Phone apps disabled until I agree to Google's *new* terms

TribbleTrouble

I've had my Android phone for three years, and for the last two years have not allowed it to update automatically. I did that because I don't want to keep accepting new terms from Google, letting them monitor my world and do what they want with the data. I basically only use the thing as a phone and an occasional camera.

It seems that Google has pushed an update to my phone anyway...

Today I tried to view a picture I had just taken, and instead it said I must update Google+ to use the app. To do that, I must accept Googles latest terms. It seems this applies to all the built-in Google apps on the phone.

So, until I do that, I now cannot use the phone as I purchased it.

Does this come under the 'not fit for purpose' rules because Google has prevented me from using my device as it was when I bought it?

I note in Google's (new) terms that they include the right to update the software even without my permission if they deem it 'necessary'. Nothing is said about me having to accept their new terms though and surely this would be seen as an unfair contract... 'I agree to agree to anything you say in the future'. Not!

marliepanda

Honestly this is tin foil hat territory.

Updates include new security. If you don't have it, it can cause issues.

If you want a smart phone this comes with the territory. You are allowing it to become not fit for purpose by refusing to allow updates for it.

if you want a phone and a camera, there are many non smart devices out there with no internet capability.

JJ_Egan

<Does this come under the 'not fit for purpose' rules because Google has prevented me from using my device as it was when I bought it>


Revert it to the original firmware .
Accept no updates .
Security may be compromised and a number of your newer apps may not work on old OS .


However i suggest you should pursue your consumer rights through the courts .
This update question has yet to be resolved in a UK court .

TribbleTrouble

marliepanda, So... you think it's OK for Google to enforce the acceptance of its new terms and conditions by disabling apps on phones until they are accepted by the user?

It's not about a security update; I'm not exactly unaware of IT security issues

It's about Google forcing a change of functionality on my device (I don't need or want Google+ and everything it entails) by disabling existing functionality until I agree.

TribbleTrouble

I'm considering reverting (I took a backup so that's easy-ish) but it won't stop Google from automatically updating it again. I turned off automatic updating and it got updated anyway.

The only way to stop that would be to prevent internet access altogether, but again that limits the functionality.


Additionally, I have a few expensive apps on there. I strongly suspect that unless I update that I won't be able to put those back on because I won't be able to access the Play store without the new Google+ version.

macman

You don't own the software, Google licence it to you. They are entitled to update the software as they see fit. And, since, without the software, the hardware is just a paperweight, you need to accept the licensing terms if you want to use it.
If you want a phone that does calls only, just buy an old Nokia.

Svein_Forkbeard

Buy an Apple or Microsoft phone, that'll teach them.

Les79

TribbleTrouble wrote: »

marliepanda, So... you think it's OK for Google to enforce the acceptance of its new terms and conditions by disabling apps on phones until they are accepted by the user?

It's not about a security update; I'm not exactly unaware of IT security issues

It's about Google forcing a change of functionality on my device (I don't need or want Google+ and everything it entails) by disabling existing functionality until I agree.

I have to say it is an interesting one!

With the hardware (physical phone), you are presented with specific Ts and Cs at the store and you either accept (purchase) or decline (not purchase) them. If you accept, the phone becomes your property.

But software is trickier... And the answer may well lie in the Ts and Cs for the hardware RE: determining whether certain apps/software becomes your property or is licensed out to you.

If licensed then it may well be a case of having to accept the current Ts and Cs to use it, and if you don't accept it then you don't get it (which makes the action of you being blocked from using it perfectly valid/OK in my eyes).

If software is owned, you may well have a case.

Your comment "I'm not exactly unaware of IT security issues " sort of suggests you have some experience in the IT sector (I don't), so maybe enlighten us as to whether the software/apps are licensed to you or owned?

PS, I think you *may* have a strongish case if your phone no longer allows calls/texts and maybe 4G/wifi/bluetooth etc (basic functions).

powerful_Rogue

What app are you trying to use to view the photos?

AndyPix

You dont need to use google+ to view your photos - you use the gallary app ..


If you are trying to open google+ then that will be connecting to their servers and using their services .
In that case they can insist on anything they want before they let you connect, its up to them


Their service, their rules

custardy

As said. You have elected to use G+ as your photo app.
So use an alternative if you dont wish to agree to its updated T&Cs