Background
Rooting disables OEM updates and makes your device unofficial, so you will probably still be able to sideload apps. Depending on how this shitstorm turns out though, and if there will ever be a need for it, I would love to help people root their smartphones.
Another idea is to collaborate on a wiki that aggregates and documents all rootable versus non rootable smartphones and the methods that work.
Rooting services
We could setup a chatroom on Signal or any other platform that enables voice and/or video chat. People would also be able to send their smartphones to another person that roots it. Or like street vendors, setup a pipe chair and table and do it on scene at festivals and other gatherings.
The wiki
I could host something fresh from my desktop or create a community on some fedi instance. The wiki would aggregate preexisting information but also be open for continuous updates by the community.
Edit: thank you @ChanchoManco@lemmy.zip for posting the repo Bootloader Unlock: Wall of Shame
Question
What does the community think of such an idea? I’m just spitballing here, trying to add something to the opposition.
@emotional_soup_88 Glad that you are trying to do something about it.
I mean, it feels kinda silly when I reread my post, but I’m genuine about wanting to rebel against big tech monopolies.
@emotional_soup_88 yeah man, I’m not a tech literate, so people like me will definitely appreciate your help. But I’m planning on trying my luck if I can find a good deal for a used Pixel.
That’s great! A year ago when I last rooted a Pixel, the bootloader was still unlockable, as the terminology goes. If you do not intend to try out GrapheneOS but use the preinstalled OS, I do recommend rooting it for future consistent freedom.
@emotional_soup_88 the plan is to try out GrapheneOS and see how it will be for me and while I’d love to remove Meta and Google (and most big tech) from my life immediately. There’s unfortunately a lot of information I need that will determine my career. Ugh, I hate how reliant we all became on some services.
Simplest approach I found is GrapheneOS as your main device, and using a second Android or iPhone for commercial apps that don’t work. And keep the second phone off majority of the time when the apps aren’t needed.
There is definitely a mental/psychological aspect that needs to be taken into consideration. For starters, we have to encourage and be kind to each other and to ourselves. Any and all steps away from big tech and monopolies is a small victory and should be encouraged.