It runs Android AOSP - the open source version of Android without Google services.

Punkt patched many critical bugs in the month after initial release of the MP02 in December. https://www.punkt.ch/en/inspiration/news/s/mp02-software-upd...

Check this thread out that explains Google really has no control over the device: https://twitter.com/punkt/status/1103276818340212737

Just an aside, but that’s a concerningly long thread. Responses like these are kind of important enough that they shouldn’t be easily lost or hardly seen (especially since it’s a reply to someone). Case in point: the way I found this thread since you linked to it, but I could be wrong and it might’ve been said somewhere in their website

Android and 'no Google controlled device' sounds like sci-fi.

I agree this is a bit disappointing. It basically makes this phone a smart phone that is just pretending to be a dumb phone, with negative implications for battery life, stability, and security (larger attack surface).

What is the problem with running Android here?

Google controlling your phone. Google owning your private data.

Ah, I didn't know they did that for the 02, pretty sure the 01 ran some custom non-android OS.