‘Freedom Phone’ For MAGA Fans Claims To Be ‘Uncensorable’… But Is It, Really?
Image via Freedom Phone
Last week, self-proclaimed Bitcoin millionaire Erik Finman launched the ‘Freedom Phone’, a smartphone aiming to push back at ‘Big Tech’.
Skeptics have since discovered that the “uncensorable” smartphone is essentially a cheap Android, with tons of security problems to boot.
In the teaser video for the Freedom Phone, Finman tells supporters: “The Big Tech overlords are invading your privacy and censoring your speech and I think that’s so wrong. That’s why I created the Freedom Phone.”
The Freedom Phone was touted by Finman as being able to do everything a regular smartphone does, just without censoring or spying on its user. Instead of iOS or Android, it runs ‘FreedomOS’ and includes its own “uncensorable” app store: the PatriApp Store.
According to Input, cybersecurity expert Matthew Hickey had told the Daily Dot that the Freedom Phone was actually an Umidigi A9 Pro, a Chinese smartphone available on AliExpress for just US$119. These low-end Android phones are often customized with special logos to trick customers into believing they’re new devices altogether.
Hickey explained that the smartphone was extremely insecure, as it uses MediaTek processors, often used by North Korea due to their “highly customizable nature and low-security barrier,” so take from that what you will. On top of that, the Freedom Phone website neglects to disclose specifications.
Despite the questionable capabilities of the Freedom Phone, prominent alt-right voices on social media have lent their platforms to promote the allegedly “uncensorable” smartphone. It’s not hard to imagine that hundreds, or even thousands, of people would be convinced to buy this subpar, less secure smartphone in hopes of being “uncensored.”
Today I'm announcing the Freedom Phone.
— ERIK FINMAN (@erikfinman) July 14, 2021
This is the first major pushback on the Big Tech companies that attacked us - for just thinking different.
Complete with it's own Uncensorable App Store & Privacy Features.
We're finally taking back control. https://t.co/tOSnuxncfd pic.twitter.com/Hykp08ITCQ
And I’m a proud partner of this amazing product.
— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) July 14, 2021
Use code: CANDACE and you’ll get 10% off your new phone!! #FREEDOMPHONE
Bye Apple & Google! https://t.co/pd0DmfbqNR
[via Input, cover image via Freedom Phone]
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