Το κινητό σου σύντομα δεν θα σου ανήκει πια.
Από το 2027*, μια αθόρυβη αναβάθμιση, που θα εγκαταστήσει η Google χωρίς συναίνεση, θα μπλοκάρει κάθε εφαρμογή Android της οποίας ο προγραμματιστής δεν έχει εγγραφεί στην Google, δεν έχει υπογράψει το συμβόλαιο της, δεν έχει πληρώσει και δεν έχει παραδώσει κρατικό έγγραφο ταυτοπροσωπίας.
Κάθε εφαρμογή και κάθε συσκευή, παγκοσμίως, χωρίς δυνατότητα άρνησης.
↓Τι κάνει η Google
Τον Αύγουστο του 2025, η Google ανακοίνωσε μία νέα προϋπόθεση: από το 2027, κάθε προγραμματιστής εφαρμογών Android θα πρέπει να εγγραφεί κεντρικά στη Google προτού το λογισμικό του μπορέσει να εγκατασταθεί σε οποιαδήποτε συσκευή. Όχι μόνο εφαρμογές του Play Store: Όλες οι εφαρμογές. Αυτό περιλαμβάνει εφαρμογές που μοιράζονται φίλοι μεταξύ τους, εφαρμογές που διανέμονται μέσω του F-Droid, εφαρμογές φτιαγμένες από ερασιτέχνες για προσωπική χρήση. Ανεξάρτητοι προγραμματιστές, θρησκευτικές και κοινωνικές ομάδες, καθώς και ερασιτέχνες, θα στερηθούν τη δυνατότητα να αναπτύσσουν και να διανέμουν το λογισμικό τους.
Η εγγραφή προϋποθέτει:
- Πληρωμή χρέωσης στην Google
- Συμφωνία με τους Όρους και Προϋποθέσεις της Google
- Παράδοση κρατικού εγγράφου ταυτοπροσωπίας
- Παροχή αποδείξης για το ιδιωτικό κλειδί ψηφιακών υπογραφών
- Απαρίθμηση όλων τον τωρινών και μελλοντικών αναγνωριστικών της εφαρμογής
Αν ένας προγραμματιστής δεν συμμορφωθεί, οι εφαρμογές του μπλοκάρονται αθόρυβα σε όλες τις συσκευές Android παγκοσμίως.
Ποιοί βλάπτονται
Εσύ
Αγόρασες ένα τηλέφωνο Android επειδή η Google σου είπε ότι ήταν ανοιχτό. Μπορούσες να εγκαταστήσεις ό,τι ήθελες, και αυτή ήταν η συμφωνία
Η Google τώρα αλλάζει αυτή τη συμφωνία, αναδρομικά, σε συσκευές που ήδη σου ανήκουν. Μετά την ενημέρωση, θα μπορείς να τρέξεις μόνο λογισμικό που η Google έχει προεγκρίνει. Στο τηλέφωνο σου: Την ιδιοκτησία σου, για την οποία εσύ πλήρωσες.
Ανεξάρτητοι προγραμματιστές
Η πρώτη εφαρμογή ενός εφήβου, το εργαλείο ιδιωτικότητας που έγραψε ένας εθελοντής, ή η εμπιστευτική εσωτερική έκδοση beta μιας εταιρείας. Δεν έχει σημασία ποιο. Το 2027, κανένα από αυτά δε θα μπορεί να εγκατασταθεί χωρίς την «ευλογία» της Google.
Το F-Droid, πηγή για χιλιάδες δωρεάν εφαρμογές Android ανοιχτού κώδικα, έχει αποκαλέσει αυτό το γεγονός ως «υπαρξιακή» απειλή. Ο Cory Doctorow το αποκαλεί "Darth Android".
Κυβερνήσεις και η Κοινωνία των Πολιτών
Η Google έχει αποδεδειγμένο ιστορικό συμμόρφωσης όταν αυταρχικά καθεστώτα απαιτούν την κατάργηση εφαρμογών. Με αυτό το πρόγραμμα, το λογισμικό που υποστηρίζει τις κρατικές υπηρεσίες της χώρας σου θα εξαρτάται από τη βούληση μιας και μόνο ξένης εταιρείας που δεν λογοδοτεί σε κανέναν.
Το EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) χαρακτηρίζει τον έλεγχο πρόσβασης στις εφαρμογές ως «έναν συνεχώς διευρυνόμενο δρόμο προς τη λογοκρισία στο διαδίκτυο».
Η «έξοδος διαφυγής» που προσφέρει η Google είναι μία παγίδα.
Η Google αναφέρει ότι «προχωρημένοι χρήστες» μπορούν «ακόμα να εγκαταστήσουν» μη επαληθευμένες εφαρμογές. Δείτε πώς θα γίνεται αυτό στην πραγματικότητα:
- Άνοιξε τις Ρυθμίσεις, βρες τις «Επιλογές προγραμματιστή»
- Πάτα πάνω στον «Αριθμό Κατασκευής» επτά φορές για να ενεργοποιήσεις τη Λειτουργία Προγραμματιστή
- Αγνόησε τις κινδυνολόγες προειδοποιήσεις περί εξαναγκασμού
- Πληκτρολόγησε το PIN σου
- Κάνε επανεκκίνηση της συσκευής
- Περίμενε 24 ώρες
- Επίστρεψε, αγνόησε ακόμα περισσότερα μηνύματα με κινδυνολογία
- Επίλεξε «Να επιτρέπεται προσωρινά» (7 ημέρες) ή «Να επιτρέπεται πάντα»
- Επιβεβαίωσε, για μία ακόμη φορα, ότι κατανοείς «τους κινδύνους»
Εννέα βήματα. Μία υποχρεωτική περίοδος αναμονής 24 ωρών. Για να εγκαταστήσεις λογισμικό σε μία συσκευή που σου ανήκει
Ακόμη χειρότερα: Αυτή η διαδικασία τρέχει αποκλειστικά μέσω των Υπηρεσιών Google Play, όχι μέσω του λειτουργικού συστήματος Android. Η Google μπορεί να την αλλάξει, να την περιορίσει, ή να την αφαιρέσει ανά πάσα στιγμή, χωρίς να χρειαστεί κάποια ενημέρωση λογισμικού ή έγκριση από τον χρήστη. Και μέχρι σήμερα, δεν έχει κυκλοφορήσει σε καμία έκδοση beta, preview ή canary. Υπάρχει μόνο ως ανάρτηση σε blog και μερικά mockups.
Αυτό είναι μεγαλύτερο από το Android
Αν η Google μπορεί να «κλειδώσει» αναδρομικά δισεκατομμύρια συσκευές που πουλήθηκαν ως ανοιχτές πλατφόρμες, κάθε παραγωγός hardware στον πλανήτη παρακολουθεί.
Η αρχή που καθιερώνεται είναι η εξής: η εταιρεία που κατασκεύασε τη συσκευή σου έχει το δικαίωμα να αποφασίζει, αφού την αγοράσεις, ποιο λογισμικό επιτρέπεται να χρησιμοποιείς. Στον κόσμο του λογισμικού, αυτό ονομάζεται «rug pull» - αλλά τουλάχιστον σε αυτή την περίπτωση μπορούσες πάντα να εγκαταστήσεις ανταγωνιστικό λογισμικό. Στον κόσμο του hardware, πρόκειται για ένα τετελεσμένο γεγονός που σου στερεί κάθε δυνατότητα επιλογής και σε καθιστά ανίσχυρο απέναντι στις ιδιοτροπίες ενός και μοναδικού, μη υπόλογου «φρουρού» και νομικά διαπιστωμένου μονοπωλητή.
Η «ανοιχτή φύση» του Android δεν ήταν ποτέ απλώς ένα χαρακτηριστικό του. Ήταν η υπόσχεση που το καθιστούσε διαφορετικό από το iPhone. Εκατομμύρια χρήστες επέλεξαν το Android ακριβώς για αυτόν τον λόγο. Η Google τώρα ανακαλεί μονομερώς αυτή την υπόσχεση, σε συσκευές που βρίσκονται ήδη στην κατοχή των χρηστών, επειδή αποφάσισε ότι έχει αρκετή κυριαρχία στην αγορά και επιρροή στους ρυθμιστικούς φορείς ώστε να τη γλιτώσει.
Ars Technica: «Ο φθόνος της Google για την Apple απειλεί να καταστρέψει την παράδοση της ανοιχτής πλατφόρμας του Android.»
Μισό λεπτό, μήπως αυτό...
«...έχει να κάνει απλώς με την ασφάλεια;»
Το επιχείρημα της ασφάλειας είναι παραπλανητικό. Το Google Play Protect ήδη ελέγχει για κακόβουλο λογισμικό ανεξάρτητα από την ταυτότητα του προγραμματιστή. Η απαίτηση κρατικής ταυτότητας δεν κάνει τον κώδικα πιο ασφαλή. Κάνει τους προγραμματιστές αναγνωρίσιμους και ελεγχόμενους. Οι δημιουργοί κακόβουλου λογισμικού μπορούν να εγγραφούν. Οι ανεξάρτητοι προγραμματιστές και οι διαφωνούντες συχνά δεν μπορούν. Το EFF είναι κατηγορηματικό: Ο έλεγχος πρόσβασης βάσει ταυτότητας είναι ένα εργαλείο λογοκρισίας, όχι ασφάλειας.
«...συνεχίζει να επιτρέπει το sideloading εάν χρησιμοποιήσεις την προχωρημένη μέθοδο;»
Εννέα βήματα, αναμονή 24 ωρών, κρυμμένα στις Επιλογές Προγραμματιστή, παρεχόμενα μέσω μίας ιδιόκτητης υπηρεσίας που η Google μπορεί να ανακαλέσει όποτε θέλει. Αυτό δεν είναι «sideloading». Είναι ένας μηχανισμός αποτροπής που έχει σχεδιαστεί για να διασφαλίζει ότι σχεδόν κανείς δεν θα τον ολοκληρώσει. Και δεδομένου ότι λειτουργεί μέσω των Play Services και όχι μέσω του λειτουργικού συστήματος, η Google μπορεί να τον περιορίσει ή να τον καταργήσει αθόρυβα.
«...αποτελεί πρόβλημα μόνο αν έχεις να κρύψεις κάτι;»
Οι πληροφοριοδότες, οι δημοσιογράφοι και οι ακτιβιστές που ζουν υπό αυταρχικά καθεστώτα θα είναι τα πρώτα θύματα. Ακολουθούν τα άτομα που βιώνουν ενδοοικογενειακή βία. Όλες αυτές οι ομάδες έχουν βάσιμους λόγους να διανέμουν ή να χρησιμοποιούν λογισμικό χωρίς να καταχωρίζουν τα πραγματικά τους στοιχεία σε μια βάση δεδομένων της Google. Η ανώνυμη συνεισφορά στον ανοιχτό κώδικα είναι μια παράδοση παλαιότερη από την ίδια τη Google. Αυτή η πολιτική, τερματίζει αυτή την παράδοση στο Android.
«...είναι το ίδιο πράγμα που κάνει και η Apple;»
Η Apple ήταν εξαρχής ένα «κλειστό» οικοσύστημα. Ο κόσμος επέλεξε το Android επειδή ήταν διαφορετικό. Η δικαιολογία του «και η Apple το κάνει» αποτελεί ισοπέδωση προς τα κάτω και ένα αδύναμο λογικό επιχείρημα τύπου tu quoque. Και υπό την πίεση των ρυθμιστικών αρχών (ο Νόμος για τις Ψηφιακές Αγορές της ΕΕ), ακόμη και η Apple αναγκάζεται να ανοίξει το οικοσύστημά της. Η Google κινείται προς την αντίθετη κατεύθυνση: προσπαθεί να εδραιώσει περαιτέρω τη θέση της ως «φρουρός».
«...κοστίζει μόνο 25 δολλάρια και εμπεριέχει απλώς λίγη χαρτούρα;
Ίσως, αν είσαι προγραμματιστής στις ΗΠΑ και διαθέτεις πιστωτική κάρτα και άδεια οδήγησης. Προσπάθησε να μπεις στη θέση ενός φοιτητή στην υποσαχάρια Αφρική, ή ενός αντιφρονούντα στη Μιανμάρ, ή ενός εθελοντή που συντηρεί μια εφαρμογή για την υγεία της κοινότητας. Το κόστος δεν είναι μόνο οικονομικό: παραδίδεις την ταυτότητα που σου έχει εκδώσει η κυβέρνηση και τα αποδεικτικά στοιχεία των κλειδιών υπογραφής σου σε μια εταιρεία που συμμορφώνεται συστηματικά με τις απαιτήσεις κυβερνήσεων να αφαιρέσει εφαρμογές και να εκθέσει προγραμματιστές.
Αντιστάσου
Όλοι
- Εγκατάστησε το F-Droid σε κάθε συσκευή Android σου. Τα εναλλακτικά καταστήματα εφαρμογών μπορούν να επιβιώσουν μόνο αν υπάρχουν άνθρωποι που τα χρησιμοποιούν.
- Επικοινώνησε με τις ρυθμιστικές αρχές της χώρας σου. Οι ρυθμιστικές αρχές σε όλο τον κόσμο εκφράζουν πραγματική ανησυχία για τα μονοπώλια και τη συγκέντρωση εξουσίας στον τομέα της τεχνολογίας και επιθυμούν να ακούσουν απευθείας τις απόψεις των ατόμων που επηρεάζονται και ανησυχούν.
- Μοιράσου αυτή τη σελίδα. Βάλε συνδέσμους προς το keepandroidopen.org παντού.
- Αντιστάσου στους ψευτο-ακτιβιστές. Οι «ναι μεν, αλλά...» πληθαίνουν. Μην τους αφήσεις να καθορίσουν την αφήγηση.
- Υπόγραψε την αίτηση στο change.org και γίνε ένας από τους 100.000 και πλέον υπογράφοντες που έκαναν τη φωνή τους να ακουστεί.
- Διάβασε και υπόγραψε την ανοιχτή επιστολή μας
- Πες στην Google την άποψη σου επί του ζητήματος μέσω της επίσημής της έρευνας σχετικά με την επαλήθευση προγραμματιστών(όσο λίγο κι ας μπορεί να βοηθήσει αυτό).
Προγραμματιστές
Μην εγγραφείς. Μην μπεις στο πρόγραμμα κάνοντας εγγραφή στην Κονσόλα Προγραμματιστών Android και μην αποδεχτείς τους αμετάκλητους Όρους και Προϋποθέσεις τους. Μην επαληθεύσεις την ταυτότητά σου. Μη μπεις στο χορό.
Το σχέδιο της Google δουλεύει μόνο εάν οι προγραμματιστές εγγραφούν. Μην το κάνεις.
- Πείσε κι άλλους προγραμματιστές και οργανισμούς να μην εγγραφούν ούτε αυτοί.
- Πρόσθεσε την βιβλιοθήκη FreeDroidWarn στις εφαρμογές σου για να προειδοποιήσεις τους χρήστες.
- Διαχειρίζεσαι μία ιστοσελίδα; Πρόσθεσε το banner αντίστροφης μέτρησης.
Εργαζόμενοι της Google
Αν γνωρίζεις κάτι σχετικά με την τεχνική υλοποίηση ή εσωτερική λογική του προγράμματος, επικοινώνησε με τη διεύθυνση tips@keepandroidopen.org από μία συσκευή εκτός του εργασιακού σου χώρου και μέσω ενός λογαριασμού που δεν είναι Gmail. Εγγυημένη απόλυτη εμπιστευτικότητα.
Ολοί οσοι αντιτίθενται…
71 οργανισμοί από 23 χώρες έχουν υπογράψει την ανοιχτή επιστολή
The Digital Rights Foundation digitalrightsfoundation.pk
F-Droid f-droid.org
Associação Nacional para o Software Livre (ANSOL) ansol.org
OpenMedia openmedia.org
UnifiedPush unifiedpush.org
Software Liberty Association of Taiwan slat.org.tw
Rossmann Group rossmanngroup.com
Nextcloud nextcloud.com
The Center for Digital Progress (D64) d-64.org
Software Freedom Conservancy sfconservancy.org
GNU/Linux València gnulinuxvalencia.org
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) fsf.org
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) eff.org
Fedimedia fedimedia.it
European Digital Rights (EDRi) edri.org
The Chaos Computer Club (CCC) ccc.de
La Quadrature du Net laquadrature.net
Cryptee crypt.ee
FACiL facil.qc.ca
Technopolice Bruxelles technopolice.be
GNOME Foundation gnome.org
CryptPad cryptpad.org
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) beuc.eu
/e/ Foundation e.foundation
Data Rights datarights.ngo
Techlore techlore.tech
ARTICLE 19 article19.org
Vivaldi Technologies AS vivaldi.com
Open Rights Group (ORG) openrightsgroup.org
The Calyx Institute calyx.org
April april.org
Proton AG proton.me
Digital Rights Watch digitalrightswatch.org.au
iodé iode.tech
epicenter.works – for digital rights epicenter.works
MetaBrainz Foundation metabrainz.org
Digitale Gesellschaft digitale-gesellschaft.ch
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) fsfe.org
Rocky Linux rockylinux.org
Fundación Karisma karisma.org.co
FUTO futo.org
GitHub Store github-store.org
FOSDEM fosdem.org
Forbrukerrådet forbrukerradet.no
Italian Linux Society ils.org
Brave brave.com
FULU Foundation fulu.org Διάβασε ολόκληρη την ανοιχτή επιστολή και ευχαρίστησε τους υπογράφοντες →
Τι λένε
Δημοσιογράφοι τεχνολογίας
"Keep Android Open"
Linux Magazine
"Resistance to Google's Android verification grows among developers"
Techzine EU
"F-Droid says Google's new sideloading restrictions will kill the project"
Ars Technica
"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"
Internet Freedom Foundation (India)
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
How-To Geek
"Google's New Developer ID Rule Could Harm F-Droid"
Reclaim The Net
"F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules"
Bleeping Computer
"Android's sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet"
MakeUseOf
"Google's developer registration 'decree' means the end for alternative app stores"
Cybernews
"Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register"
The Register
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
How-To Geek
"Google says it's making Android sideloading 'high-friction' to better warn users about potential risks"
XDA Developers
"It effectively makes the Play Store a monopoly without actually mandating that it is a monopoly."
I-Programmer
"We all know that's a load of bullshit. Adding a goddamn 24-hour waiting period is batshit insanity."
Thom Holwerda, OSnews
"Google is restricting one of Android's most important features, and users are outraged"
SlashGear
"Android app store provider Aptoide hits Google with fresh lawsuit alleging monopoly and anticompetitive chokehold"
Benzinga
"F-Droid Slams Google for Misleading Users About Android's App Verification"
Android Headlines
"Google's new developer rules could threaten sideloading and F-Droid's future"
Gizmochina
"Google will require developer verification to install Android apps, including sideloading"
9to5Google
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
Tom's Guide
"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"
InfoWorld
"Open-Source Android Apps at Risk Under Google's New Decree"
TechRepublic
"Google will verify Android developers distributing apps outside the Play store"
The Verge
"Android, Epic, and What's Really Behind Google's 'Existential' Threat to F-Droid"
Slashdot
"Over 67 groups urge the company to drop ID checks for apps distributed outside Play"
The Register
"Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy"
It's FOSS News
"Google's Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android's open legacy"
Ars Technica
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
How-To Geek
"Google's Requirement For All Android Developers To Register And Be Verified Threatens To Close Down Open Source App Store F-Droid"
Techdirt
"Keep Android Open – Abwehr gegen Verbot anonymer Apps von Google"
heise online
"Google's dev registration plan 'will end the F-Droid project'"
The Register
"Google will make you wait 24 hours to sideload Android apps"
How-To Geek
"Google plans to block side-loading like Apple, declaring war on Android freedom"
Tuta Blog
"Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store"
TechCrunch
"'Keep Android Open' Movement Challenges Google's Developer Verification Rule"
Open Source For U
"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"
The New Stack
"Open letter warns mandatory registration 'threatens innovation, competition, privacy and user freedom'"
Infosecurity Magazine
"This will wipe out Android as an actual alternative to Apple's mobile OS offerings."
Hackaday
"Sideloading is dead for all intents and purposes. The Android you know and love is slowly disappearing."
Android Police
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
Tom's Guide
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
How-To Geek
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
Android Headlines
"Google's New Developer Rules Threaten to End the F-Droid Open-Source App Store"
How-To Geek
"Open-Source Android Apps Threatened by Google's New Policy"
Datamation
"Google's new ID requirements could destroy independent app stores"
TechSpot
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
Android Headlines
Editorials & ανάλυση
"Innovation may be the biggest casualty in all of this. This new rule erodes your right to make informed decisions about your own devices."
MakeUseOf
"Android is no longer the scrappy rebel. It's just another empire tightening the drawbridge."
Newsfangled
"Every additional bureaucratic hurdle reduces diversity in the software ecosystem and concentrates power in large established players."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"The requirement extends Google's gatekeeping authority from its own Play Store to every alternative distribution channel on Android."
LLM Advocates
"Android does not just warn anymore. It enforces."
Youssef Mabrouk, Ostorlab
"Google has announced that they are altering the deal. And telling us that we should pray that they don't alter it further. Block this policy change now before they wrap their cold metal hands around our necks."
Jesse Wilson, PublicObject.com
"Destroying F-Droid isn't some 'oops.' It's the mission. It's Google finally cutting the last remaining escape route and locking every single user inside their store."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours. Google decides which apps are allowed to be loaded on Android and which are not."
Tuta Blog
"Google has announced what can only be described as a death blow to the open ecosystem that made Android. Under the guise of 'security,' Google is implementing draconian developer verification requirements."
AndroidSage
"Google's story that this move is motivated by security is obviously bullshit. The idea that Google can improve Android's safety by certifying developers, rather than code, is obvious bullshit."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"Freedom of choice is being reframed as a 'security risk.'"
Newsfangled
"Although Google's claim is that this is for 'security', it does not prevent the regular practice of scammers buying up existing verified developer accounts."
Maya Posch, Hackaday
"Once there is no such thing as 'sideloading', there's virtually no difference between iOS and Android. I see no reason to buy Android over iOS at this point."
Thom Holwerda, OSnews
"Google isn't certifying apps, they're certifying developers. This implies that the company can somehow predict whether a developer will do something malicious in the future."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"This is not a developer account sign-up. This is comprehensive surveillance of the software development ecosystem."
PixelUnion
"Sideloading, a longstanding pillar of Android's openness, is now being marginalized, placing the Android platform closer to the walled-garden approach of Apple's iOS."
Purism
"This is not about protecting users. This is about control. This is about Google cutting out the last remaining artery of independence in Android."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"There is also the very real possibility that Google will leak your identity with the result that any apps with political implications could result in persecution and worse."
I-Programmer
"Android is not open anymore. It's not an alternative. It's not even trying. It's iOS with ads and spyware bolted on."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"The proposed Android Developer Verification program isn't a security update; it's a kill switch for the open ecosystem."
Hillary Keverenge, Tech-ish Kenya
"This is a form of malicious compliance with the court orders stemming from its losses to Epic Games."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"Google's move is not credibly about 'security,' but actually about consolidating power and tightening control over a formerly open ecosystem."
Techdirt
"This could turn Google into the effective gatekeeper for all apps on certified Android devices."
It's FOSS News
"Google is turning sideloading from a right into a permission slip, and the open-source community has until September to convince it otherwise."
Reclaim The Net
"Google's attempts to make Android 'more secure' are, in fact, increasing the risk for Android users. The more friction you introduce in the name of security, the more likely users will attempt to bypass security completely."
Ken Buckler, Enterprise Management Associates
"The $25 isn't the real cost. The chilling effect is. Submitting government ID to Google is a non-starter for pseudonymous contributors and privacy researchers."
Arafat Alim, DEV Community
"One US corporation is placing itself between every Android developer and every Android user on earth."
PixelUnion
"What student is going to upload their passport to a trillion-dollar surveillance corporation just to share their weekend project?"
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"Android wasn't supposed to be 'safe.' It was supposed to be free."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"This policy represents a dramatic departure from Android's decades-old tradition of openness, in which developers could build and share apps freely without first submitting to a centralized authority."
Biometric Update
"Developers from sanctioned countries or those without Google Play access cannot verify themselves. This creates systemic discrimination against developers based on birthplace rather than conduct."
agnostic-apollo (Termux developer), GitHub
"Centralizing the registration of all applications worldwide gives Google newfound powers to completely disable any app it wants."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"Google has not removed Android's openness, but it is turning openness from a default right into a conditional, attributable, and tiered capability."
MerchMindAI
Οργανισμοί & ανοιχτές επιστολές
"Remember: It's your phone, your data, your freedom. Don't let Google take it away."
Tuta
"Nearly 50 organizations published an open letter opposing what they characterize as a 'kill switch for the open ecosystem.'"
Tech-ish Kenya
"Google will cut off independent developers to Android if they do not register with Google first. This will kill independent platforms like F-Droid and severely impede FLOSS devs from creating apps for Android."
KDE
"MEP Christel Schaldemose formally questioned whether Google's mandatory central registration is compatible with the Digital Markets Act."
European Parliament
"Google is turning Android into a walled garden monopoly. We must prevent it."
Osservatorio Nessuno
"While Android used to be praised for its freedom and independence, it will become a closed shop just like Apple."
Tuta
"The European Pirate Party called for proportionate and transparent measures that ensure security without restricting innovation, limiting anonymity, or distorting competition."
European Pirate Party
"We are running out of time until Google becomes the gate-keeper of all users devices."
F-Droid
"There are governments who might very much like to know the names of the developers of those applications so that they can go after them."
Electronic Frontier Foundation
"Google's developer verification policy creates a centralized database, controlled by a single corporation, containing the real-world identity of every person who writes software for Android."
Brave
"Google Play itself has repeatedly hosted malware, proving that corporate gatekeeping doesn't guarantee user protection."
F-Droid
"Centralised, intransparent security architectures certainly help secure monetization and the market by locking out competitors."
Nextcloud
"This invasion of privacy of developers is not just an overreach of Google's authority over Android, but also jeopardizes developer safety."
Software Freedom Conservancy
"Ultimately, Google's plan will stop you from owning your Android phone."
Tuta
"For developers building tools specifically designed to protect user privacy, being forced to surrender their own personal data as a precondition for distribution is deeply contradictory."
AdGuard
"A centralized global registration system for Android will inevitably chill this work. Those communities are likely to drop out of developing for Android altogether."
Electronic Frontier Foundation
"Unilaterally consolidating power to approve software into the hands of a single unaccountable corporation is a threat to digital sovereignty everywhere."
Nextcloud
"Your Smartphone, Their Rules: How App Stores Enable Corporate-Government Censorship."
ACLU
"Developers who choose not to use Google's services should not be forced to register with, and submit to the judgement of, Google."
Open letter, over 67 signatory organizations
"When you set up a gate, you invite authorities to use it to block things they don't like. And when you build a database, you invite governments to try to get access."
Electronic Frontier Foundation
"This extends Google's gatekeeping authority beyond its own marketplace into distribution channels where it has no legitimate operational role."
Open letter, over 67 signatory organizations
"Google's abusive approach to the Android operating system has only gotten worse in recent years. Software freedom is sorely lacking in the 'computers in our pockets' we call cell phones."
Free Software Foundation
"Independent software distribution on Android will now require Google's explicit permission."
AdGuard
"Changes would impose barriers to entry for individual developers, small teams and volunteer projects by imposing fees, identity checks and terms that may not align with the principles of an open ecosystem."
Infosecurity Magazine
"We unequivocally advise against signing up for this program, now or ever."
F-Droid Open Letter
"If it were to be put into effect, the developer registration decree will end the F-Droid project and other free/open source app distribution sources as we know them today."
F-Droid
"This is a profound change, one that shatters the entire premise of the Android ecosystem, long regarded as the antithesis of the closed Apple ecosystem."
AdGuard
"Android's biggest strength has always been its openness. That's what attracted developers and users in the first place."
AdGuard
"Developers who build privacy-first browsers, encrypted messaging apps, VPNs, Tor-based software or tools for journalists and activists would be required to upload government ID to Google. These developers are unlikely to trust Google and might stop developing for Android."
Brave
"A policy that forces every Android developer to hand their identity to Google, regardless of whether they use Google's services, makes Android a less-open and less-private platform."
Brave
"Forcing software creators into a centralized registration scheme is as egregious as forcing writers and artists to register with a central authority."
F-Droid
"Verification just confirms who's behind the app, it doesn't guarantee clean code or rule out malicious behavior."
AdGuard
YouTubers & δημιουργοί
"F-Droid is basically saying that the new Google developer registration process will likely kill the open-source app store entirely."
The Linux Experiment – YouTube
"If I'm going to be trapped in a walled garden anyway, I'll take the one that's built properly."
fireborn – Blog
"Google keeps getting in as much trouble as Apple when Google is half evil and Apple is full evil. So there are probably people inside Google saying, 'Why not just go full evil?'"
Louis Rossmann – YouTube
"Google is doing to Android what Microsoft once tried to do to the web. Embrace, extend, extinguish. Just wrapped in a shinier open-source package."
ChiefGyk3D – YouTube
"That's not openness. That is control."
ChiefGyk3D – YouTube
"This is an iPhone now. I didn't want to buy an iPhone. I use Android because it gives me freedom. If you are not going to give me freedom with my computer, then why would I buy your stuff anymore?"
Louis Rossmann – YouTube
"I'm not using the word 'phone.' I'm using the word 'computer.' This has over 8 GB of RAM, a terabyte of storage. It's a computer. And I'm also not going to be using words like 'sideload.' When you download an exe file onto your Windows computer, you've installed an application. You haven't 'sideloaded' something."
Louis Rossmann – YouTube
"Google already can disable malware that they find on your device. It's already a built-in feature. So what is developer registration actually adding here? Is it security or control? You decide."
Techlore – YouTube
"The fact of the matter is, this is my device. I paid a lot of money for it. I should be able to do with it what I want."
Switched to Linux – YouTube
"When you download applications, you've simply installed an application. I don't want to use words like 'sideload.'"
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
"Imagine Dell told you that you could no longer install any operating system other than Windows on your laptop. That's what Google is doing to your phone."
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
"Developers of privacy-focused tools and emulators will have to dox themselves, making them vulnerable to government agencies or legal action."
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
"Google has been carefully watching from the sidelines to see what exactly it is that Apple can get away with."
Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube
"Your device, their rules. The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours."
Tuta Blog – Blog
"A world where two tech companies from the same city that dominate all of our mobile devices both require centralized developer registration is a world with one more lever for surveillance, one more checkpoint for censorship."
Techlore – YouTube
"This represents the last real safe place for free and open-source software in the entire mobile ecosystem. Once it's gone, it's gone. And we're going to spend the next decade trying to claw it back."
Techlore – YouTube
"Follow the money. Google makes money when apps are downloaded from its store. Google has completely forgotten about its earlier company motto: Don't be evil."
Tuta Blog – Blog
"Google is removing the one key advantage Android has over iOS."
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
"Every single time a company takes away your ability to do what you want with what you bought and paid for, every single time they twist a knife, we have to point it out."
Louis Rossmann – YouTube
"This means you can't sideload an app from an unofficial source. But it could also be used to lock the ecosystem so we're forced to install only Google apps on approved Google OS versions."
Rob Braxman Tech – Locals
"I have really no more strong reason to not recommend you all get iPhones, because this just is pretty much an iPhone with a Google logo on it at this point."
Techlore – YouTube
"Google decides what's safe for you, and you don't get a say."
fireborn – Blog
"Google is setting a requirement that only they can fulfill, forcing developers to go through Google and killing off thousands of apps. Countless users stranded."
Techlore – YouTube
"Google isn't testing this in the US or Europe first. They're starting in countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Why? Because these are massive growth markets where regulation is weaker. By the time regulators catch up, the damage will already be done."
ChiefGyk3D – YouTube
"Android has become what they set out to destroy."
Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube
"The widely-circulated narrative that Google already backed down from this is false. They didn't, and that misunderstanding may be the most dangerous part of the story right now."
Techlore – YouTube
Προγραμματιστές & κοινότητα
"We are talking about something categorically worse than vendor lock-in: Collective vendor lock-in."
anordal, Lobsters
"Computing is infrastructure. Personal computers are a means of expressing agency. This is like banning people from moving furniture around their house without approval from mortgage lenders."
wervenyt, Tildes
"Any time someone puts a lock on something that belongs to you, and won't give you a key, they're not doing it for your benefit."
vord (quoting Cory Doctorow), Tildes
"Whatever Google is doing kind of scares me. We have a big DIY community of diabetics in Germany running tools like AndroidAPS that cannot ever be distributed through official channels."
pimeys (Type 1 diabetic, DIY medical software), Lobsters
"Once deployed, there's a near 100% chance of such a mechanism being used for evil."
Zak, Lemmy
"I teach digital literacy and 99% of unsavory software I encounter on people's phones come from the Play Store or App Store. I will believe they're serious about protecting users when I see them do something about the crap ton of borderline scam apps infesting their stores."
1995ToyotaCorolla, Lemmy
"Software gatekeeping is a threat to human rights. Just recently an app to track ICE was banned from the iOS app store even though this should clearly be protected first amendment speech."
gthing, Reddit
"Modern life practically forces you to put all your eggs into a phone controlled by one of two profit-seeking companies."
koala, Lobsters
"Google now has a flag on my phone they can control remotely to keep me from accessing the apps I want."
vala, Lemmy
"Android was never actually open and now they are abandoning even the thin pretense."
Tiraon, Tildes
"Twice I have had to deal with Google silently disabling my drone app to the point I had to buy an older phone to perform work. When I purchase a device that works with another device, under no circumstances should I be at the mercy of any updates they make."
cbrophoto (drone professional), Reddit
"I hate this so much. More and more I get the feeling I have no control over the devices I own. My fear is that Windows will eventually follow. For security reasons of course. It's the path we're on now."
cheesyvoetjes, Reddit
"Anyone else thinking this looks like a precursor to banning Signal and similar? 1) Put Google in control of what you can install. 2) Get Google to block it."
harry8, Hacker News
"Google's own Play Store had over 600 million malware downloads. They keep talking about 'security' but their own store is crawling with fake apps and straight up malware while actual useful stuff gets buried or rejected."
Historical-Employ129 (324 upvotes), Reddit
"This is a war on users that want to keep control of their phones and when it's done, you will not be able to escape the enshittification."
ikidd, Lemmy
"If I go down this path, I will stop all development on Android. I implore all other developers to resist this. This will completely lock down the platform forever, there will be no going back."
BatteryMountain, Hacker News
"Requiring a government ID to distribute software. Holy shit. If you are a kid and want to create a game for your friends, you better get that birth certificate ready!"
llitz, Reddit
"Play store is full of scam apps, F-Droid isn't, but Play Store is considered secure. It's all theatre."
gcupc, Lobsters
"All the banking and payment apps in India refuse to open if you have developer mode on."
nibbleyou (developer in India), Hacker News
"There's an entire genre of scamming where the scammers spend months building rapport with their victims before cashing out. One day is nothing."
free_bip (on the 24-hour wait defeating scammers), Hacker News
"The fundamental problem is that we are relying on the good graces of Google to keep Android open, despite the fact that it often runs contrary to their goals as a $4T for-profit behemoth. The 'don't be evil' days are very far behind us."
paxys, Hacker News
"Signal, VPNs -- they'll have a list of everyone opting out of government-mandated backdoors."
Max-P, Lemmy
"Google seems to actively hate people who develop for their platforms."
hbn, Hacker News
"I still remember how in the early days of Android vs iOS discussions, the main point was 'but it's OPEN!' The word 'open' was used as a comma by Google people. It was The Thing. The Difference. Good vs Evil and all that."
jwr, Hacker News
"Making it harder makes it harder to treat ourselves. Software like AndroidAPS is unique. It's hard to find or very expensive and inferior in the proprietary market."
pimeys (diabetic user on life-critical medical software), Lobsters
"The phrase 'sideload' is psychological propaganda we are all best off rejecting."
WaffleMonster, Slashdot
"It is a disgrace how Google has managed this situation. The promised 'advanced flow' hasn't appeared in any Android 16 or 17 betas. Google is quietly proceeding with the original lockdown."
fermigier, Hacker News
"Social engineering is destroyed with education, not with restriction and control. Trading freedom for safety eliminates both."
survirtual, Hacker News
"I want to deploy apps on my device. They are my apps, it's my device, and I should not be required to ask for permission to do so."
fsniper, Hacker News
"My Pixel 6 just broke, and after 15 years of using Android, I've finally been convinced to move to iOS. If I must live in a walled garden, I suppose I'll choose the one with nicer flowers."
yonato, Hacker News
"You are essentially a child to them. The difference is society has decided not to step in to protect you from your abusive parents."
globular-toast, Hacker News
"You have no right telling me what I can and cannot run on my own devices."
MrZander, Hacker News
"The open Android I knew and loved is long gone."
girvo, Hacker News
"They have stolen a free product and are now actively locking out the people who built it."
TheTearMiser, Lemmy
"Antitrust action is badly needed. It is ridiculous that I need permission from my device manufacturer to install software on hardware I own."
jim201, Hacker News
"Google has no right to be my parent. As long as I can't reject paternalism, I don't believe for a second this is done with the well-being of scam victims as the main priority."
gspr, Lobsters
"Google selling Android as both open source and open to running any software you like in order to quickly gain market share, only to break those promises after driving competing platforms out of the market is nothing more than fraud."
GeekyBear, Hacker News
"Android is for everyone, provided they submit to Google exclusively."
gumby271, Hacker News
"If Android's sandbox and permission systems actually worked, then the mere act of installing an app from an arbitrary source would be as harmless as visiting an arbitrary website."
mwcampbell, Lobsters
"'Sideload' is like 'jaywalking'; seeks to stigmatize humans being human."
tejtm, Hacker News
"The war on General Purpose Computing is the death of innovation and a direct attack on digital freedom."
layfellow, Hacker News
"We need to start treating phones differently. We're entering a world where we can't choose what we run on them. Their primary purpose is to gather data on us and serve us advertising, they're engineered for addiction, yet engaging in the world is immensely difficult without one."
specproc, Hacker News
"It's not cyclic. It's a ratchet and it gets tighter and tighter."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"Google wants the authority of a gatekeeper without the overhead of human accountability."
afferi300rina, Hacker News
"Brazil government app refuses to operate with developer mode on."
flykespice (developer in Brazil), Hacker News
"If the likes of Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and others have their way, you will not own your computer; those companies will effectively own your computers."
RUs1729, Slashdot
"Don't beg. Don't get in a position that freedoms depend on the whims of a corporation or willingness of a government to regulate them. Build."
jzb, Lobsters
"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."
masterofn001, Lemmy
"Some time in the future, we will look back to this era and ask ourselves what went wrong."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"I buy a device with my own money, which I supposedly then own, but then I need to ask some corporation permission to use it."
askonomm, Hacker News
"Years ago, I wondered how Google would try to get away with locking down Android and shutting the cage door after capturing such a large dependent user base. Now I see how they are trying to get away with it."
chaznabin, Reddit
"They're boiling the frog -- slowly removing features until all choice is gone."
hn92726819, Hacker News
"Google's plan to require developer verification would give Google and governments the ability to ban any app."
Zak, Hacker News
"For 'security' -- always security with these assholes. They're just building the walls of the walled garden higher."
lynxy, Tildes
"It took them 17 years to finally pull the cage all the way shut."
Apocryphon, Hacker News
"After 15 years of professional development on Android I too am now thinking about switching my focus to something different. And it sucks."
MrDresden, Hacker News
"This isn't just a competition between app stores; it's a struggle for choice and dignity. Your phone shouldn't be a cage carefully constructed by others, but an extension of your own will."
renshijian, Hacker News
"Can't come at a worse time. People are just learning to make things through vibe coding, and they're gonna want to put their own apps on their phones. And now Google says no."
Serinus, Lemmy
"If your country is ever in the crosshairs of 'American interests' and bears the brunt of its sanctions, it is possible that you cannot install apps from your fellow citizens. Your own local government, bank, and store apps."
devsda, Hacker News
Φωνές απο τη συλλογή υπογραφών
"Take that away and you've destroyed Android. Google's trustworthiness is depths of hell low, and now you want even more control. Disgusting. The last bastion for Android was it's open freedoms compared to Apple, explicitly the ability to install apps without the store without verification. Allowing me to build and install my own creations. You must envision everyone in the entire world as some consumer archetype that just has feeding tubes of corporate sludge go into the consumers digestive tract. You can't imagine anyone innovating for fun not profit, making art and exploring science without corporate approvals. Your world is disgusting and I hate it. "
Aiden, change.org
"This change would essentially make android comparable to iOS in the sense of the restricted amount of freedom we have over the operating system and how we want the operating system to function. This will also result in a constant battle between new "crackers" trying to find ways to spoof the signature system and Google patching the spoofs to keep the system restricted. This is not for security, this is corporate control over a dominating service they can milk for profit and add to their greed "
Simon, change.org
"Android has always been about freedom. I've always loved side loading an app made by a line developer to complete a niche task/feature. My music player and compass app were side loaded from F Droid and I think it's super cool to be able to install custom versions of stock phone apps. I've side loaded a modded version of my camera app that brought Google Pixel's photosphere to my phone. How else would I have been able to do this without side loading?? There's no reason Android has to go this direction, it may just as well be called mock iOS if all the reasons I chose Android are taken away. May customization, freedom of how I use my phone, and innovation reign once again in the heart of Google's Android! PLEASE 🙏 "
YAIR RAFAEL, change.org
"The end for digital freedom is already nearing, with all the new social media and age verification laws. The whole point of a computer is to store and process data, allowing you to do various tasks. You should be able to use a device without having to verify 50 million things and give up your identity, it's all just an excuse for the government to track you, create more censorship, and for the companies to sell more of your data. Android is an open mobile operating system, and it should stay that way. One of the main reasons I strongly prefer Android over iOS is how open Android is. This action Google is doing will not protect anything or anyone, it will just cause more drama. "
Angus, change.org
"I chose to use Android devices specifically due to the control that I, as an end user, have over my files and the programs I chose to install on them. Even if a program comes from an independent programmer, even from other countries stores (like RuStore), even if it an open source app (like the ones from F-Droid), or just choosing to use Telegram from the first and most reliable source ever- the developer's website itself. I once had an iOS device and I totally detested how locked up it was, it was almost as if I were digitally "high jacked", depending on authorisation to do anything! Please don't remove us our freedom of doing to our devices our own experiments, finding and developing emulators for our old games and apps that suit our needs even if they're not economically viable. Plus: Don't take away the one tool many persecuted Christians around the world have to download Bibles to their phones. That's cruel and inhumane. "
Barbara, change.org
"One of the reasons I use android is so I can do what I want unlike an iPhone. Locking it down will make it no different from the competition "
Jonathan, change.org
"I develop apps for personal use and use fdroid for open source and privacy focused apps. This will just be another step towards tyranny and control "
Jackson, change.org
"Android has always stood out because it respects the user’s right to choose. Imposing limits on sideloading or labeling people as “unapproved developers” turns that freedom into a cage. I don’t want someone else dictating how I use my own device. Restricting these choices doesn’t make anyone safer—it just centralizes power and stifles creativity. Android’s strength comes from openness, flexibility, and experimentation. Losing that feels less like protection and more like control. Users, not corporations, should decide how they interact with their devices. "
Ada, change.org
"I love the freedom to use whatever program APK I wish and Appl........Google wants to take that away from us? Expect lawsuits in your future. BTW I HATE the play store, F-Droid ALL THE WAY "
David, change.org
"I use android because it is an open platform. If this goes through, developers will stop making apps so I might as well move to apple. "
John, change.org
"Locking down the Android OS does not benefit developers, or users. It gives more control for Google, to eventually extract more from their users. Android has not been the epitome privacy and FOSS, for a while now; but it has at least kept some of those options open for users. Limiting sideloading is ruining my last reason to use Android. Time to switch. "
Steven, change.org
"If google makes this change i will find any alternative OS and switch to that. "
Ron, change.org
"This is an attempt to stifle free and open development because that development has created avenues that subvert Google's bottom line. People are becoming tired of being the product and have the right to their privacy- but Google belives they have a right to force people to become said product by limiting where and how they use their devices. Buzz-words like "a more secure ecosystem" are used to hide their true initiative: their bottom line. Ironically, this corse of action may become the driving force that pushes Linux phones into full maturity, thus amputating the open-source-development community as revenue. I don't subsidize my mobile device purchases so that I may have full control over what I can do with them. Upon this move, I will gladly suffer the inconvenience of a less-mature operating system or less-developed device over a walled garden built by greed mascurading under the guise of "This is what will be best for everyone." "
Jake, change.org
"Android is the Beacon of Freedom and Open market for many developers to create, test and use their software. Requiring Licensing and restricting this Freedom goes against the very Core of what Android stands for and was built for. It is UNACCEPTABLE for users not to be able to download whatever they want, regardless of Licensing or Approval. If Google closes this door, it will Forever Damage Android and Many users and developers like Myself will leave. There is no longer any reason to remain on Android if this happens. MY hope is that there is enough Sanity left to keep this door Open and fight to protect the Freedom of Android. Those who would give up their Freedom for Security, deserve Neither "
James, change.org
"Open means Open Google. You are a Liar Google. Pass this and watch the revolt. There are other options than Google, Google. "
Paul, change.org
"You okay Google? Isolation is never the answer. Hope you feel better soon! "
Robert, change.org
"Delusional to think this wouldn't shrink the number of users. "
Les, change.org
"If this goes through I’m going to apple "
Matt, change.org
"This policy shift is concerning for developers. Android has always stood out because of its openness — the freedom to build and distribute apps without excessive barriers. Requiring mandatory verification and charging fees adds friction that especially impacts independent and small developers. I understand the intention may be to reduce piracy, malware, or improve security. However, raising entry barriers risks weakening the very ecosystem that made Android strong in the first place. Innovation depends on accessibility and low compliance costs. Also, Google Play Store has been historically ineffective regarding security issues on their own marketplace. Restrictive distribution policies can also create unintended consequences. When official channels become too restrictive or expensive, users may turn to unofficial modifications like rooting or other system-level workarounds. That does not improve security — it may actually increase fragmentation and vulnerability. Even Microsoft never needed to impose this level of control on Windows to remain competitive. Decisions like this could accelerate the growth of alternative Linux-based operating systems and, over time, undermine Android’s dominance in the global market. "
João, change.org
"The only reason I use android is for the freedoms that it brought, allowing for FOSS apps is literally they only thing that separates you from apple!! "
Joseph, change.org
"In the past, Google claimed to be "good" with its "don't be evil" slogan. That time has passed. Now we need to fight against these clearly evil policies. Join this cause! "
Cristiano, change.org
"Help new developers earn an income and revolutionize our apps and games! "
João, change.org
"Android has always been an open platform. It needs to stay an open platform. There are already security features in place to keep less experienced users from installing apps from unknown sources. There's absolutely no reason to shut out independent developers just because they don't want to give Google their money or personal information; or to keep users from installing any app that they want. "
Jose, change.org
"This COULD end piracy of some games, paid apps, viruses/spyware and modded apps/cheats. But as a Brazilian, I'm against this, because there is a lot of Open source apps on github and F-droid with really useful functionalities. "
Gianluigi, change.org
"Every year my tech gets less and less useful, it seems like every time I look away Alphabet adds more hurdles to jump over simply to have basic access to MY device. Google is a glorified intelligence agency conjured from the depths of DARPA and the CIA. They're allowed to retain their monopoly, not only because of the capitalist dystopia we live in, but because they're a thinly veiled arm of our criminal government, being welded like a cudgel against not only China's much superior tech industry, but the entire world in the form of the tailor made, digital echo chambers they lock us in. "
Steven, change.org
"On veut pouvoir faire ce que l'on veut quand l'on veux "
Philippe, change.org
"You will bury yourselves. "
William, change.org
"Limiting APK file issue is not a good idea. It is basically like apple os and will greatly hurt my projects... "
Josias, change.org
"I went back to Android over Apple because of APK freedom. There is no reason to buy an Android phone if this change is implemented. Android users love DIY: researching, exploring new manufacturers, using independent APK repositories. Google is trying to destroy the one thing that makes Android appealing. We all might as well buy iPhones if this is the direction they are choosing. Or dump our money into PinePhone dev. "
Kay, change.org
"Sideloading does not exist. I bought the device, I own it and will use it as I see fit. I'm sure Sundar wouldn't appreciate his gardener telling him what grass he's allowed to grow. "
Eric, change.org
"What happened to not being evil? "
Scott, change.org
"Please, google, no change you words, no comeback with them, we of android ecosystem need a system open. "
Matheus, change.org
"Android ain’t doing this if we can help it. They CEO types always getting greedy. Let’s keep Android as Android "
Nathanael, change.org
"There is no valid reason to do this except greed and control. If someone installs malicious software on their own device thats their issue. "
Jonathan, change.org
"Stop trying to censor & limit everyone! You can't just monoplize everything! "
Caulen, change.org
"Stop this bullshit of trying to control our lives, deciding what I can and can't do. Enough with planned obsolescence, enough with authoritarianism. I, and only I, decide what's best for me, what I can and can't download on MY PHONE. "
Leonardo, change.org
"If I paid for my device I should be able to do whatever I want with it, you don't own it google I do, and your taking away one of the only reasons I love and use an android. "
Dylan, change.org
"Talk about the definition of "hypocrite", nice job Google! "
Thomas, change.org
"Freedom and anonymity in app development are extremely important. This petition and comment is a declaration that we will not bow to great power and will continue to protect our rights. I hope Google doesn't end up like Apple. "
伊藤, change.org
"Google is shooting itself in the foot; this will only influence more people to migrate to iOS. "
Kaue, change.org
"The reason I use Andoid is because of its openess, I would not be using a Samsung or Google device if it didn't mean I could download and boot my own OS or developp my own apps for fun without having to jump through hoops. I also use APKs on the regular because they allow better backwards compatibility with older versions of Android and ease of installation. FOSS for the win. "
Nico, change.org
"A big part of the software that we use currently exists thanks to the open code and developers that share solutions in terms of others can learn and build on them. to demand to the developers to identify or establish a payment to distribute the software, even though there is no a lucrative goal create unnecessary boundaries for independent, educative and experimental projects. Android turned into an innovative plataform due to its openness. Establish a limit to that openness threat the developers ecosystem that made it possible. "
Santos, change.org
"Please STOP being evil Google-u promised it once but obviously those words were hollow & meaningless so just stop it. "
Steven, change.org
"Android's strength has always been its openness. Closing or limiting this system violates users' trust in the principles that led them (or rather, us) to choose Android as their (our) OS. That's why we urge you to keep Android open and not implement any developer or app registration system. Build bridges and educate your users to venture beyond them, rather than erect walls trying to isolate them. "
Edoardo, change.org
"Freedom is fundamental. "
S, change.org
"The one positive thing differentiating Android from iOS has been the ability for Android users to make their own choices about what's installed on their devices. Killing that differentiator is the exact opposite of forward progress. "
Ryan, change.org
"Hands off the APK! I left Russia for Freedom in 2022 and now you trying to restrict our Freedom like a criminal Putin. "
Alex, change.org
"As an evil, evil man, I despise google because they are worse. Thus, I of then times look at this website and sign all the petitions against google. Amen brother man "
David, change.org
"Freedom to download and install whatever you want is one of the main reasons people choose AndroidOS over apple products. With how Apple has made steps towards more sustainable hardware, it is getting less and less justifiable to continue using google products. "
Antonio, change.org
"Products should be made to give the consumer control of the product they purchase. They should not be used for the corporation that manufactured the product to control the consumer use of that product or what the consumer has access to. This is a form of controlled speech and is a violation of the first amendment of the United States of America. "
Mitch, change.org
"Android was once the pinacle of freedom, not letting that stay in the past "
Juan, change.org
"Android has always been about freedom and customization. Let's keep it that way "
Jacob, change.org
"Android has always been defined as the more open platform. What gets people to move away from Apple is to get away from the closed ecosystem from having direct control over their own devices. This runs contrary to Androids original mission statement and what the platform stands for. This is not what I want for my device nor my family wishes for this either. "
Logan, change.org
"Dear Google, you are single handedly destroying the whole purpose for which we use Android. Not only will you see a mass exodus from Google devices/services, you will force the creation of alternative operating systems that allow for user privacy and fredom for app developers. You all are making it harder for yourselves and for us. "
Kevin, change.org
"this is the opposite of the free and open source platform that they set out to make. "
Denzel, change.org
"Freedom is the reason we all choose android. Android was my gateway into learning how to interact with software, running custom firmware. I now have a great job as a technician and plan to continue growing my career in the technical field. Android played a huge role in my development and it would be such a massive loss to future generations with people like me trying to learn. There is no reason to support android anymore if we are restricted. The only one that stands to gain is Google (and they won't win if they do this, we WILL cut support). We the people, the users, the creators, the developers, only stand to lose if this change goes into effect. "
Mason, change.org
"Nobody asked for this. Unrestricted sideloading is the only reason I bought an Android phone. I need to upgrade to a new phone soon, but I will never in a million years consider buying another Android phone unless this decision is reversed. I'm now genuinely tempted to switch careers and devote my life to building sophisticated adblockers just to annoy Sundar. "
Jacob, change.org
"If I wanted my phone to be a prisoner in a fascist dictatorship I'd have an iPhone. I've been thinking about degoogling my life, maybe now is the time to do it. "
Karl, change.org
"I feel that Android needs to remain open, as it is the only other OS apart from desktop based OSes which allow for sideloading. It is up to the user to decide what they choose to install, not by Google to verify the developer of the said app the user wants to install. "
Zain, change.org
"The biggest reason I use Android is that I'm free of the lockdown and monitoring imposed by Apple. If Google locks out developers then the system I love will perish. "
Samuel, change.org
"Sideloading is genuinley the one actual reason I choose android phones over Apple. Without it, the switch is actually negligble. This is not the business decision to make. "
Leon, change.org
"Our phones, our choice!!! "
Robert, change.org
"What sets Android apart from other OS' is its open source. This move will make Android just like every other OS. There will be no point in using Android. We'll all take out business to some other OS. "
Evo, change.org
"By what standard? "
Alex, change.org
"I have been an android user for as long as I can remember, do not change that now Google. I have just started to develop android apps, because I find the alternatives not so friendly and bothersome. Android has been my driving flag and I would not want that to change for any reason. "
Nijel, change.org
"The entire reason I used to use Android was because of how open it was. I used to be a staunch supporter of Android and even encouraged others to give it a shot. By restricting third-party app installations, it will be similar to iOS, but without any of it's closed environment benefits. Furthermore, this may further encourage users to explore other OS's such as LineageOS or GrapheneOS, rendering any supposed benefits moot. I am personally looking to switch my Android OS to GrapheneOS once this update becomes live. Android was always the best choice in freedom and ownership. This will be a serious mistake on Google's part, similar to Microsoft forcing Copilot on users. "
Areeb, change.org
"Side loading is the way I have made my phone run better, my privacy has been better maintained and it gives me freedom that Google and Apple don't. By blocking side loading apps Google is essentially turning into another Apple. It is no wonder why Motorola is looking at returning GraphineOS as well as other manufacturers are using Linux based phone OS's. People need that freedom that android has given us. "
Daniel, change.org
"Android was meant to be competion for apple an OPEN SOURCE it's what made android better and not a closed system like the competitor. Read the room Google! "
Jesse, change.org
"who thought it was even a good idea "
Joel, change.org
"The tight to sideload software is a central feature that sets Android apart from iphone. Without it you can expect Android marketers to drop as users like me shift to Linux phones and Android alternatives. "
Richard, change.org
"As an open source developer, keeping Android open is what Android was all about! Let's keep it open so we can differentiate from other platforms, and keep Android what we all got to love! "
Benjamin, change.org
"I own the hardware and will choose the software to suit my needs. not the needs of big tech. "
stuart, change.org
"We shouldn't accept the platform being closed and controlled this way, reach out to the anti-monopoly institutions in your respective countries! "
Cristian Nicolas, change.org
"One of the main reasons i bought a Android device was to sideload apps, but now with this update, it seems as if I should have got an Iphone instead. ��� "
Aarav, change.org
"HOW NEXT GENS GONNA INSTALL MINECRAFT?! "
Kyouko, change.org
"I love Android for its freedom. Freedom to choose where software/apps are obtained and downloaded from. Its why i switch from apples locked down model to Android. This measure only hurts consumers and the Android community. This will limit the us to 2 locked down eco systems. The douopoly worked because Android was open and we had freedom! "
Salvatore, change.org
"If I wanted to use a locked garden ecosystem, I'd just buy an iPhone. Keep Android open, Google. It is also for your best commercial interest. "
Oscar, change.org
"Apple is one of the lamest companies in the world. You have no control on an iPhone. That's always been one of the selling points about Android is that you have basically total control over your device. There's literally no reason to change being able to download independent and open source apps from trusted developers. There are higher chances of getting a sketchy app through the play store. Don't break what isn't broken and then say you fixed something. We already lost our SD card slots. If you see this and you haven't signed the petition, please sign it. Also for more info, go here: https://keepandroidopen.org/ "
Dakota, change.org
"Remember, "DON'T BE EVIL." These are still worthy and wise words to live by. Don't be a competition crushing monopoly, driven by the love of money and power which, is the root of much evil. With wisdom and awareness, operate according to the principles of enlightened self-interest, acting in the world with peace and virtue in order to more readily manifest Heaven on Earth, Our Earth in Heaven. Let us be good for our own sake if not for goodness sake. "
Mark, change.org
"KEEP ANDROID OPEN "
Dennis, change.org
"If Google goes through with this, I will stop using Google products and services. This isn't about "safety". It NEVER is. Developer verification is yet another attempt at censoring and controlling everything. "
Elizabeth, change.org
"Unacceptable. This goes completely against the Spirit of the Android OS. Sideloading is a big reason Android is what is it today. Apps that were sideloaded became essential and were later integrated into the Android OS. Anyone smart enough to sideload is smart enough to educate themselves and be aware of any risks involved. I help people who's phones were hijacked by almost malware-like Launchers. Google still hasn't banned those Launchers from Google Play but somehow sideloaded apps are bad? Spare me the big brother crap. This is crackdown on Revanced and similar apps. This is also in coordination with government to crackdown on "undesirable" apps such as those that bypass censorship. "
Pavel, change.org
"Protect Android FREEDOM... I’ve used Android for years because it stood for freedom and choice. But lately Google has been making it harder to install APK files apps that come from outside the Play Store. That freedom to choose what I put on my own phone is what made Android different, and it’s slowly disappearing. I’m not a developer or hacker just someone who believes that the device I bought should truly belong to me. I should be able to install safe apps from any source without being blocked or discouraged. This isn’t about breaking rules it’s about keeping control over our own technology. If Google keeps tightening these restrictions Android will lose the openness that made it great. I care because user freedom matters and I don’t want to see it taken away bit by bit. "
Boris, change.org
"I use sideloading very often, especially for Linux terminal emulation, and I can't do nearly as much in that vein without it. "
Sylvia, change.org
"Dystopian, unaccountable corporate control and rug pulling. "
Ethan, change.org
"Im sick of these souless corps squeezing every cent from us they can! "
Marcus, change.org
"hell yea stop google "
Lewis, change.org
"Keep android open the main reason I got android is because it's open sourced do not close off android "
Patrick, change.org
"The whole reason I choose Android over iOS is because of the choices I have when I purchase the device. Android make me feel that I own the device. However, if Android takes iOS's walled garden approach there's little reason to select Android over iOS. "
Tyler, change.org
"Android, please do not become like Apple os, doing that, you are changing the best thing you have, thats the user having Freedom to do whatever they want "
Pedro, change.org
"Assuming Google is acting in good faith, they should respect users' intelligence and not lock down APK usage into a heavily regulated part of the internet. "
Noah, change.org
"Ts need to be stopped "
danilao, change.org
"The main reason I've used Android over the years was the freedom to use it how I want including installing apps that are not on the app store. If this change goes through, I will start exploring options to move away from Android. "
Daniel, change.org
"Google is literally taking away our right. Yes we CAN bypass this with there feature allowing us to install unverified apps but making us wait 24 hours BUT they are going to give our devices a "unsafe" mark stopping banking and many other apps from working the same way they did to ROOTED phones. "
yousef, change.org
"I have advocated for android over apple for years in large part due to freedom of software and hardware choices. Ive gotten many to convert over. If google implements this change it will be a huge problem and make me and many others start considering alternative options. Google, be a pioneer and supporter of developers worldwide, not a stifler of technology and innovation. "
Emmanuel, change.org
"The new requirements have really killed my motivation to develop apps. I do not want to provide any personal information to big tech companies. The reason I want to work on FOSS is that I don’t want to give up my privacy, and this new policy is undermining that. These requirements will never create a truly safe and secure OS. Criminals can obtain government-issued IDs through the dark web or by scamming others. The only people being blocked are those who intend no harm at all. Please don’t lock down the ecosystem. "
kam kee, change.org
"The spirit of open source is one of the basis of the Internet.Please do not reverse the course of history. "
Roberto, change.org
"I like to have a choice to choose and I understand the risks, that is why I check, Google should not have monopoly over it. "
Rosalie, change.org
"The push toward a mandatory, centralized developer verification program for Android represents a significant departure from the open-source values that originally defined the platform. By requiring independent developers to pay fees, surrender private signing keys, and provide government identification just to share an app—even outside the Play Store—these policies create a massive barrier to entry that threatens to stifle innovation and privacy. This shift doesn't just add friction; it risks dismantling alternative ecosystems like F-Droid and Aurora Store, which have long provided a vital refuge for those seeking software free from big-tech oversight. If we allow the door to close on sideloading and force every developer behind a paywall, we are effectively trading a diverse, free ecosystem for a "walled garden" that prioritizes corporate control over user agency and digital rights. It is essential that the community stands together to keep Android an open platform where developers can create and users can choose without needing a centralized permission slip. "
Andrew, change.org
"As a developer, stop! This is the only reason I used Android and didn't have to jailbreak and root it. Making this change under the guise of security amounts to manipulation, lying, deceiving your customers, and taking away their rights to use their device in their way. Mark my words, rooting will become popular again and I will personally be at the forefront of actively working against you and your goals. I cannot agree with such blatant bad faith arguments and poor reasoning. You assume most people aren't developers and too stupid to see through this. You want more money by any means necessary no matter how angry people get. Android was supposed to be an open ecosystem and now you're actively anti-consumer. It's disgusting. "
CARLOS, change.org
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