Privacy should be a topic of great importance for users today. One way to protect ourselves is to take care of the permissions we give to the applications we download on our cell phones. Something that we can solve using open source platforms, which allow us to have greater control.
Open source applications stand out for their transparency and security, since their source code is available to be reviewed and improved by anyone. This means that any developer can contribute to its programming, identify and fix errors or vulnerabilities, and ensure that the app does not carry out malicious activities without the user’s knowledge.
Open source software allows anyone to use programs without paying for licenses. Besides, It promotes responsibility in the management of personal data, since the companies behind these applications do not usually monetize user information.
If you want to enter this world, There is a wide catalog of apps that can be useful to replace other more traditional platformsopting for open source versions that provide a greater degree of privacy.
F-Droid is an alternative app store to Google Play that focuses exclusively on open source software. Unlike Google Play, F-Droid only offers apps whose source code is publicly available. This ensures that apps do not contain hidden or invasive features that could compromise your privacy.
This platform allows users to add different repositories as additional sources. This feature is especially useful for accessing a larger number of applications and for safely keeping apps updated. The F-Droid source code is available on GitHub, allowing any developer to review and contribute to the project.
Aurora Store is another alternative to Google Play, with one key difference: it takes data directly from Google Play, allowing users to download the same applications available in the official Google store. This is especially useful if Google Play blocks certain apps in your region or on your device.
The app allows you to download programs without the need for a Google account, offering an additional layer of privacy. Although not all apps in the Aurora Store are open source, the client itself is, and its source code is available for review on GitHub. This ensures that the store itself does not engage in any improper activity with your data.
The Firefox browser is one of the most well-known and respected open source applications. Developed by Mozilla, Firefox is a robust alternative to Google Chrome, with a strong focus on user privacy and security.
Firefox for Android offers data synchronization with the desktop version, private browsing, tracker blocking, and a wide range of extensions to personalize your browsing experience. Additionally, being open source, anyone can review the code to ensure it meets privacy and security standards. The source code is available on GitHub.
OsmAnd is a mapping and navigation application that is based on data from OpenStreetMap, an open source project where all mapping data is provided by community users. This makes the platform a great alternative to Google Maps, especially for those concerned about privacy and dependence on Google services.
This application offers functions such as offline navigation, place search, car, bicycle or walking routes, and public transport. It also allows you to download region-specific maps for offline use, which is ideal for travelers. The OsmAnd source code is available on GitHub.
In the field of messaging, Signal has positioned itself as one of the most secure and reliable applications. Unlike other messaging apps that monetize user data, this app focuses on privacy, offering end-to-end encryption for all communications.
The encryption protocol is open source, and its source code is also available for review on GitHub. This ensures that messages and calls made through Signal are secure and private. Signal has gained popularity, especially after changes to the privacy policies of other messaging apps.
