threats on your computer and online is to stick with Windows’ built-in product “Windows Defender” and go with a browser like Firefox that has the Ublock Origin add-on. Ublock protects the browser from malicious Ad networks, and Windows Defender does a pretty good job of protecting you from email threats and files that find their way to your computer.

Stay away from the 3rd party vendors like McAfee and Norton, and all the other 3rd party providers. I have yet to encounter a security provider that doesn’t include some kind of notification system that tries to get you to purchase and install add-ons.

Anticompetitive on Scott Larson

Update on Apples Unlawful Evil

Antimalware Security Is Now Bloatware