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How does Gboard know what my friends has typed? (slrpnk.net)
submitted 2 years ago by to c/privacy@lemmy.ml
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Android's Gboard always suggests replies in chat apps that fit the context of what my contacts write.

If my previous message had been related, I would assume it predicted what my contact would say in response and make a suggestion based on that. But even if the contact changes the topic, the suggestions are appropriate.

I don't expect that the apps all share the conversation with Gboard. So how are the predictions made.

It seems unlikely that it would take screenshots and base predictions on that. But otherwise I don't know how it is possible.

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[–] 11 points 2 years ago (2 children)

You can use GBoard and block telemetry behind a firewall or not giving the app internet access if your OS support that feature. Personnaly I prefer using FOSS such as HeliBoard !

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  • [–] 3 points 2 years ago (2 children)

    The only realtime active firewall I can find for Android is NetGuard, but because of the way Android works it uses a VPN connection.

    I guess what I am saying is that running an active firewall 24/7 on an Android device isn't practical for most people, and blocking connections at the router level only works until you leave home, unless you set up your phone to automatically VPN back to your house when your phone disconnects from your home wi-fi.

    But yeah, FUTO and Heliboard are both excellent!

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  • [–] 3 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    GrapheneOS let you disable internet access permission before installing an app. I think you can disable it on OnePlus too but after installing the app. Probably other manufacters has this feature in their Android flavors. But yes running NetGuard isn't ideal in many scenarios.

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  • [–] 2 points 2 years ago

    Oh right! And I forgot that an app called AfWall+ also blocks network connections on a per-app basis and can be active all the time. There's even a magisk module called 'afwall boot antileak' so that nothing gets network access before AfWall does.

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