Smartphones have become an integrated part of our daily lives. It’s often the first thing we see in the morning and the last thing we see before bed. Our dependence on these little devices is arguably justified as their multiple functionalities serve to make our lives easier.

Let’s not get it twisted though. Although smartphones are inherently helpful, they prove to be a tremendous privacy and security risk as most of your data is tracked. At this point, companies are not just tracking the apps that you use or the things that you watch and buy but their data collection goes beyond that, to the places you go and the things that you do.

Your data does not only create targeted ads for you but Google has been known to sell your data to government bodies. Not to mention the vulnerabilities of smartphones that can be taken advantage of by cybercriminals.

To combat this, organisations like the Calyx Institute serve to protect people’s right to privacy through education and tools developed to fulfil their mission of providing Privacy by Design for everyone.

CalyxOS, their secure and private Android ROM, places security and privacy controls in the user’s hands. Although CalyxOS isn’t the first ROM created with its primary goal being privacy for its users, it is the most user-friendly privacy-based ROM in the current landscape. The more hardcore privacy ROM being GrapheneOS.

However, reviewers have found that CalyxOS provides enough security for its users while not compromising on usability. Because although the average smartphone user cares about the privacy of their data, they’re not willing to give up key features that come with stock Android OS.

With CalyxOS, users can customise the level of privacy that their devices provide. The option to run microG on the phone allows most applications to work without Google continuously uploading your data and location to the Google servers.

Here are some other key features of CalyxOS that might interest you:

• Includes a built-in firewall that, when activated, removes ads.

• Comes with a free and trusted VPN.

• Regular security updates and patches.

• Verified boot to prevent tampering.

• Privacy settings allow you to view which apps are requesting permission and how many times they’re accessing it.

• Panic button functionality can wipe your phone with a single tap.

• Data is backed up to your cloud or USB.

• Encrypted text messages and phone calls.

• Anonymous web browsing through Tor Browser.

• Apps are downloaded through F-Droid and Aurora Store, making app installation private and anonymous.

Most importantly, in-depth technical knowledge is unnecessary for users to enjoy the full benefits of CalyxOS. Meaning it’s better suited for the general public. In terms of design and usability, users are free to customise their phones with the built-in options that CalyxOS provides. The downside to CalyxOS is that it currently only runs on Google Pixel and Xiaomi Mi A2.

Switching to an OS like CalyxOS is the smartest way to go for people dealing with sensitive data that such as lawyers, social activists, journalists and others who need their data to be protected.

The awareness surrounding data privacy and data safety has grown and with that comes more intelligent consumers with changing demands. Having seen the possibilities of what a smartphone operating system can accomplish if it puts user privacy at the forefront, customers that are conscious of their mobile safety will start looking for better and safer options that are available. As time goes on, tech companies may want to find better ways to protect their users’ data or they may begin losing customers.