I am using a Samsung phone and even with all privileges deactivated it creates “stories”. This seems illegal. What is your opinion?
I know I should use a different OS than stock or even another phone brand but this is what I currently have.
You can delete or disable the service that creates those stories. Download Shizuku and activate it, then use Canta to delete it.
Wow i didnt know that app. I’m new into that, and a noon, but can I use this to get rid of many system apps? And what is Canta?
Canta uses Shizuku to delete user and systen apps. There is also a few categories like Recommended, Advanced, Unsafe, etc. Most of the apps also have comments on it by the dev (I suppose).
You can also try Universal android debloat.
It can disable Gallery, though that has its own issues on Samsung.
I am using a Samsung phone
Well, don’t. I know that’s not immediately helpful, but Samsung is well known for shipping tons of useless bloatware in their Android ROM and not giving a shit about user privacy.
I think it was their CEO who suggested simply not having sensitive conversations within earshot of their Smart-TVs, when it became known that they’re always listening.
Can you disable the app and download another gallery from F-Droid?
Not OP, but this can’t be done, this is a system app.
Shizuku + Canta
It can be done with adb:
You can if you use adb shell:
Developer Options > USB debugging turned on CMD prompt > adb devices Allow connection from the PC prompt on phone
Then add shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.gallery3d
This will remove Gallery, BUT… The stock camera will not allow you to view the pic after you take it (it will show up in Google Photos still)
To restore the above removed app:
cmd package install-existing com.sec.android.gallery3d
Best bet is to disable the app using Canta + Shizuku and use another gallery app.