EU goes full dystopian

🇪🇺 EU LOCKS PHONES: A law has come into force in the EU that locks the OS

Android smartphones become strictly closed systems in the EU where the user does not own their device at the software level, and any firmware modifications are prohibited.

This means that:

— No bootloader unlocking: Installing third-party software, mods, custom firmware, and alternative OSes is now impossible. Manufacturers are required to strictly prohibit this through Secure Boot and system code signature verification

— No root access: Root breaks the Android security model and allows interference with the system's operation. Root is now impossible — along with any apps that require it

— No rollback to older firmware: The system is protected against downgrading, even to official builds

Also, the manufacturer can block the installation of third-party applications (APK files) under the pretext of security. Samsung has already disabled the ability to unlock the bootloader. Other companies will follow.