Tim Cook (rightly) condemns sideloading

In a speech this morning at a major privacy conference, Tim Cook condemned sideloading apps.

From reading just the headlines, it's easy to conclude that his stance is self-serving.

Apple earns gobs of money from the App Store and Cook doesn't want to see that revenue stream eroded.

But if you read our report, you'll see he argues against sideloading from a privacy and security standpoint.

Cook warns that sideloading iPhone apps will open a gate to the "data industrial complex built on a foundation of surveillance.”

He has a point.

Maybe I'm being naive, but having studied Cook for many years, I'm certain that his strong stance on privacy is sincere.

Under Cook, Apple has become an important bulwark against the data industrial complex. Apple's tight control of the App Store does protect users.

And I think he's right: Weakening the App Store will allow a ton of shady apps and services to blossom on our devices.

Perhaps his warning is overblown (and self-serving), but it's an argument that's well worth considering.

-- Leander Kahney, EIC.

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One more thing ...

"If anybody's going to make our products obsolete, I want it to be us." -- Steve Jobs

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