Unethical behavior of programs

Programs often use inconvenient ways to display non-target content (service messages, adverts). There is usually no way to control this behavior for the user.

For example, different Windows applications use different ways of upgrading. Some programs (e.g. Opera) upgrade in the background without the user even noticing it. Others (Windows Antivirus) use built-in tools (Windows Update Center). Some applications (Java, Flash Player) send notifications that may be distracting. Others (Visual Studio) use their own notification queues. In Android OS, upgrades are done in a more coordinated way. However, notifications about upcoming upgrades are placed in the same queue as important information, such as incoming message notifications, which means that these service requests have the same priority as external events.

Many programs (especially mobile apps) tend to show non-target pop-ups (e.g. ‘Rate this app’) at the most inappropriate moment. Instead, this message could be moved to a location where it is convenient for the user to process it.

Some programs (e.g. Samsung Pay) and content providers (e.g. social networks) do not support ad-free viewing. This is also true for some paid programs. As a result, a device that de jure belongs to the user turns into a de facto advertising platform.

In Sivelkiria, there is no way of displaying unrequested and inconvenient messages because the module can only create pop-up messages if the security system finds it necessary. Any service request (e.g. upgrade, review, feedback, etc.) is placed in the common queue, where system parameters (enable / disable notifications, repeat timeout, etc.) are applied. The creation of any parallel mechanism is not allowed. Annoying windows, if they appear at all, not only break the rules, but also serve as the basis for a complaint with subsequent blocking of the infringing program until the issue is resolved. In addition, replacing one component with another is much easier than in classic operating systems, making the GUIs ‘behave properly’, otherwise users can easily migrate to other solutions. For content provided in exchange for viewing ads, an alternative, ad-free option (paid or free) should be available.

The open nature of all interfaces makes it possible to build an entire working environment using trusted components, as is currently implemented in some GNU projects. The ban on ‘black boxes’ allows us to achieve this goal step by step and module by module.