Warning over new ‘Freedom Phone’ that claims to protect your privacy and allow free speech without censorship
WARNINGS have been issued over the new "Freedom Phone" which claims to protect privacy and allow free speech without censorship.
According to the company and its founder Erik Finman, 22, the phone aims to "create a future where free communication is not banned by Big Tech".
It also contains preloaded conservative apps, including ones which have been banned by other app stores.
The Freedom Phone operates with its own software FreedomOS and has massive memory space, fast processors, front and back cameras, and all-day battery life.
Self-proclaimed Bitcoin millionaire Finman claims the $500 phone, which launched last week, is comparable to the best smartphones on the market.
"We’re finally taking back control."
But the new device has a lot of "red flags", reports.
"The Freedom Phone and its politically conservative branding will appeal to many. But there is nothing to suggest that the phone, its privacy claims or avoidance of 'Big Tech' work the way Finman suggests," Patrick Holland writes.
"They can be bought and shipped in bulk from Asia with custom logos and branding so as to give the appearance of a phone that has been designed for a unique purpose."
He said the phone is known for its poor security due to its use of processors from MediaTek - a Taiwanese company that provides chips for smartphones.
"I have never encountered a secure MediaTek device in my entire life," Hickey warned.
"Using MediaTek for anything and expecting privacy or security is fundamentally flawed."
The conservative firebrand tweeted: "So excited that I partnered with a SOLUTION against Apple and Google."
Owens also tweeted a clip from an Instagram live, talking her followers through the phone and how she came to endorse it.
She said she was furious that conservative social media app Parler was banned from the app store in the wake of the January 6 riots, in addition to former President Trump being banished from most social platforms.
"A bunch of people contacted us saying they're making a phone," Owens said, adding they were sent a number of different concept handsets.
"Some were terrible. Some were worse than terrible," she said before Owens was finally sent the Freedom Phone.
"I'm so excited," she added. "You need to get this phone.
"I've been on social media for four years... I've never done a sponsored post."
Owens continued: "If it doesn't help save the nation, I don't pitch it."
According to the Freedom Phone website, the handsets will be shipped in August and users will be able to start using it by simply inserting their old SIM cards into their new phones.
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The device works with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and all the other domestic and international carriers.
The Sun has contacted Freedom Phone for comment.