I’m note a programmer. I Don’t Understand Codes. How do I Know If An Open Source Application is not Stealing My Data Or Passwords? Google play store is scanning apps. It says it blocks spyware. Unfortunately, we know that it was not very successful. So, can we trust open source software? Can’t someone integrate their own virus just because the code is open?

  • Gibberish9031@lemmy.ml
    1·
    1 year ago

    Yes, but the idea is that because the code is open source anyone can look at it and determine on their own whether it is in fact safe or not. Generally speaking the open source community is very good at figuring this kind of stuff out but I would say your fear is not necessarily out of place since nothing is 100% guaranteed. That said though, the more popular FOSS apps are quite safe.