# In This Issue

- UK bans local telcos from using Huawei for building 5G networks

- App subscription service Google Play Pass is now available in Australia

- New laws in the EU aim to balance the power imbalance between app store & developer

- Tips for publishing written content to the internet anonymously

- Cheap Xiaomi Mi TV stick, SEGA Mega Drive classics bundle, SanDisk 400GB microSD

# News

#### UK bans local telcos from using Huawei for building 5G networks

After months of deliberation, the UK has decided to join Australia and the USA in shitlisting Huwaei from building 5G networks. After December 31st network operators can't buy Huawei gear and by 2027 any currently installed Huawei gear in 5G networks will be removed. Huawei customer premises equipment is still allowed (e.g: modems, routers, NTDs) but the UK government is "advising full fiber operators to transition away from purchasing new Huawei equipment" and wireless gear is okay because "the UK has managed Huawei's presence in the UK's fixed access networks since 2005 and we also need to avoid a situation where broadband operators are reliant on a single supplier for their equipment".

#### App subscription service Google Play Pass is now available in Australia

Google Play Pass is now a thing outside the USA and Australia is included. For $7.99/m or $49.99/yr, Android users will be able to access "hundreds" of apps and games ad-free and without in-app purchases. Five other family members get access to the one subscription too if you set up a "Google Play family group". Play Pass is very similar to Apple Arcade, but it includes non-game apps as well. Some of the games include Stardew Valley, Limbo, Hidden Folks, Mini Metro and more. I can't be stuffed firing up my Android phone to see what the non-game apps available are. There's a one month free trial if you're keen to see what's the deal with Play Pass is go for it.

#### New laws in the EU aim to balance the power imbalance between app store & developer

The EU passed new laws regarding how app stores (i.e: Apple's App Store & Google's Play Store) treat developers. The operators of the stores will need to provide a minimum 30 days notice before removing an app (with the exception of malicious apps), transparency on how charts and trending lists are generated, mandatory disclosures on any preferential treatment given to specific developers and access to third-party mediation for disputes. This all sounds incredibly fair to me. Apple and Google have grown too powerful in the vendor/developer relationship, making it too easy for the creators of apps to be bullied by these trillion dollar companies. Hopefully Apple and Google decide to make these changes global, not just for the EU. Here's the full text of the law.

# Not News

#### Tips for publishing written content to the internet anonymously

Wanna publish stuff on the internet but don't want to give away your identity? This post has some practical tips on keeping casual passers by in the dark about who you are. Stuff like using a burner laptop you purchased with cash, use Tails OS, don't use a custom domain name, don't use your home internet connection and a few more. The tip "run your articles through multiple translation converters. Edit minor mistakes afterwards. This avoids engines and tools picking up on your writing style" is interesting - I defintely know you could probably pretend to be me based off my writing style, but using Google/Microsoft translate to obfuscate your words is nifty. A more determined individual (e.g: law enforcement, a pissed off multi-national business) might still find out who you are despite following these recommendations, but at least you won't make it easy for them.

# Bargains

- Xiaomi Mi TV stick - $48 from AliExpress

- SEGA Mega Drive & Genesis Classics bundle - $15 from Fanatical

- SanDisk Ultra 400GB microSD card - $84 from Amazon

🎶 Scorpio - The Atomic Bitchwax

😁 The Sizzle is curated by Anthony "@decryption" Agius and emailed every weekday afternoon. Join us on Slack and chat with other Sizzle subscribers.

📡 Aussie Broadband is the best ISP I've used since Internode's glory days. Their CEO gives talks at AUSNOG about their network and they even have network utilisation charts for every NBN POI. Their pricing isn't the cheapest, but if you want an ISP that's fast & reliable, give them a shot. Use my affiliate link or my referral code (1001031) and we both get $50 credit on our next bill.

The Sizzle is created on Wathaurong land and acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, recognising their continuing connection to land, water and community. I pay my respect to them and their cultures and to elders both past and present.​