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Like the iPhone, Google’s Android Has a Kill Switch for Applications

Posted 10/16/08 at 02:52:38 PM  by Alex Castle

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Image Credit: Google

Back in August there was quite a commotion over the discovery that Apple had included a “kill switch” in the iPhone, functionality that allowed them to remotely remove applications from the device without the user’s consent. Now, in the Android Market terms of service, Google has revealed that Android has its own kill switch.

To Google’s credit, they’re not attempting to hide the kill switch. They say, in the terms of service “Google may discover a product that violates the developer distribution agreement … in such an instance, Google retains the right to remotely remove those applications from your device at its sole discretion.” Apple, on the other hand, didn’t say a word about their remote removal function until a developer called them out on it.

Further, Android’s kill switch only applies to programs downloaded through the Android Market, meaning that if users really want some verboten app, they still have the option of getting it from the developer, or through other channels, unlike the iPhone. Also, Google says that it will try to refund the purchase price of any app bought through the Market that it has to disable.

What do you think of the kill switch? Will it help keep malware off your G1, or should that be left up to the user? Tell us after the jump.

COMMENTS:5
TAGS: mobile, apple, Google, iphone, android, consumer electronics
COMMENTS
avatarIt's not all that bad...

Submitted by mikeart03a on Thu, 10/16/2008 - 8:11pm

Personally, I don't believe that having an app kill switch is all that bad... though it should be used for the right reasons. If there was some sort of malicious app that was released, by all means, get rid of the bugger! However, if it's for a legit app, I'd prefer a notification that it's offending Google's term and offer a choice to remove it or not as I might like the offending app.

- mike_art03a
IT Technician
Gov't of Canada

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avatarYet another reason for me to

Submitted by dedgar on Thu, 10/16/2008 - 1:49pm

Yet another reason for me to NEVER buy an Apple product.

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avatarLeave it up to the user

Submitted by skywyze on Thu, 10/16/2008 - 12:24pm

These phones are approaching the functionality of full blown computers.  If Apple, Microsoft or Linux distributors said they can, and will, just go into  your PC and remove stuff they don't like, people would be furious.  When I buy a phone it becomes mine, and I should be able to do with it as I please.  Whatever happened to personal responsibility?  If I brick my phone, guess what?  It's MY FAULT, not the OS developer, not the carrier, but mine and mine alone, just like my PC, TV, stereo, XBOX, PS3, car or anything else I OWN.  These developers need to stop it with the Big Brother crap and just let us buy thier products and do with them as we will.  But this scares them, what if we find a way to do it better and promote a little competition, just like they (Apple and Google) did when they started up and/or revamped thier business model.  Oh no, the world would come to screeching halt if we all had full control over what we paid good money for.  Run for your lives!!!!

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avatarAgreed

Submitted by neo1piv14 on Fri, 10/17/2008 - 10:43am

I totally agree with you. Though if there has to be the kill switch feature on a phone, I'd at least rather go with the one that gives you your money back and didn't try to hide it when it came out.

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avatarAMEN brother!

Submitted by gatorXXX on Fri, 10/17/2008 - 1:38am

AMEN brother!

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