If you move to using an unsecured “chinaphone” as an alternative to the big three handset vendors, then it’s unlikely they are target devices for the myriad of uncertified ROM’s.

Not following your logic here… With the mainstream devices now locked, “the myriad of uncertified ROMs” will necessarily shift to the remaining unlocked phones, or die out.

I think a viable future is owning two devices, one “certified” to access your banking and work apps, and one running GrapheneOS for your private life.

Yeah… And they are way more expensive than a VPN.

Extortion is a stretch… They provide content or service for a price, the price is either money you pay or money advertisers pay…

I would not use those sites, but that’s my decision, they aren’t twisting my arm to force me to read their shitty articles…

Because it’s all an excuse to eliminate all privacy. The empire doesn’t survive if the workers are allowed to communicate freely.

Their software is open source and you can verify it yourself.

This comment is meaningless.

What red flags? Why is it a red flag is an be experienced developer used cursor on a larger project? Put it into words.