'Essential' section reverts to unblocked if apps are frozen using Island/Insular

[Veazer]

I'm using Insular, a fork of Oasis Feng's Island but with all blobs (gms, crashlytics, etc) removed. Island allows users to install and run applications in a work profile isolated from their personal files and with its own separate network connection if needed. Island also allows complete app "freezing" by temporarily and transparently uninstalling and shelving apps, and using "unfreeze" launcher shortcuts that rapidly re-install and start the app. App freezing can also be used for apps in the main user profile.

If the TrackerControl option Strict Blocking is disabled, any apps frozen with Island/Insular will have the Tracker section 'Essential' revert to unblocked when unfrozen/relaunched - even if set to blocked at the time of freezing. If Strict Blocking is enabled, the settings for the Essential section appear to be properly kept. Other sections seem to retain their settings regardless of whether or not Strict Blocking is enabled.

This issue is not limited to Island/Insular users. This issue is also seen if apps are uninstalled and re-installed (I tested without clearing settings), so it also effects users who might be trying to fix issues with an app by re-installing.

Tested on Pixel 4 XL running Android 11.

[kasnder]

So, the settings are kept when strict blocking is on?

[kasnder]

At the moment, the block list indeed isn't keept after app uninstall. Settings are saved by the package manager ID, rather than the app id. This behaviour used to be different in a previous version of TrackerControl but some apps have multiple App IDs, which led to problems.

[Veazer]

So, the settings are kept when strict blocking is on?

• If Strict Blocking is on, all Tracker section setting are kept through Island's freeze/unfreeze cycle (and uninstall/re-install I assume). This includes granular per-domain settings.
• If Strict Blocking is off, all sections besides 'Essential' are kept but 'Essential' reverts to unblocked.

At the moment, the block list indeed isn't keept after app uninstall. Settings are saved by the package manager ID, rather than the app id.

Maybe Island preserves the package manager ID? Not sure, but TrackerControls seems to be keeping settings in the manner noted.

[kasnder]

I'll investigate!