Google play forces updates like Windows 10

by
Anonymous Coward
in security on (#YVWF)
Microsoft recently copped flak over forcing users to accept Windows 10 updates. Some users have reported serious problems from Windows 10 updates which included system failure. Now Google is following the same path. Google Play now has a term in the licencing agreement which allows Google to force update any software on Android devices. Without root access most users will be SOL to block or fix problems.

The relevant text reads:
Updates. You may need to install updates to Google Play or related Google software that we introduce from time to time to use Google Play and to access or download Content. Content originating from Google may communicate with Google servers from time to time to check for available updates to the Content and to the functionality of Google Play, such as bug fixes, patches, enhanced functions, missing plug-ins and new versions (collectively, "Updates"). Your use of the Content you have installed requires that you have agreed to receive such automatically requested Updates. If you do not agree to such automatically requested and received Updates then please do not use the Google Play store or install this Content.

Full terms at:
https://play.google.com/intl/en-us_au/about/play-terms.html

Re: Not really the same. (Score: 1)

by evilviper@pipedot.org on 2016-01-11 11:58 (#10A6P)

Android doesn't have an EULA. You may have to agree to terms when linking your gmail account and first using the Play Store, but those things are optional. You can choose to use non-gmail accounts, and a 3rd party app store, without Google being involved at all, and never agreeing to their terms. The more intrusive part is OEM terms, which you can't always avoid. But since several companies make Android phones and tablets, you can shop around for the license you dislike the least.
Post Comment
Subject
Comment
Captcha
Enter the number thirty six thousand one hundred and sixty seven in digits: