People are losing control over phones

Context:

The increasing dominance of mobile apps and app stores in the digital ecosystem has raised concerns about user privacy, security, and control over personal data.

Evolution of Internet Access:

• Early Internet Design: The Internet was initially designed to operate in a distributed manner, empowering individual machines to connect and interact without centralized control.
• Increased accessibility: Services such as emails, websites, and chats flourished, facilitating information sharing and e-commerce, driven by the accessibility and standardization of protocols and languages.
• App Space: However, the rise of mobile devices prompted a shift towards native mobile apps, leading to the introduction of app stores and a shift in control dynamics.

Challenges and Antitrust Cases:

• Scrutiny: App stores, acting as gatekeepers, have faced scrutiny and legal challenges for imposing high app taxes and allegedly abusing their dominant positions.
• Privacy concerns: Cases against tech giants like Google and Apple highlight concerns over control, revenue sharing, and user privacy within the app ecosystem.
• Reconsideration: The ongoing battle between businesses, app stores, and regulatory bodies underscores the need for users to reconsider the reliance on apps and advocate for alternatives such as web browsers for accessing internet services.