'Dummy' Google account - possible?

[Pikaro]

Hi!

Just recently, I removed anything related to Google (except for Browser, Market and Voice Search - didn't dare to) from my phone, in an effort to preserve my data privacy. (Can I remove Browser and Voice Search? Dont use Voice, and have installed Firefox as a browser.)

(I understand that many users from the US will laugh about that. Please understand that privacy is a MUCH bigger topic in Europe, especially in Germany. We've had some bad experiences with faceless giants spying on us.)

However, as you may know, a Google account is required to use the market, and as much as I dislike the software from a UI viewpoint, it seems impossible to find a full selection of apps anywhere else, and even if so, some of them refuse to run if you do not update them through the market. Futhermore, I fear contracting viruses when installing software from not 100% certified sources.

Thus, I am gladly willing to use a Google account for that purpose, but I do NOT want it to integrate with anything else, and neither do I want to give Google permission to browse through the data installed on the phone, or track how I use it anywhere outside of Market. (I do not fear to surrender any data to anybody, it's just I don't like to see ALL my data accumulated in one place. So, Google may well know what Apps I like, but it cannot know what Facebook account I access from the same phone.)

Is such a setup possible, i. e. is setting up a Google account similar to setting up any other POP3 or IMAP mail account? Or do I give Google permission to own the phone just by setting up the account?

Thanks,
Pikaro

PS: And please, hold the flames. It cannot be debated that Google DOES accumulate your data, they tell you themselves. If you don't have a problem with it, fine, but I do. Also, don't tell me to use any other kind of smartphone, it's the same (or worse) with MS and Apple, and the few pure Linux geek phones are not up to speed, unfortunately.

 

[Crashdamage]

Just don't use the Google account for anything but access to the market. Disable sync. Problem solved.

But if as you say you use Facebook, that's a far, far bigger privacy problem than Google.

 

[Pikaro]

That's very good to hear, thanks I just found it difficult to be sure about that fact, as you cannot really check what a task does in the background...

And about Facebook - yes, I know, I use it in a very, very minimalistic way. (Disabled applications, no 'real life' data, disabled tracking on other sites etc.) It's always a tradeoff, and you've got to set your own limits.

 

[Slug]

In addition to the very concise and sensible advice from Crashdamage, remember that you're in control of what you share with Google. When you're logged-in to the Market on your desktop browser, click on your account name top-right and check the "Privacy" settings. To see the full extent of your Google presence, sign in to Dashboard.

 

[Kicksilver]

Sorry to say, but as soon as you step in the internet, you're already being watched, and your data is being collected.

 

[Pikaro]

Sure, everybody knows that. But install AdAway, FoxyProxy and Ghostery addons for Firefox, and you're a lot more low profile. Bein watched is not the problem, I don't complain if a company installs security cameras in their RL buildings where necessary. But as soon as they start setting them up all over town an profile who is walking where (London...), things become problematic. But I repeat myself, most likely due to the fact that I was being called a paranoid ignorant lunatic who should not be allowed to own a phone for that opinion on #android...

 

[lunatic59]

The topic has been discussed many times here. I think you'll find the general membership equally divided between those who think that the kind of anonymity you are describing is impossible and those that believe the attempt to keep one's personal habits and data private a noble and worthy cause.

In many ways, both are right.

FWIW, I wouldn't call you a lunatic.

 

[Slug]

Just a reminder:

Is such a setup possible, i. e. is setting up a Google account similar to setting up any other POP3 or IMAP mail account? Or do I give Google permission to own the phone just by setting up the account?

The OP didn't ask for a debate on the merits (or otherwise) of doing so, just for a straightforward answer.