What's New

PEOPLE ARE LOSING CONTROL OVER PHONES

Syllabus:

GS 1:

• Effects of globalization on Indian society.

Focus:

• Native apps posed security risks due to their ability to exploit vulnerabilities on devices.

Source:- The Hindu

The Evolution of Internet Access:

• Decentralized Design:

• • Originally, the Internet operated on a decentralized model, empowering individual machines to control access to services.
  • This approach facilitated rapid growth and the emergence of services like emails, websites, and chats during the 1990s and 2000s.
  • Standardized protocols such as HTTP and languages like HTML simplified website access.
  • Search engines like Google streamlined navigation by indexing web content.
  • Yahoo’s directory and later Google’s search engine facilitated website discovery and access.
• Advent of Mobile Devices:
  • Mobile devices, notably the iPhone, triggered a shift in web design to accommodate smaller screens.
  • Apple’s Safari browser encouraged the development of web applications (apps) tailored for mobile browsing.
  • Websites were adapted or created specifically to be mobile-friendly, enhancing user experience on handheld devices.
  • The convenience of accessing internet services on the go contributed to the widespread adoption of mobile browsing.
  • Mobile apps began to emerge as an alternative means of accessing internet services, offering enhanced features and functionalities.

The Rise of Native Apps:

• Demand for Control:

• • Developers sought greater control over user experiences and device functionalities, leading to the development of native apps.
  • Apple’s introduction of the App Store in 2008 provided a platform for distributing native apps securely.
  • Native apps offered superior performance and integration with device hardware compared to web apps.
  • Developers embraced native apps as they provided direct access to device features such as cameras, sensors, and GPS.
  • The availability of native apps on app stores expanded the range of services accessible on mobile devices.
• Security Concerns:
  • Native apps introduced security risks due to their ability to exploit vulnerabilities on devices.
  • Malicious apps could compromise user data, perform unauthorized actions, or cause system instability.
  • Apple and Google implemented security measures to mitigate app-related risks, such as app review processes and sandboxing.
  • Despite efforts to enhance security, instances of app-based malware, fraud, and privacy violations persisted.
  • Users were advised to exercise caution when downloading and using apps, particularly from third-party sources.

Challenges and Controversies:

• App Store Governance:

• • App stores assumed a central role in the distribution and management of mobile apps, acting as gatekeepers to the ecosystem.
  • Policies governing app approval, revenue sharing, and content moderation sparked debates and controversies.
  • App store operators faced criticism for their opaque decision-making processes and perceived favoritism towards certain developers.
  • Businesses raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of app store policies, particularly regarding revenue sharing.
  • Regulatory scrutiny increased as app stores grew in influence and market power, leading to investigations and legal actions.
• Antitrust Issues and Legal Battles:
  • Dominant app store operators faced allegations of anticompetitive behavior and abuse of market power.
  • Companies like Google and Apple were subjected to antitrust investigations and lawsuits related to their app store practices.
  • Legal battles between app developers and store operators highlighted issues such as app store fees, exclusivity agreements, and content restrictions.
  • Court rulings and regulatory actions shaped app store policies and practices, influencing competition and innovation in the mobile app market.
  • Ongoing legal disputes underscored the complexities of regulating digital platforms and balancing the interests of stakeholders.

Future Outlook and User Considerations:

• Emerging Trends and Innovations:

• • The mobile app market continues to evolve with advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences.
  • Trends such as progressive web apps (PWAs), cross-platform development frameworks, and cloud-based services are reshaping the app ecosystem.
  • Innovations in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and mobile payments are driving new opportunities for app developers and businesses.
• User Awareness and Privacy Concerns:
  • Users are becoming more discerning about app permissions, data privacy, and security risks associated with mobile apps.
  • Privacy scandals and data breaches have raised awareness about the importance of safeguarding personal information on mobile devices.
  • Privacy-focused initiatives, such as app tracking transparency and data protection regulations, aim to empower users and hold app developers accountable.

• Navigating the App-Centric Landscape:

• • The mobile app ecosystem offers unparalleled convenience and functionality but presents challenges in terms of security, privacy, and governance.
  • Users must weigh the benefits and risks of native apps versus web apps when accessing internet services on mobile devices.
  • Regulatory interventions and industry initiatives play a crucial role in promoting fair competition, protecting consumer rights, and fostering innovation in the mobile app market.

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/people-are-losing-control-over-phones/article68021085.ece

Associated Article:

TAKING ON BIG TECH

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the evolution of internet access and the rise of native apps in the mobile app ecosystem. Highlight the challenges and controversies surrounding app store governance, including issues of antitrust regulation and legal battles. Evaluate the future outlook of the mobile app market, considering emerging trends, user considerations, and the implications for governance and regulation.