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I don't understand why people are trying to guess the reason why Apple is doing this. I'm not a fan of this concept, but I wouldn't label it as malware to be us

by GVRV 5y ago

I don't understand why people are trying to guess the reason why Apple is doing this. I'm not a fan of this concept, but I wouldn't label it as malware to be used by abusive spouses and parents. If you read the FAQs on the website, it clearly states: Can I hide the Truple notification icon? No. Truple is voluntary use software, and is not intended (or allowed) to be used as spyware. All of our applications require a persistent notification. And if Apple thinks this is malware or might be a legal liability, why can't it be transparent in its communication with the developer?

deleted 5y ago
[deleted]
tptacek 5y ago
If you read the thread we're commenting on, you'll see that the author removed a conspicuous warning indicator that screen recording was enabled, because their competitors didn't seem to be required to provide one. We don't know who those competitors are, but we do know that the author deliberately made this surveillance app stealthier because they believed they'd get away with it.
- camhart 5y ago
  I removed a red dot that didn't belong on my logo and wasn't being required by Apple with any other apps.
  - tptacek 5y ago
    For everyone else reading, here's the subthread: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29570450 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29570450
    - throw10920 5y ago
      "If you click on the notification on MacOS, a menu pops up indicating the device is being monitored and includes instructions for how to uninstall the app though if you do an alert is sent indicating that you did." How is changing the logo "removing" a "conspicuous warning indicator that screen recording was enabled" when the app literally tells you that the device is being monitored? There's no meaningful difference between a new logo appearing that you can tap on to see that your device is being monitored, and the same logo with a red dot. A curious user is going to tap both of them, and a lazy user won't bother with either. Claiming that altering the app icon without anything more (e.g. changing where/when the icon is visible, impersonating a system icon) is "removing a conspicuous warning indicator" is straight-up deceptive.
- GVRV 5y ago
  My point is that if this is a violation and if the OP is correct that competitors are not following this rule, shouldn't Apple be transparent in its communication with OP? Why drag it out over years with cryptic responses? Spoiler Alert: Because Apple (and Google) can get away with it.

by GVRV 5y ago

deleted 5y ago

[deleted]

tptacek 5y ago

If you read the thread we're commenting on, you'll see that the author removed a conspicuous warning indicator that screen recording was enabled, because their competitors didn't seem to be required to provide one. We don't know who those competitors are, but we do know that the author deliberately made this surveillance app stealthier because they believed they'd get away with it.

camhart 5y ago
I removed a red dot that didn't belong on my logo and wasn't being required by Apple with any other apps.
- tptacek 5y ago
  For everyone else reading, here's the subthread: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29570450 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29570450
  - throw10920 5y ago
    "If you click on the notification on MacOS, a menu pops up indicating the device is being monitored and includes instructions for how to uninstall the app though if you do an alert is sent indicating that you did." How is changing the logo "removing" a "conspicuous warning indicator that screen recording was enabled" when the app literally tells you that the device is being monitored? There's no meaningful difference between a new logo appearing that you can tap on to see that your device is being monitored, and the same logo with a red dot. A curious user is going to tap both of them, and a lazy user won't bother with either. Claiming that altering the app icon without anything more (e.g. changing where/when the icon is visible, impersonating a system icon) is "removing a conspicuous warning indicator" is straight-up deceptive.
GVRV 5y ago
My point is that if this is a violation and if the OP is correct that competitors are not following this rule, shouldn't Apple be transparent in its communication with OP? Why drag it out over years with cryptic responses? Spoiler Alert: Because Apple (and Google) can get away with it.