{
  "id": 10550411,
  "title": "So long Google, and thanks for all the nudes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/so-long-google-and-thanks-for-all-the-nudes-10550411",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-28T18:04:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hacker News Best",
    "slug": "hacker-news-best",
    "url": "https://lecaro.me/20260921-google-less.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The writer, frustrated with Google's practices, has embarked on a new journey to create a degoogled Android experience. After acquiring ten old Android 6.0.1 phones, the writer has started experimenting with a lightweight, compile-from-source version of the operating system. They have discovered a new appreciation for lightweight apps, given the limited 2GB of RAM available on these devices.\n\nThe writer found themselves unable to publish their new game on the Google Play Store due to a broken review process. Instead, they plan to share their creations on alternative platforms like F-Droid and itch.io. Google's monopolistic actions have led to an increasingly frustrating review process, with reasons for app rejections often left unexplained.\n\nA recent incident involved Google sending the writer \"nudes\" as part of their review process, which led to the rejection of their text editor, Tabby. The writer appealed the decision, but without any explanation as to why the appeal was denied.\n\nThe writer suspects that Google's automatic app listing translations might have inadvertently included a link to a dubious website, causing the rejection. They cannot verify this, as they are blocked from viewing the content they submitted.\n\nWith the lack of support and clear communication from Google, the writer has decided to no longer rely on the company. They will continue to build tools and games, sharing them with those willing to explore outside the confines of the Play Store. Google's heavy-handed approach to app gatekeeping has made it clear that counting on them is not a wise choice for app developers.",
  "summary": "Article URL: https://lecaro.me/20260921-google-less.html Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49881951 Points: 189 # Comments: 79",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Hacker News",
        "title": "So long Google, and thanks for all the nudes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/so-long-google-and-thanks-for-all-the-nudes",
        "published": "2026-09-28T18:04:47.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}