Mozilla Added Google Play Integrity to Firefox for Android

8 hours ago

A user requests removal of Google Play Integrity from Firefox for Android, citing concerns about anti-ownership, anti-user policies, and proprietary anti-competitive practices.
Google Play Integrity is described as potentially harmful because it could encourage use of APIs that restrict custom OS installations, increase dependency on Google services, and rely on closed-source mechanisms like TPMs or secure enclaves.
Mozilla responds that the feature is used internally for cost-intensive services like Sync, VPN, and AI features to prevent fraud, and is not required if users have a Mozilla account. It falls back if Google Play Services are unavailable.
Users express dissatisfaction, arguing that attestation mechanisms restrict user freedom, lock people out of the open web, and are at odds with Mozilla's core values. They suggest using the standard Android Hardware Attestation API instead.
Discussions emphasize that even internal use by Mozilla legitimizes Play Integrity, contributing to wider adoption and potentially harming users on de-Googled or custom Android systems.
The conversation highlights a divide between Mozilla's practical needs for fraud prevention and user demands for privacy, freedom, and control over their devices.

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