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This assumption fails in the network connected world where a program can download custom instructions after installation.



It doesn't fail, it's still as usable as ever -- just not infallible, which nothing is anyway.

The dynamics of something with a larger user base being more trustworthy don't change because we're on the internet. It's a simple network (no pun intended) effect.

If the program "can download custom instructions after installation" then a large user base still means that users will be bound to find it sooner or later (and make it public/fix it) and it makes it less likely to be you (because you're 1 from 200,000 downloading it, not 1 of 20 or 200).




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