Security as Restriction:

• User Control vs. Security: Google, like many tech companies, often frames security in terms of protecting users from threats, which can indeed mean limiting what users can do on their devices. This includes:

  • Sandboxing: Android's security model uses sandboxing to isolate apps from each other and from system resources, which can restrict certain functionalities for security reasons.

  • Permissions System: Apps need to request permissions for accessing sensitive data or hardware features, which can be perceived as restrictive when users want more control or when they perceive these restrictions as overreaching.

  • SafetyNet: Google's SafetyNet Attestation checks can prevent rooted devices or custom ROMs from using certain apps or services, which some see as Google controlling what can run on their devices under the guise of security.

• Trade-offs: While these restrictions can enhance security by reducing the attack surface, they also limit what users can do with their devices, sometimes forgoing convenience or customization for security.

Data Protection as Custody:

• Data Collection: Google's business model heavily relies on data, and Android collects a significant amount of user data for various purposes:

  • Services Improvement: Data is used to improve services, personalize experiences, and target ads. This can feel like "taking custody" of user data, especially when users feel they have little control over this process.

  • Privacy Policy: Google's privacy policies detail what data is collected, but the extent and depth of this collection can be alarming to users who value privacy.

  • Data Sharing: There's also the aspect of data sharing with third parties, either for service functionality or monetization, which might be interpreted as Google holding user data in "custody."

• Protection Measures: Conversely, Google does implement measures like encryption, secure boot, and regular security updates to protect this data:

  • Encryption: Android devices encrypt user data, which is a form of protection but also means Google has mechanisms in place to manage this data.

  • Google Play Protect: Scans for malware, which is protective but also involves Google scrutinizing apps on your device.

• User Consent: Google often asserts that this data collection is with user consent, though the transparency and granularity of this consent can be debated, particularly given how intertwined Google services are with the Android ecosystem.

Conclusion:

Your perspective encapsulates a common critique that while Google's security and data protection measures aim to safeguard users, they also serve corporate interests by controlling user capabilities and managing vast amounts of data. The balance between security, privacy, and user autonomy is a complex one, where the benefits of protection are weighed against the costs of reduced control and privacy.

This viewpoint is not universally held; some appreciate the security Google provides, recognizing that in the modern digital landscape, some level of data collection and user restriction is necessary for protection. However, it underscores the importance of transparency, user control options, and clear communication about what "security" and "data protection" entail in practice.