Editing Forced app download (section)

==Key implications==

===User tracking and intrusion of privacy===
The hallmarks of forced app download are mandatory account creation and usage, and digital payments. This allows tracking of the user not just by the company behind the app, but the payment provider and any other associated third-party partners.

===Mandatory use of "approved devices" and big-tech operating systems===
Most apps are only available for download on official from official app stores, meaning consumers must use a device running stock iOS or Android, or else jump through hoops to run them<ref>{{Cite web |title=Run Android apps on Arch Linux |url=https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Android#Run_Android_apps_on_Arch_Linux |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=archlinux.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How do I get an apk file from an Android device? |url=https://stackoverflow.com/questions/4032960/how-do-i-get-an-apk-file-from-an-android-device/18003462#18003462 |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Stack Overflow}}</ref>.

Devices must also be running stock operating systems since most government and business apps conduct intrusive checks<ref>{{Cite web |title=Configure API responses (optional) |url=https://developer.android.com/google/play/integrity/setup#default |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Android Developers}}</ref> and will not run if a device is jailbroken or rooted.<!-- How prevalent is this outside singapore? also seems like a direct restatement of what was said earlier --><!-- The following block should include info about common apps that integrate these invasive measures. -->

Some companies such as big banks in Singapore have also started incorporating checks for "unverified apps" in their app. This means their app will scan your phone and check for sideloaded apps (anywhere that is not the official app store. For example, an app downloaded directly from APK Mirror or an unofficial app repository like F-Droid) as part of "anti-scam security measures that include restricting customers from accessing the banks’ digital services on their mobile phones if apps from unverified app stores – also known as sideloaded apps – are detected"<ref>{{Cite web |last=See Kit |first=Tang |date=26 Sep 2023 |title=DBS, UOB become latest banks to restrict access if unverified apps are found on customers' phones |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/dbs-uob-anti-scam-sideloaded-app-malware-measure-latest-bank-restrict-app-access-3796806 |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Channel News Asia}}</ref>

===[[Surge pricing]]===
So far, the implementation of surge pricing in the context of businesses that use forced app download has not yet been seen. However, trust that the enterprising individuals and ecommerce platform providers (especially "modern headless ecommerce" companies<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cicman |first=Joe |last2=Pfeiffer |first2=Emily |date=3 May 2022 |title=Doing, Selling, And Being Headless Commerce |url=https://www.forrester.com/blogs/doing-selling-and-being-headless-commerce/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Forrester}}</ref>) looking to maximize clean out of consumers' wallets will quickly develop and deploy surge pricing once businesses with forced app download gain sufficient footing both in their respective industries and in general market penetration.<!-- rather than making this assertion, maybe try and find come companies who have proposed/patented systems to this end? Also tone gets a bit strong here --><!-- I'll come back later and finish this up once I have more time to look at relevant examples. -->

Since ordering and payments are entirely digital, it is very possible to see surge pricing (similar to what we've seen from ride hailing companies like Uber, Lyft and Grab) implemented across other industries.

For example, a restaurant that is popular enough could implement surge pricing to charge more during peak hours, like weekday lunch time to hit the downtime office crowd that is lacking in time and places to eat, or Friday night when many people are looking to go out.

===Third-party integration===
Just like how some car insurance providers in the US are adjusting their rates based on "smart" reporting from cars, it is also very possible for other intrusive and oppressive pair ups to happen. For example:

*Restaurants, cafes and bars with forced app download sharing data with health insurance companies, who increase your premium if they see a lifestyle/pattern of ordering unhealthy dishes or overly large portions, or frequenting that bubble tea shop too often.
*Government tax agency charging you "excess carbon footprint" taxes because you often order a lot of clothes beyond the number that the "Average" person of your profile wears, based on what your favorite fast fashion retailer with forced app download is sharing with them.
[[File:Digital turbine logo .png|alt=digital turbine logo |thumb|digital turbine logo ]]
[[File:No unverified apps.png|thumb|Singapore banks will "restrict access if unverified apps AKA sideloaded apps are found on customers' phones" (News story from Sep 2023)]]