In a recent update to the HSBC app they’ve added a screen to prevent you from using the app unless you use the default (google) keyboard.

They do a similar thing if you have an accessibility service running that can access the screens content. A fair enough security warning if you’ve happened to install a dodgy keyboard app, but highly frustrating when using an open source alternative that enhances the security and privacy over the default option (HeliBoard in my case).

I haven’t found a way to circumvent the page yet. It would be useful if Android allowed you to block the permission to query all packages, but alas.

  • 3 dogs in a trenchcoatEnglish
    22•5 days ago

    They do a similar thing if you have an accessibility service running that can access the screens content

    Well fuck disabled people I guess?

    • @mchermEnglish
      10•5 days ago

      Actually, banks are a heavily regulated industry and they have to comply with strict non-discrimination requirements including making all reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities.

      If you know someone who uses a screen reader and is therefore unable to use HSBC’s app, encourage them to file a complaint with the appropriate regulator (in the US, try https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/ ).

      Banks are very attentive about listening to their regulators.

      (Of course, it’s possible that what HSBC did still works with commonly used screen readers for the blind because they actually thought of this.)

    • @HereIAmOPEnglish
      2•5 days ago

      Yeah it is bad. Maybe it’s the case again that the default screen reader is allowed but third party ones aren’t?

      Okay, I just tested turning on the built in screen reader and it launched just fine 😑