EU has a similar program called Horizon Europe, which spent around €95.5 billion so far. Though it’s broader in scope, not limited to just software, but includes various open source research too.

In 2020 Google claimed it was supposed to be limited to a single region in partnership with a single carrier. And was never meant to be put up on Play Store.

A spokesperson from Google reached out to clarify some details about the Device Lock Controller app. To start with, Google says they launched this app in collaboration with a Kenyan carrier called Safaricom.

Google has confirmed that the Device Lock Controller app should not be listed on the Google Play Store for users in the U.S., and they will work to take down the listing.

Source: https://www.xda-developers.com/google-device-lock-controller-banks-payments/

Of course, it was a lie since it’s still on Play Store an of today and in use.

That entirely depends on the client. Some doesn’t even have notifications. So I would look for a different client, a good list available here.

On lemmy-ui (official client) other than ignoring them, there isn’t. Lemmy is built around engagement instead of voting, so it’s kind of integral feature.