Privacy-Centric Design – A Smartphone the European way

Sailfish OS, developed by Jolla, is a Linux-based mobile operating system that emphasizes privacy and security, positioning itself as a European alternative to more dominant mobile operating systems. Here’s a focused analysis on the privacy aspects of Sailfish OS as of 2024.

Origins and Evolution

Sailfish OS was first introduced with the Jolla Phone in 2013. Despite the discontinuation of the Jolla Phone in 2016, software updates were provided until the end of 2020. The OS is built on the Linux kernel and Mer, inheriting around 80% of MeeGo code, which allows it to function as a versatile general-purpose Linux OS across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and even in-vehicle infotainment systems

Privacy-Centric Design

-Data Encryption: Sailfish OS ensures that all user data is fully encrypted. This encryption is crucial for protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access, particularly in cases of device loss or theft. By encrypting data, Sailfish OS provides a robust layer of security that is essential for privacy-conscious users.

-Firejail Sandboxing: Applications on Sailfish OS are protected by Firejail sandboxing. This technology isolates applications from each other and from the system, preventing malicious apps from accessing or affecting other parts of the system. Sandboxing is a key feature for enhancing privacy, as it limits the potential damage from security breaches or malicious software.

-Connectivity and Firewall: The operating system includes built-in support for VPNs and places all connectivity behind a firewall. This setup ensures that internet traffic is secure and protected from eavesdropping or interception. VPN support is particularly important for users who need to access the internet securely, especially on public networks.

Secure Application Environment

– Android App Support: Sailfish OS allows users to run Android apps in a secure, isolated sandbox. This feature is significant because it enables users to access a broader range of applications while maintaining a high level of security and privacy. The sandbox environment ensures that Android apps cannot access sensitive system resources or user data without permission.

– Native Apps: Native applications on Sailfish OS are developed using the Qt framework and are designed to integrate seamlessly with the OS’s privacy features. These apps are optimized to take advantage of the secure environment provided by Sailfish OS, ensuring that they adhere to the same privacy standards.

Corporate and Governmental Use

– Targeted Security Features: Sailfish OS includes a host of modern security functionalities specifically developed for corporate and governmental environments. These features make it an attractive option for organizations that require stringent privacy and security measures. The ability to implement local customizations through an exclusive licensing model further enhances its appeal to institutions with specific security needs.

Community and Transparency

– Open Source and Proprietary Balance: While Sailfish OS is based on open-source projects like the Linux kernel and Mer, it also includes proprietary components. Jolla has expressed intentions to eventually make Sailfish OS fully open source, which would allow for greater transparency and community involvement in ensuring the OS’s privacy and security features are robust and trustworthy.

– Community Involvement: The active community around Sailfish OS contributes to its development and security. Community-driven ports and adaptations of the OS to various devices help ensure that privacy features are continually tested and improved in diverse environments.

Conclusion

Sailfish OS stands out in the mobile operating system landscape due to its strong emphasis on privacy and security. Its comprehensive approach to data protection, including encryption, sandboxing, and secure connectivity, makes it a compelling choice for users and organizations that prioritize privacy. As the OS continues to evolve, its commitment to security and potential move towards greater openness could further solidify its position as a leading privacy-centric mobile operating system.

This in turn would further strengthen its position to become a natural choice for organizations around Europe and elsewhere. With good prerequisites to also reach a larger share of the consumer market when knowledge of data ethics and personal privacy increases.  

Written by

LarsGoran Bostrom

Consultant Data Ethics & Learning Design

European trends