yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Your feedback is greatly appreciated, so thank you.

I assume you can imagine that I would like to continue this project very much, not only given the significant amount of time I have put into it, but also because it is just-a-nice-project (tm) ;) However, I am not in the position that I can / want to spend money on legal advice. I am open to a second opinion and depending on the outcome I might even continue with this project, so do you have contact information of the XDA council or anyone else who can help me for free?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
This may come as a surprise, but I wanted to share the 'latest and greatest', so I have just released

beta

version 0.48, which will retry to connect on screen on/off when needed.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Primokorn:
[MENTION=2799345]M66B[/MENTION] I have asked for help in a collaboration thread (RT, RC, FSM...). I hope they will get in touch with you very soon.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
About the last release: I have been fiddling with the Play store settings, so you might need to apply for testing again through this link to get the update: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/eu.faircode.vpnsentry
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Primokorn:
BTW the known addresses are no longer reset after importing the settings.

I was used to import my json backup to remove all known addresses (except if they are used for rules).
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I have just checked, but it works for me and given that everything is being cleared on import, I don't see how it cannot work.

Edit: maybe it is an old export file?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Primokorn:
Nope. I still have domains for my web browser for instance.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Linuxephus™:
I believe there was/is a Recognized Developer by the mane of [MENTION=473262]TrevE[/MENTION] who had genuine legal ramifications for which he was not accountable for back in 2011 regarding a rootkit baked into Android from CarrierIQ. At that point in time, he sought legal counsel (not to be mistaken for advice) from the EFF who specialize in counter litigation from unscrupulous coporations seeking to protect their own interests of greed. Mind you, his case was a bonified reason to obtain legal counsel in defense of labeling CarrierIQ's rootkit for exactly what it was, despite CarrierIQ's attempt to steamroll him, figuratively speaking. That organization would provide you with the counsel you are genuinely seeking. Regarding XDA's counsel, I believe XDA has made use of counsel from one and the same freely upon numerous occasions, including Google's own Legal Department on occasion in times past if Google still partipates in XDA's Developer's branch regarding software.

Footnote: Not to mention information posted by [MENTION=4958579]Primokorn[/MENTION].
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Can you please send the settings file by e-mail to me?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Linuxephus™:
Apologies for any delay in response as the laptop I used to have would've availed me a mere few minutes to type a reply versus more meticulous typing needed on a smartphone, even one with bigger screen real estate.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
Ooooh, what a positive note today! I'm back in! Thank you Marcel for not giving up right away!
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Primokorn:
Sure, give me a minute.

You can use this form to contact the right person of XDA staff: https://www.xda-developers.com/contact/#legal
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
Hi,

I took a subscription for as long as it lasts. If i get killed it will be because of something else i guess :)
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Linuxephus™:
I had thought about posting that same link, but it never dawned on me until after the fact. I assumed [MENTION=2799345]M66B[/MENTION] was already aware of that particular contact form. Which is why I made no further comment.

And that's why the Community is here to lend support accordingly.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Primokorn:
That's the only answer I recevied from XDA staff for now (from a french mod). Most folks in the XDA staff are american so it's probably too early to except answers :)
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I have checked the file, but everything is okay. The log entries have rules in one of the other profiles. Log entries (=discovered addresses) are not bound to a profile, so they will be exported as soon as there is a (wildcard) app or global rule somewhere.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Linuxephus™:
[MENTION=2799345]M66B[/MENTION]: Currently, the *United Arab Emirates, Turkey, *Iran, *Iraq, Oman, *North Korea, *Russia, Belarus, *Turkmenistan, and *China* have passed laws regarding the use of VPN services. Russia, Iran, North Korea and Turkmenistan *allows* the use of *approved VPN services. The six other countries with VPN laws have taken an even harder line by *imposing hefty fines and *long jail sentences *to anyone caught using a *VPN service to hide their identity.

Essentially what this breaks down to is simply those *caught* using a VPN (for any reason) in the above 10 listed countries are held liable. *Not* the provider of a given VPN, a Developer providing a front end (software) to a given VPN, nor a user based outside of those 10 jurisdictions. Furthermore, in one or all of those countries, accountability for criminal activities engaged upon whilst using a given VPN is solely held upon those *using* the given VPN. *Not the provider of a given VPN nor a Developer of the software used as the front end for a given VPN. In all cases regarding criminal activity with the use of a VPN, none that I have heard of or found can legally hold the VPN provider accountable, let alone any Developer who merely provides the front end facing software for a given VPN. The VPN provider who logs activity would have to turn over those logs upon request if they so choose based upon jurisdiction where the VPN provider is hosted. But they are not bound to if not residing in the requesting jurisdiction's residence. Thus we establish *you* are not accountable.

P.s.-There are a few more legal points I can address regarding Netherland locality. Yet I believe the most relevant details have been explained.

Footnote: You've been receiving free legal counsel for the last 4 hours by my count my friend. Hopefully that shall be all the "second opinion" required.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Okay, I accept this as a second opinion. I don't want to mistakes in this matter, so can you please help me to put the right "as-is" disclaimer in the terms of service?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Linuxephus™:
Sure. Give me an ideal of precisely what you have in mind and I'll gladly reword it to reflect the proper subject to such extent that even interpretation becomes irrelevant.

By the way, the Community's Staff should also have similar sources available to confirm all of the above regarding the Legalese subject material. I'm also quite sure The Majority of the Community will be greatful for the change of mind.

---------- Post added at 05:01 ---------- Previous post was at 04:45 ----------

@M66B: Nevermind. I just went over your current TOS. And I think it covers most of the required perimeters, other than a few quick additions for clarification. Unless you or others care to add something in before I draw up a rough draft to submit for your approval.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I was referring to this comment: https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=74307257&postcount=517

Thank you for going through the terms of service. An updated terms of service would be very welcome. Maybe we can arrange this best by e-mail, so please contact me through this contact form: https://contact.faircode.eu/
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
Hi Marcel,

I'm having a problem. After signing up i decided to import a backup from the time i was a 'free' user. Sentry disconnect saying that i already used 1128 % of my daily allowed usage. So i killed Sentry to start over. Clearly a 'free' backup cannot be used on a paid version. But the problem is that even after killing Sentry and throw it's data it still says i used all daily allowed data. In other words i can't connect anymore :(
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
The import/export is exactly the same with or without subscription, so it seems your subscription isn't recognized. There is information in the NetGuard FAQ about restoring purchases. If you cannot figure it out, please send me a log file by tapping seven times on 'VPN/Sentry' in the help. Please include the client ID, which you can find at the bottom of the help.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
That didn't seem to help. Log +screenshot sent
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] RBJ26:
An update.

Disabled xprivacy, and rebooted.

Installed VPN\sentry ver .48 and install went OK.

Enabled xprivacy and rebooted.

Success! Working well.

ETA: Time to backup :)
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
Thank you for the quick fix Marcel! Working again :)
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Linuxephus™:
I know the comment of mine that you were originally referring to. I was merely inquiring if there was any specific wording you would prefer to have added verbatim, aside from my own input. Meanwhile, give me a day or two to draw up a rough draft for submittal (there's a word I don't use very often) to the link provided on your end. :good:
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] yadida08:
Hi,

I hope VPN / S will continue. Thank you to Marcel and all those who fight for it to remain possible.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Gerolianis:
+1
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] iwanttoknow:
Hi Marcel,

Sincerely I hope this terms of service document from ExpressVPN could help you :

https://www.expressvpn.com/tos

The most important is your own legal protection, as I wrote to you about GDPR concerning privacy protection.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Linuxephus™:
The problem with Expressvpn's TOS is it's far broader reaching scope crafted by a marketing branch of Expressvpn for marketing for an incorporated entity. Whereas Sentry/VPN is not incorporated, but merely a developed software frontend being used as a means for VPN connections.

In regards to the EU's GDPR: This does not become effective until the 25th of May, 2018. Which also pertains more to the processing of user data versus [MENTION=2799345]M66B[/MENTION]'s developed software which acts more as a frontend usage scenario for VPN connections. The host servers that provide the backend for the actual VPN (whomever that might be now or in the future) would be more applicable as the host processing the users incoming/outgoing data. Even these small modicums of information is what provides M66B and other developers of software protection from even the potential for liability of abuse/misuse of the given software.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
Hi,

Ok... I did read the faq and it says:

"Showing if there are global rule in the app details, because this would result in lags"

Afaik this means that if i block something in global rules i won't see anything about this being blocked in the details of an app. For example 'crash.com' is blocked global (orange) but is details of an app its just black (default) but still its blocked. I do undertstand that this is hard to implement because of lags or anything else. But would it be possible to make it more easy to be checked in 'global rules'? Since i subscribed all traffic goes through and i can imagine that this global rules window after a week must be very long (if i would surf a lot). It was asked before for changed apps in main window (changed apps on top) but can it be done for global rules (blocked stuff on top) or maybe even better: build in some special search commands so that modal users dont know but still we can do special stuff? Lets say "!block!" Shows only blocked things in global rules. Or "!inet!" shows only apps with internet permission in main wi dow (i still don't understand this reason btw. I think if a user ever complains because he doesnt see all apps it owuld mean he doenst deserver to use this app!!)
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I hope that you are aware that I provide the server software and manage the servers too.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Recently used addresses will be highlighted in the global rules too and global rules have a search function. Global rules are not related to apps and therefore you cannot search for app properties.

The problem with linking the global rules to the app rules are wildcards and the number of apps.There are simply too many combinations to evaluate on a small device.

Edit: and there is always the real time log that can tell you what is exactly going on
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
What about such hidden filter to shows only internet apps Marcel? You told before you will show all apps because of modal users would complain that not all apps are shown (i still still dont understand this) but what about a hidden and undocumented filter? Sorry to ask but if one has many many apps.....
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Linuxephus™:
I am. And previous statements regarding incorporated versus nonincorporated entities is still applicable regarding liability and non-liability, even in as much is so stated in the EU's GDPR's amendment effective the 25th of May, 2018. Data protection of the average EU citizen in more broad terms is what the new amendment revolves around. And it remains applicable simply because you provide the front end software and pay a monetary value to have access to the backend server space hosted by a company to provide you with leased space (network access) for the [to make] use of that same frontend software like any other independent Developer who is not an incorporated entity. It reads as more complicated than what it genuinely is.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
You can always search on app name, that is what I do myself as well.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Are you sure this is valid under Dutch laws too? Where can I read about this?

Because I have still doubts, I have just undone the publication of VPN/Sentry in the Play store (this can be redone).
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
Sure. I do this also. But this is not the same as "going through a list of apps". Typing a name is only good for when you need a specific app. For example the few filter buttons together with apps shown that need internet in afwall gives very good overview TBH. Just an opnion, nothing more.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Linuxephus™:
I am certain of it my friend. Are you not familiar with your own country's soon to be passed amended surveillance laws, let alone your own country being among the friendliest in the world regarding the use of VPN's?

All of this points to Service Providers (large scale), not independent Developers using Service Provider services to provide their own personal user base with a service. I'm not sure if I possess the transcription skill set to explain it in more understandable English other than detailed explanations previously discussed above.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
Hi,

I truly don't wanna interfere with these law thingies but i was always thinking that the laws of the country where the server is only counted. (Thats why the microstate of Sealand is full of porn and casino servers).

EDIT: on the other hand: maybe the server owner has to have a passport of the country also. Maybe thats why an identitycard of Sealand can be bought?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Linuxephus™:
Long story short, the Author has *zero* liability. Be it under Dutch Law (current or the upcoming amendment in January 2018), EU Law (including the amended GDPR of May 2018), or any other International Law. Those numerous comments preceding this very comment are briefly detailed explanations of why and how.

Addendum: [MENTION=2799345]M66B[/MENTION]: I made an attempt to Inbox you directly as to "where" I am "reading" this information. Your current setting for your own Inbox prevents this. Suffice it to say my "reading" is more pro bono more so than "reading" my friend. Certain Staff Members within the Community and any other number of readily available material is there for the conferring there of.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I have just released

beta

version 0.49

This version shows the apps for a global rule in the rule settings dialog. You can tap on an app name to directly navigate to the app (a limitation is that you can't go back).

Despite the app being unpublished in the Google Play store, existing users should get this update.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
Arrived AND usefull!
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Private messaging of my XDA account is disabled because too many people have misused it.

I have sent you a message about how you can reach me directly.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Linuxephus™:
No worries in either case friend. I've provided any and all of the necessary counsel required for you to make your own educated decision with the facts as they stand. And a phenomenal amount from which can be accurately inferred. The only matter remaining is the decision that only you alone can make.

Carry on good sir.

Sincerely: Josephus Duncan Constantinus.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
Many thanks for helping Marcel out! This is highly appreciated!

Marcel: if your decision is made and Sentry becomes available again would you please let us know? I would like to install(at least) the free on my phone's wife (solely for a banking app) Her phone is quite old and won't get krack updates. She doesn't know anything about privacy and starts banking everywhere :(
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
My decision is that I won't continue with this project because I still can't oversee the risks.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Linuxephus™:
One and All are more than welcome.

And no problem at all.

Cheers.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] user2k10:
Deleted
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Because mostly torrents are used for illegal stuff and because of the processing power required on the server.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
:( :(

The legal talks were far too difficult to fully understand them good but what i could read was that tehre's no risc at all for you. So there must be other reasons after all? :(
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Linuxephus™:
On what legitimate grounds *not* pertaining to a worst case scenario regarding the fear of personal liability where you cannot possibly be held accountable for any individual's own abuse or even criminal activity?

This is the exact decision I personally was hoping to dissuade you from making for the sake of yourself and the very Community all of us participate within with educated information pointing to those very facts based upon the very law that was questioned for a better understanding.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
There's no way to block such things?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] iwanttoknow:
Hi Marcel,

As I wrote it to you yesterday, the most important is your own legal protection.

I completely understand your choice and share it.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
The problem is that I cannot verify that there are no risks for me. Everybody can say there are no risks, but in the end, I have to live with the consequences in the case of a claim. If somebody wants to sign a contract that (s)he will be liable in case of claims, please let me know.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Linuxephus™:
There is.

It's common methodology, despite the slight overhead in so doing.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
If you use BitTorrent, your account will be disabled automatically.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
hmm, i have to goto background now. If you can block this then what can be the risc anyway? These are all strange things. If i rent a car they cannot even prevent me to load it full of drugs and start smugling. Still the renting company isn't responsible if i do so.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Gerolianis:
How about blocking hostnames with wildcards or RegEx? E.g. using something like (facebook\.|fbcdn\.|\.tfbnw\.|fbsbx\.) to block the majority of facebook sites.

a) Will VPN/S at some point allow such type of blocking, per app or as default?

b) at present I have a long list of sites added to the hosts file (luckily I'm rooted) - is VPN/S currently using the phone's local host file?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Global rules, wildcards and ad blocking are planned, but not implemented yet. The blocked hosts file will be a global hosts file for all users on the server.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Gerolianis:
*deleted*
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
The next version will allow profile renaming.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I have just released

beta

version 0.23

It might take a few hours until Google makes this version available in the Play store.

This version adds the ability to edit profile names and more important, global rules.

Tap on the top Wi-Fi or mobile icon to edit a profile. Global rules are available through the main menu.

Edit: search from a status bar notification doesn't work correctly sometimes, this will be fixed in the next release.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Gerolianis:
Not yet available :( Playstore still offers version 0.21...
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
More than a few people have upgraded already, so that is strange.

Please follow the download link of the opening post again to make sure you are still tester.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Gerolianis:
Apparently, I wasn't tester anymore. How come? Anyways, fixed and running 0.23 now. Thanks
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Gerolianis:
The log screen looks like this:
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I have no idea how that is possible, since I didn't change anything, except maybe that the recent versions are beta versions instead of alpha versions.

Known problems of current version, that will be fixed in the next version:

- changed profile names will not be exported/imported

- importing on another device doesn't work correctly

- I see a crash in the Play store developer console that I cannot reproduce. If you have a crash and you know how to export a logcat, please send it to me.

Next feature will be ad blocking :)
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
That is surprising. There should be addresses too.

Which Android version / device are you using?

What do you see in the global rules view?

Edit: did you set a larger text size using the Android settings?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Gerolianis:
I'm running AICP 11, with no serious issues anywhere since 2016, text size is normal.

Android: 6.0.1 (SDK 23)

Brand: jiayu

Manufacturer: jiayu

Model: s3

Product: aicp_s3_h560

Device: s3_h560

Kernel: 3.10.101-Team_Jiayu.de_MM

The global rules screen looks as it should, I believe
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Gerolianis:
Inspecting the global rules, I realized that global means 'global to my device' and not global to the VPN/S server (which would have imposed a bunch of architectural questions). Very nice!

At present the global rules will hold any address my device had ever tried to contact, right? How can I put entries there, e.g. import contents of my hosts file or add single manual entries?