Break the law? The app mentioned isn't unlawful. Many map apps track speeding camera locations. Asking for badge numbers from a police officer is also normal.

And why is a phone different from a computer? Nobody bats an eye when downloading program on computer, or visiting a website with arbitrary code.

The example was recent and very clearly put the developer at personal risk. But there are many gray-zones.

An app to decode car diagnostics codes isn't unlawful, but being personally identified could get you in alot of trouble by car companies anyway.

And what about making an independent news app in Russia? More clearly ok by our morals and law, but very dangerous for the developer.

Many map apps track speeding camera locations.

Heck, even one of Google's apps tracks speeding camera locations and police: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.waze&hl=en