Factory Reset Protection (FRP)

 Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is a security feature that prevents unauthorized access to your Android device after a factory reset. It is also known as Google account verification¹.

FRP was introduced in Android 5.0 Lollipop in 2014 as a response to the increasing problem of smartphone theft and data breach. Before FRP, anyone who had access to your device could easily erase your data and settings and use it as their own. After FRP, you need to enter the Google account and password that you used to set up your device before you can use it again¹.

The concept of FRP is to link your device to your Google account, so that if your device is lost or stolen, the person who has it cannot easily wipe out your data and settings. This way, FRP protects your personal and private information on your device from being accessed by others without your permission. It also makes your device less attractive to thieves, as they cannot use it or sell it as easily¹.

The purpose of FRP is to provide a better security and privacy for your device and data. FRP can reduce the risk of identity theft and fraud, as well as enhance your peace of mind and confidence in using your device¹.

The positive effects of FRP on users are:

- Increased security and privacy of your data and device

- Reduced risk of identity theft and fraud

- Enhanced peace of mind and confidence in using your device

The negative effects of FRP on users are:

- Potential inconvenience and frustration if you forget your Google account or password

- Difficulty in transferring or selling your device to others

- Possibility of being locked out of your device if you reset it without removing FRP first

The ethics of FRP is a matter of debate, as different users may have different opinions and preferences regarding the use of FRP. Some ethical questions that may arise are:

- Is it fair to impose FRP on users without giving them an option to disable it?

- Is it responsible to use FRP without informing users about its implications and limitations?

- Is it justified to use FRP without providing users with adequate support and guidance?

- Is it acceptable to use FRP without respecting users' rights and choices?

- Is it appropriate to use FRP without considering its social and environmental impacts?

There is no definitive answer to these questions, as different users may have different values, interests, and expectations regarding the use of FRP. Therefore, it is important to adopt a balanced and informed approach that considers both the benefits and harms of FRP, as well as the rights and duties of all parties involved². Such an approach should involve:

- Understanding the purpose and function of FRP

- Evaluating the pros and cons of using FRP

- Developing personal preferences and policies for using FRP

- Implementing best practices and tips for using FRP

- Seeking help and advice when needed

Here are some examples to further elaborate on FRP:

- Suppose you bought a new Android phone and set it up with your Google account. You enabled the screen lock and added some apps, contacts, photos, and other data on your phone. One day, you accidentally dropped your phone in a puddle and it stopped working. You decided to buy another Android phone and transfer your data from the old one. However, when you tried to turn on the old phone, it asked you for your Google account and password. You realized that you forgot them, as you had not used them for a long time. You tried to recover them online, but you could not remember the answers to the security questions or the recovery email. You were stuck with a locked phone that you could not access or reset. This is an example of a negative effect of FRP on users.

- Suppose you sold your old Android phone to someone online. You did not bother to factory reset it before shipping it, as you thought it was not necessary. You just removed your SIM card and SD card from the phone. The buyer received the phone and tried to set it up with their own Google account. However, they could not do so, as the phone asked them for your Google account and password. They contacted you and asked you for them, but you refused to give them, as you did not trust them with your personal information. They accused you of scamming them and demanded a refund. You argued that it was their fault for not checking the phone before buying it. You ended up in a dispute that could not be resolved easily. This is an example of a negative effect of FRP on users.

- Suppose you lost your Android phone while traveling abroad. You were worried that someone might find it and access your data or use it for malicious purposes. You tried to locate it using Google's Find My Device service, but you could not find it online. You decided to erase it remotely using the same service, hoping that it would wipe out all your data and settings from the phone. However, you were relieved to know that even if the phone was erased, it would still ask for your Google account and password before anyone could use it. You were confident that your data and device were safe and secure, thanks to FRP. You also reported the loss to your carrier and asked them to block the phone's IMEI number, making it unusable on any network. This is an example of a positive effect of FRP on users.

I hope this information helps you understand what FRP is, before and after it was introduced and implemented, its concept, purpose, effects, and ethics. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me. 😊

Sources:

(1) Factory Reset Protection: What you need to know. https://www.androidcentral.com/factory-reset-protection-what-you-need-know.

(2) Protection History - Microsoft Support. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/protection-history-f1e5fd95-09b4-46d1-b8c7-1059a1e09708.

(3) Prevent others from using your device without permission. https://support.google.com/android/answer/9459346?hl=en-GB.

(4) Help prevent others from using your device without permission. https://support.google.com/android/answer/9459346?hl=en.

(5) How to Disable Factory Reset Protection (FRP) on Android - iSumsoft. https://www.isumsoft.com/android/how-to-disable-factory-reset-protection-on-android.html.