Any source on this?

Lineage allows people to have newer android/security patches on end-of-life phones, that’s a pretty good security argument.

Definitely one of the apps where premium is worth it.

No place like $HOME

I don’t think it’s primarily about the algorithm or “Public Enlightenment and Propaganda” but instead about data and company ownership. Currently the US and EU are far closer allies with each other than with china. Services that are owned/controlled by their countries are therefore prioritized, and competing services from non-ally countries are way more scrutinized.