Google Confirms Android Kill Switch

Author	Gordon Kelly
Published	16th Oct 2008

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So Apple got a shoeing when it revealed the iPhone kill switch so it'll be interesting to see what the reaction is now people's champion Google has done the same with Android...

Picked up by ComputerWorld.com, which squinted its way through the small print in Google's Android Market terms of service, is the line:

"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." Helpfully it also states that "reasonable efforts to recover the purchase price of the product ... from the original developer on your behalf."

Ok, let's get this out the way, my opinion is simple and applies to both companies: good.

Why? Well, while it can lead to exploitation it is also overridingly sensible and a vital safeguard for users of either operating system. Example: an app sneaks through which contains malware - Apple or Google need to stamp on this before it has time to spread and you can't wait for owners (especially less technically savvy ones) to pick up on what is going on.

On the other hand, is it Big Brother-ish? Probably, but sometimes that's a necessary evil...

Link:
via ComputerWorld.com

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ChaosDefinesOrder said on 17th October 2008

I totally agree - it'd be far worse not to have some way of stopping a malicious program! People are always going to complain about any form of online policing, but will alway... more

gareth said on 17th October 2008

It is going to be hard for Google to srick the balance between security/control and freedom to download open-source aps. Only time will tell.

Francesco Mastellone said on 17th October 2008

I mostly trust Google, and their engagement in free/open software is laudable. This killswitch has the potential to lead to trusted-computing, but today's market is not the sa... more