F-Droid Basic just got released for the first time. Built from the same code as regular @fdroidorg, it comes with a reduced feature set (no nearby share and no panic feature). Also it targets Android 13 and will soon be able to do unattended updates.
@grote: That sounds great! I never understood for what that Panic feature is meant for.
Cc @fdroidorg
@xtaran @grote @fdroidorg As I understand it, it's for example for human rights activist in dangerous countries. If they are e.g. in danger of being arrested, they trigger panic with a special app. Then all apps that support the panic feature will react appropriately, like delete chat history, contacts or files. I'm not sure why anyone would want to hide F-Droid though.
@xtaran Maybe to e.g. uninstall that messenger app, or that activist app etc. entirely to not make it obvious you might use it?
Making up an example: you use Conversations for your "activist communication" but also have Threema installed. If both are there, both routes would be investigated. Make Conversations gone (via Panic button), and the focus would go to the one left (seems safe enough). There may be traces for forensics, yes; but let your canary die and your contacts can take measures.
@elgregor: The latter is exactly what I don't understand: Why is there a panic button in F-Droid? I'd expect them rather in an instant messenger app or an app using TOR. But not in a package manager. (Then again, F-Droid can use TOR… Oh well.)
Cc @grote @fdroidorg