Show HN: Pawl – iOS gambling blocker you unlock with a physical Security Key
Category: security
Tags: ios, security-key, screen-time, habit-forming, fido2
Score: 6.8/10 (Innovation: 7, Technical: 6, Documentation: 8, Utility: 6)
Pawl is an iOS app blocker that uses a physical FIDO2 security key and a mandatory cooling-off period to prevent impulsive unlocking. It leverages Apple's Screen Time for blocking and requires the key to be stored away from the phone, adding friction to the unlock process. The project is notable for its transparent documentation, pure-logic unlock state machine, and privacy-focused, serverless design.
Target audience: iOS users seeking to block compulsive app usage, particularly those struggling with gambling or social media addiction.
Repository: https://github.com/jasonepage/Pawl · Swift · MPL-2.0 · 3 stars
View on Hacker News