From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Arizona is suing online retailer Temu, alleging the platform illegally
collects personal information and data from its customers.

Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, announced the case against Temu and
its parent companies PDD Holdings Inc., Pinduoduo Inc., on Dec. 2. Mayes
accused the company of “some of the worst violations of the Arizona
Consumer Fraud Act that I have ever seen during my tenure as the attorney
general.”

Mayes said her office conducted a forensic investigation and determined the
app collected a "shocking amount of sensitive data on its users," both
adults and minors, without their permission. That includes GPS location,
other apps on cell phones and account information, wireless internet
networks and access to the phone microphone, Mayes said.

Temu is also accused of deceptive and unfair trade practices, including
faking customer reviews, imitating legitimate branded goods and more. Mayes
said the China-based company uses malware and spyware and was potentially
sharing that data with the Chinese government.

The case filed in Maricopa County Superior Court seeks civil fines against
Temu and restitution for customers, among other penalties. Mayes said users
should consider deleting their account, uninstalling the app and using
anti-virus software to scan for malware.

“We are taking Temu to court to stop these practices, protect Arizonans’
privacy, and hold Temu fully accountable under Arizona law," Mayes said.

Temu has faced legal troubles in other states and recently from the federal
government.

In September, Temu agreed to pay a $2 million to settle a federal case
alleging the online marketplace didn't follow federal law that requires
disclosure of information about third-party sellers. The U.S. Department of
Justice brought the case alleging Temu's ownership company, Whaleco Inc.,
violated the federal INFORM Consumers Act.

That law requires online marketplaces to disclose information about
high-volume sellers and give customers a way to report suspicious activity,
and the DOJ alleged Temu did neither. It was the first case brought under
the 2023 INFORM act, which was meant to make online business more
transparent.

Arkansas filed a lawsuit against the company in 2024, alleging its sales
platform was a front to illegally gather data on consumers. Nebraska and
Kentucky followed suit earlier this year alleging the company was a data
harvesting operation. In response to the Kentucky lawsuit, Temu said in a
statement the allegations were unfounded and the result of misinformation
online.

The company also faced class action lawsuits in two states — Illinois and
New York — that raised similar claims.

From Arizona Republic


--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 02.12.25 22:48, AJL wrote:

Arizona is suing online retailer Temu, alleging the platform illegally
collects personal information and data from its customers.

Those who use Temu do not deserve better.
TikTok is Pooh Bear's tool to spy on young people.
Temu is the tool with the same purpose to spy on adults.

*SCNR*
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita" (Augustinus)
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 02.12.25 22:48, AJL wrote:

Arizona is suing online retailer Temu, alleging the platform illegally
collects personal information and data from its customers.

Those who use Temu do not deserve better.
TikTok is Pooh Bear's tool to spy on young people.
Temu is the tool with the same purpose to spy on adults.

Why would I actually care if Temu knows that I bought a pair of boots?
They know my name and address (so do zillions of other people) and
that's about it.
--
Chris Green
·
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 03.12.25 10:13, Chris Green wrote:

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 02.12.25 22:48, AJL wrote:

Arizona is suing online retailer Temu, alleging the platform illegally
collects personal information and data from its customers.

Those who use Temu do not deserve better.
TikTok is Pooh Bear's tool to spy on young people.
Temu is the tool with the same purpose to spy on adults.

Why would I actually care if Temu knows that I bought a pair of boots?
They know my name and address (so do zillions of other people) and
that's about it.

Do not take me too serious! ;-)

But TEMU was caught in Europe a couple of times to not stick to the
rules with dangerous quality of their products and illegally copying
branded products. My impression is that the hype around TEMU has peaked
already here in Europe.

Stealing data is core competence of american Companies and american
three and four letter organisations pretending to protect people.

Jörg
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita" (Augustinus)
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 03.12.25 10:13, Chris Green wrote:

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 02.12.25 22:48, AJL wrote:

Arizona is suing online retailer Temu, alleging the platform illegally
collects personal information and data from its customers.

Those who use Temu do not deserve better.
TikTok is Pooh Bear's tool to spy on young people.
Temu is the tool with the same purpose to spy on adults.

Why would I actually care if Temu knows that I bought a pair of boots?
They know my name and address (so do zillions of other people) and
that's about it.

You are extremely naive: They can profile you to the full extent with
their app. You seem not being aware of what apps on an Android can do by default if you do not restrict them.
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita" (Augustinus)
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 03.12.25 10:13, Chris Green wrote:

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 02.12.25 22:48, AJL wrote:

Arizona is suing online retailer Temu, alleging the platform illegally >>> collects personal information and data from its customers.

Those who use Temu do not deserve better.
TikTok is Pooh Bear's tool to spy on young people.
Temu is the tool with the same purpose to spy on adults.

Why would I actually care if Temu knows that I bought a pair of boots?
They know my name and address (so do zillions of other people) and
that's about it.

You are extremely naive: They can profile you to the full extent with
their app. You seem not being aware of what apps on an Android can do by default if you do not restrict them.

... and that's why I don't use apps for any of my buying! If I buy on
line it's **always** using my desktop or laptop computer.

I agree, it's all those apps on mobile phones that can gather data
about me/you/them.
--
Chris Green
·
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 03.12.25 10:13, Chris Green wrote:

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 02.12.25 22:48, AJL wrote:

Arizona is suing online retailer Temu, alleging the platform illegally >>> collects personal information and data from its customers.

Those who use Temu do not deserve better.
TikTok is Pooh Bear's tool to spy on young people.
Temu is the tool with the same purpose to spy on adults.

Why would I actually care if Temu knows that I bought a pair of boots?
They know my name and address (so do zillions of other people) and
that's about it.

Do not take me too serious! ;-)

But TEMU was caught in Europe a couple of times to not stick to the
rules with dangerous quality of their products and illegally copying
branded products. My impression is that the hype around TEMU has peaked already here in Europe.

Oh yes, I treat what they sell in much the same way as I would regard
things I buy in a 'pound' shop (not sure what the US equivalent is, do
you have dollar shops?).

Stealing data is core competence of american Companies and american
three and four letter organisations pretending to protect people.

Quite! :-) So I minimise the personal data I enter on web sites and I
have a 'junk' Google Id that I use which has virtually no data about
me in it.
--
Chris Green
·
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Am 03.12.2025 um 10:58 schrieb Chris Green:

Oh yes, I treat what they sell in much the same way as I would regard
things I buy in a 'pound' shop (not sure what the US equivalent is, do
you have dollar shops?).

I know the Dollar Stores. I'm not an American btw. My wife is so I know
a little bit about retailing in the US (East).
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita" (Augustinus)
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Am 03.12.2025 um 11:01 schrieb Chris Green:

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 03.12.25 10:13, Chris Green wrote:

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 02.12.25 22:48, AJL wrote:

Arizona is suing online retailer Temu, alleging the platform illegally >>>>> collects personal information and data from its customers.

Those who use Temu do not deserve better.
TikTok is Pooh Bear's tool to spy on young people.
Temu is the tool with the same purpose to spy on adults.

Why would I actually care if Temu knows that I bought a pair of boots?
They know my name and address (so do zillions of other people) and
that's about it.

You are extremely naive: They can profile you to the full extent with
their app. You seem not being aware of what apps on an Android can do by
default if you do not restrict them.

... and that's why I don't use apps for any of my buying! If I buy on
line it's **always** using my desktop or laptop computer.

Same here. We stay on the safe side.
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita" (Augustinus)
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL <noemail@none.com> writes:

As to the Subj, I've never used the Temu app. I've ordered from them
once, I'd heard they can deliver quicker than Aliexpress and that seemed
to be true but no huge difference. Didn't find much worth buying
though. The item I ordered was a tablet case and not a very good
one. Better than nothing while waiting for the decent one to arrive.
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 12/3/25 2:13 AM, Chris Green wrote:

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 02.12.25 22:48, AJL wrote:

Arizona is suing online retailer Temu, alleging the platform illegally
collects personal information and data from its customers.

Those who use Temu do not deserve better.
TikTok is Pooh Bear's tool to spy on young people.
Temu is the tool with the same purpose to spy on adults.

Why would I actually care if Temu knows that I bought a pair of boots?
They know my name and address (so do zillions of other people) and
that's about it.

Did you read the part about Temu being able to access your phone's
microphone? Also assessing your other apps. Sounded scary to me...


--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 03.12.25 18:36, AJL wrote:

On 12/3/25 2:13 AM, Chris Green wrote:

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 02.12.25 22:48, AJL wrote:

Arizona is suing online retailer Temu, alleging the platform illegally >>>> collects personal information and data from its customers.

Those who use Temu do not deserve better.
TikTok is Pooh Bear's tool to spy on young people.
Temu is the tool with the same purpose to spy on adults.

Why would I actually care if Temu knows that I bought a pair of boots?
They know my name and address (so do zillions of other people) and
that's about it.

Did you read the part about Temu being able to access your phone's
microphone? Also assessing your other apps. Sounded scary to me...

Not for me: At one point Temu.app had to ask permission to get this
accesses.
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita."
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

On 12/3/25 2:13 AM, Chris Green wrote:

J�rg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 02.12.25 22:48, AJL wrote:

Arizona is suing online retailer Temu, alleging the platform illegally >> > collects personal information and data from its customers.

Those who use Temu do not deserve better.
TikTok is Pooh Bear's tool to spy on young people.
Temu is the tool with the same purpose to spy on adults.

Why would I actually care if Temu knows that I bought a pair of boots?
They know my name and address (so do zillions of other people) and
that's about it.

Did you read the part about Temu being able to access your phone's
microphone? Also assessing your other apps. Sounded scary to me...

Chris later mentioned that he doesn't use an app on his phone, but
(probably the Temu website on) his computer. So no 'app' and only a
browser. Same as I do 'all' my online shopping (of course not at Temu,
nor at any other Chinese webshop/company). Even for my main trusted electronics, electrics, etc. supplier, I use their website on my laptop,
safer and more convenient (large screen/keyboard).

The only company-specific apps I use on my phone, are those which I
trust, i.e. airlines, hotel-booking, etc..
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 12/3/25 10:56 AM, Jörg Lorenz wrote:

On 03.12.25 18:36, AJL wrote:

On 12/3/25 2:13 AM, Chris Green wrote:

Why would I actually care if Temu knows that I bought a pair of boots?
They know my name and address (so do zillions of other people) and
that's about it.

Did you read the part about Temu being able to access your phone's
microphone? Also assessing your other apps. Sounded scary to me...

Not for me: At one point Temu.app had to ask permission to get this
accesses.

According to the article Temu apparently doesn't currently ask permission.
It makes one wonder what other apps also do it. Is one any safer using a
browser assuming you can use one to conduct the same business? On this
Chrome tablet I'm posting with I usually use the browser for business but
that's because it often doesn't run my Android apps so well. So Im safe
then (as Google looks over my shoulder), right? 8-O


--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 12/3/25 11:43 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

On 12/3/25 2:13 AM, Chris Green wrote:

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 02.12.25 22:48, AJL wrote:

Arizona is suing online retailer Temu, alleging the platform illegally >> >> > collects personal information and data from its customers.

Those who use Temu do not deserve better.
TikTok is Pooh Bear's tool to spy on young people.
Temu is the tool with the same purpose to spy on adults.

Why would I actually care if Temu knows that I bought a pair of boots?
They know my name and address (so do zillions of other people) and
that's about it.

Did you read the part about Temu being able to access your phone's
microphone? Also assessing your other apps. Sounded scary to me...

Chris later mentioned that he doesn't use an app on his phone, but
(probably the Temu website on) his computer. So no 'app' and only a
browser. Same as I do 'all' my online shopping (of course not at Temu,
nor at any other Chinese webshop/company). Even for my main trusted >electronics, electrics, etc. supplier, I use their website on my laptop, >safer and more convenient (large screen/keyboard).

The only company-specific apps I use on my phone, are those which I
trust, i.e. airlines, hotel-booking, etc..

I no longer use my 6 year old phone that hasn't been updated in over a year
for anything sensitive. Currently I use my Chrome OS stuff and a browser
for that. But who knows...


--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 03.12.25 19:58, AJL wrote:

On 12/3/25 10:56 AM, Jörg Lorenz wrote:

On 03.12.25 18:36, AJL wrote:

On 12/3/25 2:13 AM, Chris Green wrote:

Why would I actually care if Temu knows that I bought a pair of boots? >>>> They know my name and address (so do zillions of other people) and
that's about it.

Did you read the part about Temu being able to access your phone's
microphone? Also assessing your other apps. Sounded scary to me...

Not for me: At one point Temu.app had to ask permission to get this
accesses.

According to the article Temu apparently doesn't currently ask permission.

AFAIK Google does not allow such apps in its store and the newer
versions of Android should stop such attacks or such malicious behaviour.

What do we learn anyway? Always check permissions on Chinese crap after installation. Or even better: Never install apps from your enemies.
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita" (Augustinus)
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

On 12/3/25 2:13 AM, Chris Green wrote:

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 02.12.25 22:48, AJL wrote:

Arizona is suing online retailer Temu, alleging the platform illegally >> > collects personal information and data from its customers.

Those who use Temu do not deserve better.
TikTok is Pooh Bear's tool to spy on young people.
Temu is the tool with the same purpose to spy on adults.

Why would I actually care if Temu knows that I bought a pair of boots?
They know my name and address (so do zillions of other people) and
that's about it.

Did you read the part about Temu being able to access your phone's microphone? Also assessing your other apps. Sounded scary to me...

Did you read the part about me not using apps to buy from Temu? :-)
--
Chris Green
·
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 12/3/25 1:50 PM, Jörg Lrenz wrote:

On 03.12.25 19:58, AJL wrote:

On 12/3/25 10:56 AM, Jörg Lorenz wrote:

On 03.12.25 18:36, AJL wrote:

On 12/3/25 2:13 AM, Chris Green wrote:

Why would I actually care if Temu knows that I bought a pair of boots? >>>>> They know my name and address (so do zillions of other people) and
that's about it.

Did you read the part about Temu being able to access your phone's
microphone? Also assessing your other apps. Sounded scary to me...

Not for me: At one point Temu.app had to ask permission to get this
accesses.

According to the article Temu apparently doesn't currently ask permission.

AFAIK Google does not allow such apps in its store and the newer
versions of Android should stop such attacks or such malicious behaviour.

Just checked. The Temu app is still available in the Play Store on this
Chrome Tablet. All I had to do was push the Install button...

What do we learn anyway? Always check permissions on Chinese crap after >installation. Or even better: Never install apps from your enemies.

How about Android tablets? Virtually all my Android tablet toys over the
years were made in China. This Chrome OS tablet I'm posting with is from
China. All my Amazon Fire OS tablets are. My Acer Chromebook was. I
sometimes wonder if a backdoor could be inserted during manufacture? That
would be a sneaky way to aquire info, huh...


--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

Arizona is suing online retailer Temu, alleging the platform illegally
collects personal information and data from its customers.

https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/com.einnovation.temu/latest/

Version 4.10.0 - see other versions
Source: Google Play
Report created on Dec. 2, 2025, 2:17 a.m.

3 trackers

We have found code signature of the following trackers in the application:

Adjust - analytics
Facebook Login - identification
Google Firebase Analytics - analytics


12 permissions

We have found the following permissions in the application:

(!) ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION
access approximate location only in the foreground

(!) ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION
access precise location only in the foreground

ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE
view network connections

ACCESS_WIFI_STATE
view Wi-Fi connections

INTERNET
have full network access

POST_NOTIFICATIONS

VIBRATE
control vibration

WAKE_LOCK
prevent phone from sleeping

TOKEN_CHANGED

RECEIVE

BIND_GET_INSTALL_REFERRER_SERVICE

AD_ID

The icon (!) indicates a 'Dangerous' or 'Special' level
according to Google's protection levels.


Past versions also included the:

RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED
run at startup

permission, which was dropped in July.
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 03.12.25 23:01, Theo wrote:

https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/com.einnovation.temu/latest/

Version 4.10.0 - see other versions
Source: Google Play
Report created on Dec. 2, 2025, 2:17 a.m.

3 trackers

We have found code signature of the following trackers in the application:

Adjust - analytics
Facebook Login - identification
Google Firebase Analytics - analytics

12 permissions

We have found the following permissions in the application:

(!) ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION
access approximate location only in the foreground

(!) ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION
access precise location only in the foreground

ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE
view network connections

ACCESS_WIFI_STATE
view Wi-Fi connections

INTERNET
have full network access

POST_NOTIFICATIONS

VIBRATE
control vibration

WAKE_LOCK
prevent phone from sleeping

TOKEN_CHANGED

RECEIVE

BIND_GET_INSTALL_REFERRER_SERVICE

AD_ID

The icon (!) indicates a 'Dangerous' or 'Special' level
according to Google's protection levels.

Past versions also included the:

RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED
run at startup

permission, which was dropped in July.

Never ever install apps from your enemy.
Thanks for the detailed information.

Jörg
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita" (Augustinus)
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 03.12.25 22:27, AJL wrote:

On 12/3/25 1:50 PM, Jörg Lrenz wrote:

AFAIK Google does not allow such apps in its store and the newer
versions of Android should stop such attacks or such malicious behaviour.

Just checked. The Temu app is still available in the Play Store on this
Chrome Tablet. All I had to do was push the Install button...

In Europe as well: 500 million downloads and a user rating of 4.6 of 5.

What do we learn anyway? Always check permissions on Chinese crap after
installation. Or even better: Never install apps from your enemies.

How about Android tablets? Virtually all my Android tablet toys over the
years were made in China. This Chrome OS tablet I'm posting with is from
China. All my Amazon Fire OS tablets are. My Acer Chromebook was. I
sometimes wonder if a backdoor could be inserted during manufacture? That
would be a sneaky way to aquire info, huh...

Depends how the brands have production and distribution under control.
Even Apple has suppliers in China but a very tight regime.
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita" (Augustinus)
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Theo wrote:

12 permissions

v1.55.2 looked fun ...

<https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/344261>
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

On 12/3/25 1:50 PM, J�rg Lorenz wrote:

[...]

What do we learn anyway? Always check permissions on Chinese crap after >installation. Or even better: Never install apps from your enemies.

How about Android tablets? Virtually all my Android tablet toys over the
years were made in China. This Chrome OS tablet I'm posting with is from
China. All my Amazon Fire OS tablets are. My Acer Chromebook was. I
sometimes wonder if a backdoor could be inserted during manufacture? That
would be a sneaky way to aquire info, huh...

But *which* 'China'? AFAIK, much stuff is labeled 'Made in China' for political reasons, while it's actually made in Taiwan, i.e. not mainland
China.

And as J�rg mentioned, some large brands' products are made in
mainland China under tight control from those brands.

OTOH, one can have products which are not made in mainland China,
but which contain major components which *are* made or/and developed in mainland China.

That happened to me for my Kenwood FM/DAB+/Internet/ Spotify
'SmartRadio'. While the label on the box says 'Made in Japan', the
actual 'SmartRadio' electronics are manfactured in mainland China
(Shenzhen). The development is done in Cambridge in the UK, so hopefully
this is one of these 'tight control' situations. <https://www.frontiersmart.com/about/>

Bottom line: It's very hard to impossible to tell if something you
(want to) buy is safe, privacy/security wise,
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 12/4/25 9:06 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

On 12/3/25 1:50 PM, Jörg Lorenz wrote:

[...]

What do we learn anyway? Always check permissions on Chinese crap after
installation. Or even better: Never install apps from your enemies.

How about Android tablets? Virtually all my Android tablet toys over the
years were made in China. This Chrome OS tablet I'm posting with is from
China. All my Amazon Fire OS tablets are. My Acer Chromebook was. I
sometimes wonder if a backdoor could be inserted during manufacture? That >> would be a sneaky way to aquire info, huh...

But *which* 'China'? AFAIK, much stuff is labeled 'Made in China' for
political reasons, while it's actually made in Taiwan, i.e. not mainland >China.

And as Jörg mentioned, some large brands' products are made in
mainland China under tight control from those brands.

OTOH, one can have products which are not made in mainland China,
but which contain major components which *are* made or/and developed in >mainland China.

That happened to me for my Kenwood FM/DAB+/Internet/ Spotify
'SmartRadio'. While the label on the box says 'Made in Japan', the
actual 'SmartRadio' electronics are manfactured in mainland China
(Shenzhen). The development is done in Cambridge in the UK, so hopefully
this is one of these 'tight control' situations. ><https://www.frontiersmart.com/about/>

I usually don't know or care where my Android toys are made. I had to look
on the back of this Lenovo Chrome Tablet for my last post cause I couldn't
remember. The quality usually seems to follow the price in my experience no
matter where it's made. Although this Chrome tablet cost me $40 US (Amazon
renewed) and so far it's been as good as a new one. And Google diagnostics
reports the battery health at 97% so perhaps I lucked out there also.

Bottom line: It's very hard to impossible to tell if something you
(want to) buy is safe, privacy/security wise,

Yup. I Googled it and apparently back doors are possible. It suggested to
stay with well known brands. I couldn't pronounce some of my past toy's
brand names but the great grandkids have them now... :-\


--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2