[GH-ISSUE #1109] Netbird Android app source code, privacy and ethical concerns #1757

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opened 2026-08-05 00:43:50 -04:00 by saavagebueno · 0 comments
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Originally created by @Darin755 on GitHub (Aug 27, 2023).
Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/issues/1109

The problem

As you might be aware, the new netbird app is completely proprietary. Its is developed in secret and spits in the face of Foss. What's worse is that it contains analytics and spyware. So not only does it violate your freedom to study, modify and distribute the source code but it also sends your data back in order to track your activities. This seems like a pretty clear violation of the morals set by free/libre software.

The impact

This course of action has broken a lot of trust. I can no longer expect them to do the right thing and to be on the side of the community. I personally will be moving away from them and I encoage others to do the same unless they change.

what should of happened

Netbird should of created a new repo and walked with the community in order to develop an app that works for all of us. Such an app wouldn't need to be dependent on google analytics and could be shaped by the needs of the community.

what netbird can do in response

I don't think it would be asking to much to get an apology from netbird and to have them open up all the sources. They should have reproducible builds that are Foss and free of spyware.

Please note: I am putting this as a issue as I think it is of great importance. If this issue gets to heated or is polluting the issue tracker then move it to a discussion

Originally created by @Darin755 on GitHub (Aug 27, 2023). Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/issues/1109 ## The problem As you might be aware, the new netbird app is completely proprietary. Its is developed in secret and spits in the face of Foss. What's worse is that it contains analytics and spyware. So not only does it violate your freedom to study, modify and distribute the source code but it also sends your data back in order to track your activities. This seems like a pretty clear violation of the morals set by free/libre software. ## The impact This course of action has broken a lot of trust. I can no longer expect them to do the right thing and to be on the side of the community. I personally will be moving away from them and I encoage others to do the same unless they change. ## what should of happened Netbird should of created a new repo and walked with the community in order to develop an app that works for all of us. Such an app wouldn't need to be dependent on google analytics and could be shaped by the needs of the community. ## what netbird can do in response I don't think it would be asking to much to get an apology from netbird and to have them open up all the sources. They should have reproducible builds that are Foss and free of spyware. Please note: I am putting this as a issue as I think it is of great importance. If this issue gets to heated or is polluting the issue tracker then move it to a discussion
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Reference: DYNR/netbird#1757