With the advancement of technology in recent times the way companies can collect data about us has grown significantly, which many feel is an unwelcome invasion of an individual’s privacy, and now the Russian defense ministry strips Google from Android tablets.
As an article on PCWorld is reporting the Russian defense ministry has announced a stripped down encrypted version of the Google operating system, which is set to be used on government and military devices, and will also go on sale to the public.
The search engine giant collects a considerable amount of information from users of the Android operating system, which includes personal information and usage data in order for the company to serve ads. This is one of the reasons why Google offers Android for free to manufacturers, but Russia is concerned and fears this data could fall into the hands of the US government, and in turn reveals sensitive communications.
The country’s answer to this problem is the Russian Mobile Operating System that was unveiled at the recent IFA event in Berlin. RoMOS has the look and feel of standard Android, but does not collect data and is almost hack proof according to the developers.
Instead the software uses the Global Navigation Satellite System, which is Russia’s alternative to GPS. This is in case the US government decides to shut down the GPS system, and the Apple iPhone also supports this system. The first batch of 10-inch tablets running RoMOS will become available later this year, and are also set to be shock and waterproof and priced around $460.
The devices will be manufactured in Russia but using mainly components made overseas. The final product will be aimed at military personnel and state officials, but a version for consumers will also be available but with slightly different features and prices.
Are you concerned about the amount of data that Google collects about you?