Hello Mozilla Community,
I am writing to start a discussion about a serious issue where Xiaomi's HyperOS displays misleading and defamatory warnings when users install APKs via Firefox. The system explicitly labels Firefox as a "risk app" and directly slanders its reputation.
Here are the details:
Device & Software Information:
Phone Model: Redmi Note 11T Pro
OS Version: Xiaomi HyperOS 2.0.5.0
Browser: Firefox for Android (Latest version)
Steps to Reproduce:
Using Firefox for Android installed from Google Play, browse to a trusted website like GitHub.
Download an APK file from an official repository (e.g., fcitx5-android).
From Firefox's download manager, tap the downloaded APK to initiate the installation.
Expected Result: The Android system should show a standard installation prompt, perhaps with a neutral warning about installing from "unknown sources."
Actual Result: The Xiaomi Package Manager component intercepts the installation. In the warning dialog, it explicitly labels Firefox as a "risk app" (风险应用) and displays the following high-risk message:
“该安装来源存在高风险：违规收集个人信息。建议您从其他安全渠道安装应用！”
Translated, this means:
"This installation source poses a high risk: illegally collecting personal information. It is recommended that you install from other secure channels!"
(A screenshot of the warning is attached below.)
Why This Is a Critical Issue:
Direct Slander Against Firefox: The warning not only targets the "installation source" (安装来源) but also directly labels Firefox itself as a "risk app" (风险应用). It falsely accuses Firefox—a browser known for privacy—of "illegally collecting personal information."
Anti-Competitive Behavior: This tactic scares users and unfairly pushes them away from legitimate software sources, forcing them to use Xiaomi's own app store.
Erosion of User Trust: Xiaomi is abusing its OS-level position to damage a competitor's reputation and mislead its own users with false information.
This is a specific and false accusation leveled against Firefox. I urge the Mozilla team to investigate this anti-competitive practice and consider taking action to protect Firefox's reputation.
Has anyone else in the community experienced this?
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
P.S: This content was generated by AI, but I am responsible for its authenticity.
