Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Trigger warning: This article talks about the ongoing Gaza War, and the topic may be distressing to some readers.
TL;DR
- The Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, is expanding its mandate against Android use for official purposes.
- According to reports from the Israeli media, IDF officers with ranks above Lieutenant Colonel are now banned from using Android phones.
- The IDF believes rival forces can install malware on Android devices to access troops’ locations or saved files.
The never-ending Android vs iOS clash is taking a political turn with Israel now picking favorites. As the Gaza war wages for over two years, the Israeli administration is planning steps, it thinks, that might limit cybersecurity-related incidents. In this endeavor, Israel is planning to expand its restrictions on mobile phone use to senior officers beyond a certain rank, banning Android phones for official use.