iNat In VR, can I side load the app or not?

General
1

I am thinking of sideloading the iNat app on my Meta Quest 2 VR headset so I can identify insects while I wait for game lobbies, is this allowed or will it break the Terms Of Service? I mean for personal use not sharing it.

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2

I can do it by installing iNat app (I have one but not sure if I am allowed to use it) on my headset, is this allowed?

3

Probably not though but what do you think?

4

I think sideloading refers to installing software onto a device without official permission? Are you asking if iNaturalist staff would be okay with this, or are you asking about Meta?

5

I mean can I install the Inaturalist app on my VR headset so I can identify insects while I wait for game lobby? I have an apk, can I use it so I can help or should I delete it?

iNat is not on the Meta store so I want to use apk. I can get it from apk mirror, its a totally safe website, or is this not allowed?

6

First, I’m not a lawyer and this isn’t legal advice, so take it at your own risk.

I don’t see any reason why side-loading the app onto an Android device that can’t obtain it from the Google Play store would violate any iNat community guidelines or terms of use. At the end of day, any additions, modifications or deletions you make to iNat data would still need to follow those guidelines and terms of use.

In terms of whether you would violate any of Meta’s terms, I really don’t know, but I see that most discussions of the “legality” of side-loading APKs onto Meta VR headsets revolve around sideloading pirated games. As you would be sideloading a freely-distributed app, those particular concerns would not seem to apply.

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