Zure mugikorrak zurea izateari utziko dio.

81 egun blokeorako

2026ko irailetik hasita, Google-ek bultzatutako baimenik gabeko eguneraketa isil batek, Google-ekin izena eman, beraien kontratua sinatu eta ordaindu ez duten garatzaileen Android aplikazio guztiak blokeatuko ditu.

Aplikazio guztiak eta gailu guztiak, mundu osoan zehar, bazterketarik gabe.

Zer ari den Google egiten

2025eko abustuan, Google-ek irizpide berri bat adierazi zuen: 2026 irailetik hasita, Android aplikazioen garatzaile guztiek Googlekin izena emanda egon behar dira beraien softwarea edozein gailuetan instalatu ahal izan aurretik. Ez bakarrik Play Store-eko aplikazioak: aplikazio guztiak. Hau, lagunen artean partekatutako aplikazioak, F-Droid bidez banatutakoak, afizionatuek erabilera pertsonalerako egindakoak barneratzen ditu. Garatzaile independenteak, talde komunitarioak eta afizionatuak beraien softwarea garatzeko eta banatzeko aukeratik ukatuak izango dira.

Izena emateako irizpideak:

Garatzaile batek ez badu betetzen, bere aplikazio guztiak isilean blokeatzen dira Android gailu guztietan mundu osoan zehar.

Nor da kaltetua

Zu

Zuk erosi duzu Android mugikor bat Google-ek irekia zela esan zizulako. Zuk nahi zenuena instalatu ahal zenuen, hori zen akordioa.

Orain Google-ek akordio hori berridazten ari da, atzeraeraginezko izaerarekin, dagoeneko jabe zaren hardwarean. Behin eguneraketa heldu dela, Google-ek onartutako sofwarea bakarrik exekutatu ahalko duzu. Zure mugikorrean: zure jabetzakoa, zuk ordaindu duzuna.

Garatzaile independenteak

Nerabe baten lehenengo aplikazioa, boluntario baten priatutasunerako tresna, edo konpainia baten ezkutuko beta bertsioa. Ez du azola. 2026ko irala geroztik, ezingo da hauetako batere ez instalatu Google-en onespenik gabe.

F-Droid, milaka kode aske eta irekiko aplikazioen etxea dena, mehatxu "existentziala" deitu du. Cory Doctorow-ek "Darth Android" deitzen du.

Gobernuak eta gizarte zibila

Google-ek erregimen autoritarioek egindako aplikazioen ezabaketa eskaerak betetzeko dokumentatuta dagoen historia bat dauka. Programa honekin, zure herrialdearen instituzioetan erabiltzen den softwarea erantzunkizun gabeko atzerritarreko enpresa bakar baten mesetara existituko da.

EFF-k dio aplikazioen gaineko kontrol hau "internetaren zentsurara amaierarik gabe hedatzen den bidea" dela.

Google-en "ihesbidea" iruzur bat da

Google-ek dio "erabiltzaile aurreratuek" egiaztatu gabeko aplikazioak "instalatzen jarraitu" dezaketela. Hona hemen nola den hau benetan:

  1. Ezarpenetan arakatu, Gailuari Buruzko Informazioa topatu
  2. Konpilazio-zenbakia zazpi aldiz sakatu Garatzaileentzako Aukerak aktibatzeko
  3. Behartzeari buruzko beldurtzeko pantailak baztertu
  4. Zure PIN zenbakia sartu
  5. Gailua berbiarazi
  6. 24 ordu itxaron
  7. Bueltatu, beldurtzeko pantaila gehiago baztertu
  8. Aukeratu "aldi baterako baimendu" (7 egun) edo "behin betiko onartu"
  9. Konfirmatu, berriz, "arriskuak" ulertzen dituzula

Bederatzi pauso. 24 orduko derrigorrezko hozte aldia. Zu jabe zaren gailu batean softwarea instalatzeko.

Oraindik eta okerrago: Prozesu honek Google Play Services-en zehar gertatzen da erabat, ez Android sistema eragilean. Google-ek aldatu dezake, areagotu dezake, edo edozein momentutan deseuztatu dezake. Gaurkoz, ez du ez betarik, ez aurrerapenik, ez proba bertsioarik igorri. Blog-post bat eta maketa batzuk bezala baino ez da existitzen.

This is bigger than Android

If Google can retroactively lock down billions of devices that were sold as open platforms, every hardware manufacturer on the planet is watching.

The principle being established: the company that made your device gets to decide, after you've bought it, what software you're allowed to run. In software, this is called a "rug pull"; but at least you could always install competing software. In hardware, it is a fait accompli that strips you of your agency and renders you powerless to the whims of a single unaccountable gatekeeper and convicted monopolist.

Android's openness was never just a feature. It was the promise that distinguished it from iPhone. Millions chose Android for exactly that reason. Google is now revoking that promise unilaterally, on devices already in people's pockets, because they've decided they have enough market dominance and regulatory capture to get away with it.

Ars Technica: "Google's Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android's open legacy."

But wait, isn't this...

"...just about security?"

The security rationale is a smokescreen. Google Play Protect already scans for malware independent of developer identity. Requiring a government ID doesn't make code safer. It makes developers identifiable and controllable. Malware authors can register. Indie developers and dissidents often can't. The EFF is blunt: identity-based gatekeeping is a censorship tool, not a security one.

"...still sideloading if you use the advanced flow?"

Nine steps, 24-hour wait, buried in Developer Options, delivered through a proprietary service that Google can revoke whenever they want. That's not sideloading. That's a deterrence mechanism built to ensure almost nobody completes it. And since it runs through Play Services rather than the OS, Google can tighten or kill it silently.

"...only a problem if you have something to hide?"

Whistleblowers, journalists, and activists under authoritarian governments will be the first victims. People in domestic abuse situations are next. All these groups have legitimate reasons to distribute or use software without putting their legal identity in a Google database. Anonymous open-source contribution is a tradition older than Google itself. This policy ends it on Android.

"...the same thing Apple does?"

Apple has been a walled garden from day one. People chose Android because it was different. "Apple does it too" is a race to the bottom and a weak tu quoque argument. And under regulatory pressure (the EU's Digital Markets Act), even Apple is being forced to open up. Google is moving in the opposite direction: attempting to further entrench its gatekeeping status.

"...just $25 and some paperwork?"

Maybe, if you're a developer in the US with a credit card and a driver's license. Try being a student in sub-Saharan Africa, or a dissident in Myanmar, or a volunteer maintaining a community health app. The cost isn't only financial: you're surrendering government ID and evidence of your signing keys to a company that routinely complies with government demands to remove apps and expose developers.

Fight back

Everyone

  • Install F-Droid on every Android device you own. Alternative stores only survive if people actually use them.
  • Contact your regulators. Regulators worldwide are genuinely concerned about monopolies and the centralization of power in the tech sector, and want to hear directly from individuals who are affected and concerned.
  • Share this page. Link to keepandroidopen.org everywhere.
  • Push back on astroturfers. The "well, actually..." crowd is out in force. Don't let them set the narrative.
  • Sign the change.org petition and join the over 100,000 signatories who have made their voices heard.
  • Read and share our open letter
  • Tell Google what you think of this through their own developer verification survey (for all the good that will do).

Developers

Do not sign up. Don't join the program by signing up for the Android Developer Console and agreeing to their irrevocable Terms and Conditions. Don't verify your identity. Don't play ball.

Google's plan only works if developers comply. Don't.

Google employees

If you know something about the program's technical implementation or internal rationale, contact [email protected] from a non-work machine and a non-Gmail account. Strict confidence guaranteed.

All those opposed…

71 organizations from 23 countries have signed the open letter

The Free Software Foundation (FSF) fsf.org Brave brave.com Obtainium obtainium.imranr.dev April april.org Rocky Linux rockylinux.org The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) beuc.eu The App Fair Project appfair.org FULU Foundation fulu.org Open Web Advocacy open-web-advocacy.org Open Rights Group (ORG) openrightsgroup.org Rossmann Group rossmanngroup.com Molly molly.im Associação Nacional para o Software Livre (ANSOL) ansol.org Vivaldi Technologies AS vivaldi.com Data Rights datarights.ngo GNOME Foundation gnome.org UnifiedPush unifiedpush.org GNU/Linux València gnulinuxvalencia.org The Tor Project torproject.org Forbrukerrådet forbrukerradet.no The Center for Digital Progress (D64) d-64.org The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) fsfe.org Fastmail fastmail.com KDE e.V. kde.org ARTICLE 19 article19.org Fedimedia fedimedia.it epicenter.works – for digital rights epicenter.works OpenMedia openmedia.org /e/ Foundation e.foundation microG microg.org XMPP Standards Foundation xmpp.org Proton AG proton.me Ghostery ghostery.com The OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF) osmfoundation.org IzzyOnDroid izzyondroid.org FOSDEM fosdem.org Tuta Mail tuta.com Aurora Store auroraoss.com Techlore techlore.tech OW2 ow2.org MetaBrainz Foundation metabrainz.org The Chaos Computer Club (CCC) ccc.de Software Liberty Association of Taiwan slat.org.tw La Quadrature du Net laquadrature.net European Digital Rights (EDRi) edri.org The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) eff.org CryptPad cryptpad.org LineageOS lineageos.org The Guardian Project guardianproject.info Digitale Gesellschaft digitale-gesellschaft.ch VideoLAN videolan.org Osservatorio Nessuno OdV osservatorionessuno.org The Digital Rights Foundation digitalrightsfoundation.pk FACiL facil.qc.ca JMP.chat jmp.chat Software Freedom Conservancy sfconservancy.org F-Droid f-droid.org FUTO futo.org AdGuard adguard.com GitHub Store github-store.org The Calyx Institute calyx.org Technopolice Bruxelles technopolice.be Digital Rights Watch digitalrightswatch.org.au Codeberg e.V. codeberg.org GrapheneOS Foundation grapheneos.org Nextcloud nextcloud.com iodé iode.tech Italian Linux Society ils.org Cryptee crypt.ee Privacy Guides privacyguides.org Fundación Karisma karisma.org.co

Read the full open letter and thank the signatories →

What they're saying

Tech press

"Google's new ID requirements could destroy independent app stores"

TechSpot

"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"

How-To Geek

"'Keep Android Open' Movement Challenges Google's Developer Verification Rule"

Open Source For U

"Over 67 groups urge the company to drop ID checks for apps distributed outside Play"

The Register

"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

"Sideloading is dead for all intents and purposes. The Android you know and love is slowly disappearing."

Android Police

"Google will require developer verification to install Android apps, including sideloading"

9to5Google

"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"

How-To Geek

"Google's New Developer ID Rule Could Harm F-Droid"

Reclaim The Net

"Google will make you wait 24 hours to sideload Android apps"

How-To Geek

"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 says it's making Android sideloading 'high-friction' to better warn users about potential risks"

XDA Developers

"Android, Epic, and What's Really Behind Google's 'Existential' Threat to F-Droid"

Slashdot

"Open-Source Android Apps at Risk Under Google's New Decree"

TechRepublic

"Google is restricting one of Android's most important features, and users are outraged"

SlashGear

"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"

How-To Geek

"Google's new developer rules could threaten sideloading and F-Droid's future"

Gizmochina

"It effectively makes the Play Store a monopoly without actually mandating that it is a monopoly."

I-Programmer

"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"

The New Stack

"Android's sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet"

MakeUseOf

"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"

Internet Freedom Foundation (India)

"Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store"

TechCrunch

"Google's Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android's open legacy"

Ars Technica

"Android app store provider Aptoide hits Google with fresh lawsuit alleging monopoly and anticompetitive chokehold"

Benzinga

"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"

InfoWorld

"Google's developer registration 'decree' means the end for alternative app stores"

Cybernews

"Open letter warns mandatory registration 'threatens innovation, competition, privacy and user freedom'"

Infosecurity Magazine

"F-Droid Slams Google for Misleading Users About Android's App Verification"

Android Headlines

"We all know that's a load of bullshit. Adding a goddamn 24-hour waiting period is batshit insanity."

Thom Holwerda, OSnews

"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 project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules"

Bleeping Computer

"Google plans to block side-loading like Apple, declaring war on Android freedom"

Tuta Blog

"F-Droid says Google's new sideloading restrictions will kill the project"

Ars Technica

"Google's Requirement For All Android Developers To Register And Be Verified Threatens To Close Down Open Source App Store F-Droid"

Techdirt

"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"

Android Headlines

"Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy"

It's FOSS News

"Google will verify Android developers distributing apps outside the Play store"

The Verge

"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"

How-To Geek

"Google's New Developer Rules Threaten to End the F-Droid Open-Source App Store"

How-To Geek

"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"

Android Headlines

"Open-Source Android Apps Threatened by Google's New Policy"

Datamation

"Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register"

The Register

"Keep Android Open"

Linux Magazine

"This will wipe out Android as an actual alternative to Apple's mobile OS offerings."

Hackaday

"Resistance to Google's Android verification grows among developers"

Techzine EU

Editorials & analysis

Organizations & open letters

"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

"We unequivocally advise against signing up for this program, now or ever."

F-Droid Open Letter

"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

"The European Pirate Party called for proportionate and transparent measures that ensure security without restricting innovation, limiting anonymity, or distorting competition."

European Pirate Party

"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

"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

"Unilaterally consolidating power to approve software into the hands of a single unaccountable corporation is a threat to digital sovereignty everywhere."

Nextcloud

"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

"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

"Your Smartphone, Their Rules: How App Stores Enable Corporate-Government Censorship."

ACLU

"Google Play itself has repeatedly hosted malware, proving that corporate gatekeeping doesn't guarantee user protection."

F-Droid

"Verification just confirms who's behind the app, it doesn't guarantee clean code or rule out malicious behavior."

AdGuard

"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

"Independent software distribution on Android will now require Google's explicit permission."

AdGuard

"Forcing software creators into a centralized registration scheme is as egregious as forcing writers and artists to register with a central authority."

F-Droid

"Google is turning Android into a walled garden monopoly. We must prevent it."

Osservatorio Nessuno

"Ultimately, Google's plan will stop you from owning your Android phone."

Tuta

"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

"Nearly 50 organizations published an open letter opposing what they characterize as a 'kill switch for the open ecosystem.'"

Tech-ish Kenya

"Remember: It's your phone, your data, your freedom. Don't let Google take it away."

Tuta

"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

"We are running out of time until Google becomes the gate-keeper of all users devices."

F-Droid

"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

"Centralised, intransparent security architectures certainly help secure monetization and the market by locking out competitors."

Nextcloud

"MEP Christel Schaldemose formally questioned whether Google's mandatory central registration is compatible with the Digital Markets Act."

European Parliament

"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

"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

"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

"Android's biggest strength has always been its openness. That's what attracted developers and users in the first place."

AdGuard

"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

"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

"While Android used to be praised for its freedom and independence, it will become a closed shop just like Apple."

Tuta

YouTubers & creators

"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

"Google is removing the one key advantage Android has over iOS."

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

"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

"Android has become what they set out to destroy."

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – 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

"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

"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

"When you download applications, you've simply installed an application. I don't want to use words like 'sideload.'"

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – 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

"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

"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

"Google decides what's safe for you, and you don't get a say."

fireborn – Blog

"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 has been carefully watching from the sidelines to see what exactly it is that Apple can get away with."

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – 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

"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

"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

"Your device, their rules. The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours."

Tuta Blog – Blog

"If I'm going to be trapped in a walled garden anyway, I'll take the one that's built properly."

fireborn – Blog

"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

"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

"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

"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 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

"That's not openness. That is control."

ChiefGyk3D – YouTube

Developers & community

"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

"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

"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

"Signal, VPNs -- they'll have a list of everyone opting out of government-mandated backdoors."

Max-P, Lemmy

"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

"It's not cyclic. It's a ratchet and it gets tighter and tighter."

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

"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

"You have no right telling me what I can and cannot run on my own devices."

MrZander, Hacker News

"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

"Android was never actually open and now they are abandoning even the thin pretense."

Tiraon, Tildes

"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

"Once deployed, there's a near 100% chance of such a mechanism being used for evil."

Zak, Lemmy

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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 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

"Google now has a flag on my phone they can control remotely to keep me from accessing the apps I want."

vala, Lemmy

"All the banking and payment apps in India refuse to open if you have developer mode on."

nibbleyou (developer in India), Hacker News

"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

"Social engineering is destroyed with education, not with restriction and control. Trading freedom for safety eliminates both."

survirtual, 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

"We are talking about something categorically worse than vendor lock-in: Collective vendor lock-in."

anordal, Lobsters

"Modern life practically forces you to put all your eggs into a phone controlled by one of two profit-seeking companies."

koala, Lobsters

"Brazil government app refuses to operate with developer mode on."

flykespice (developer in Brazil), 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

"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

"Play store is full of scam apps, F-Droid isn't, but Play Store is considered secure. It's all theatre."

gcupc, Lobsters

"The open Android I knew and loved is long gone."

girvo, 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 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

"Google seems to actively hate people who develop for their platforms."

hbn, 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

"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

"The phrase 'sideload' is psychological propaganda we are all best off rejecting."

WaffleMonster, Slashdot

"They're boiling the frog -- slowly removing features until all choice is gone."

hn92726819, Hacker News

"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

"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

"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

"Android is for everyone, provided they submit to Google exclusively."

gumby271, Hacker News

"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

"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

"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

"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

"The war on General Purpose Computing is the death of innovation and a direct attack on digital freedom."

layfellow, 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

"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

"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

"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's plan to require developer verification would give Google and governments the ability to ban any app."

Zak, Hacker News

"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

"It took them 17 years to finally pull the cage all the way shut."

Apocryphon, Hacker News

"'Sideload' is like 'jaywalking'; seeks to stigmatize humans being human."

tejtm, Hacker News

"Google wants the authority of a gatekeeper without the overhead of human accountability."

afferi300rina, Hacker News

"They have stolen a free product and are now actively locking out the people who built it."

TheTearMiser, Lemmy

"For 'security' -- always security with these assholes. They're just building the walls of the walled garden higher."

lynxy, Tildes

Voices from the petition

"This is very clearly about "Embrace, Extend, Extinguish" and Google/Alphabet cashing in on control, rather than any kind of measure for protection or security. The main appeal of Android to most users was the openness, transparency, and extensibility, and with this move, all of these are being harmed. "

Anubis, change.org

"I find it frankly baffling how Google is trying to erase one of the selling points of their products because of their need to control Android even further. "

Theo, change.org

"As a android user and a newbie developer, android OS is famous by the its freedom. Because we can modify our android operating system by our ways,and decided which software I wanted which I needn't. This freedom is the biggest difference between android and IOS and other fake android, which is full of junk ads and virus-like game. However, if we lost freedom on android operating system, the open-source software developer will lose motivation from this platform. That is a horrorible things to the android and the people who beloved with it. "

su, change.org

"I switched to Android for freedom, not being locked down like Apple!!! There's no point in using Android anymore if they start making it exactly like iOS. Please don't limit the usage of APKs google! "

Nathaniel, change.org

"Don't trust billionare companies, they want to take away our choice! "

Hugo, change.org

"It is very important that Android remain an open platform. I bought into Android for customization, freedom to mess with things about the operating system, and generally to not have an iPhone. Instead, this lock-down is threatening all of that. Do not proceed with the lock-down, Google. "

Ezra, change.org

"This change will kill one of the biggest reasons to go Android-the freedom to choose what software YOU want to run. Without this freedom, Android becomes significantly less differentiable to iOS, and NOT in a good way. "

Muhammad, change.org

"Stop trying to lock down Android, you bozos! "

Rares, change.org

"Why did I even buy an android phone?? They think I went iOS to android for no reason? WE WANT IT OPEN! "

David, change.org

"Perhaps Google shares the same ideals as that damned communist country of China; they want to take away our freedom. "

Henrique Kelvin Alves da, change.org

"Promote Foss and let's talk about the next phone OS "

james, change.org

"The possibility of one of the only features that could jumpstart and maintain rising developers ambitions and the Android community; being able to install any files into their systems getting smothered is a nightmare for anyone who has been sticking to Android themselves due to its customization (I will protect my self-made Miku UI with my life). Going against the reasons of Android's strengths WILL be a bad idea and would force the people to find lower alternatives, whether they are better or not can't be gauged when this move destroys the baseline of a free and modifiable OS. Please listen to the community that is yelling to not aim at poor Bugdroid's shins... "

Ken, change.org

"who thought it was even a good idea "

Joel, change.org

"The only reason I use Android since 2012 is for the freedom it gives over iphones and the ability to install what I want. Fine to give a warning (they already do) but blocking this is unacceptable and against what Android has always stood for. "

Allen, change.org

"Third party apps make my phone so much more functional and versatile for my own personal needs. It's why I choose Android over Apple. Giving less options to all of us will only make the user experience worse for everyone. "

Jorri, change.org

"Ceasing to monopolize everything under the guise of "user security" only harms millions of independent developers and the users who consume their apps "

Angeles, change.org

"Android was once the pinacle of freedom, not letting that stay in the past "

Juan, change.org

"This restriction simply ruins the entire premise that the android community has based itself on. It deprives users of the basic freedom that they rightfully deserve to have, since they acquired and rightfully paid for their device(s). It's another step into censorship and a monopoly under the premise of "security". The Google Play Store itself is a perpetrator of insecurity and restricting the developer base won't make it any better. If this is pushed foward, I will cease to use any android system that uses Google Play Services. "

Maria, 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

"We people should have a choice in what we download. There are real, legit developers out there that google is trying to push out. This isn't for your safety, google wants to choose for you what you're allowed to download. Google doesn't care what is safe for you, they want to silence and push out developers they don't like. "

UsagiMomo/SquishyCat/MayNayeo, change.org

"Android Freeeeee!! "

Tymmi, change.org

"My name is Lawrence Wider Jr. I am a huge fan of Android. The ability flawlessly download the individuals files (APKs) of smartphone apps on my smartphone is the reason why I decided to choose Android as my first ever smartphone OS to use over iOS a couple of decades ago. In short, it was Freedom Of Choice that caused me to choose Android over IOS decades ago. If Google decides to go through with their plan to limit APK usage this September, then I will no longer have that awesome choice and I will no longer be able to choose the awesome smartphone OS known as Android as my smartphone os. The ability to flawlessly download the individuals files (APKs) of smartphone apps on my smartphone had also caused Android to be a fun smartphone OS for me to use. Another advantage of the ability for me to download individual files (APKs) of APKs on my Android smartphone has given me is the ability for it to be easier for me to use Android. If Google decides to limit APK file usage this September, then it would cause me to no longer choose Android as my smartphone is to use. Thank you. "

Lawrence, change.org

"My phone, my apps Let me do what I want or else an iPhone will be my phone "

Aaron, change.org

"One of the reasons why we chose Android was its freedom of doing what you want on your device. Now we have to stop this limitation of a recognized right. "

Francesco, change.org

"This policy would put developers at risk. This isn't safety, it's censorship. "

Teagan, change.org

"To put it simply, the Android user experience has always been about the ability to express yourself, experimentation and creative freedom. Why squash that? What are you actually gaining? You'll lose a massive user base for the sake of what, "control"? "

Phil, change.org

"First step to digital Gulag "

Sergio, change.org

"Google is making this change for control not for security. these changes will give Google sole control over who can create apps for their platform and by extension it means they have complete control over what apps are allowed. In short this is censorship. "

Drake, change.org

"The thing that separates an android from an iPhone is the ability to do whatever if they pass this this would kill what it's like to have an android "

Devawn, change.org

"Android providing more freedom than any other OS has been it's drawing point for ages. The fact that that is being taken away for the sake of a corporation's whims is absolutely disgusting, and I would see no reason to continue supporting it. The fact that google believes it has absolute authority to filter content is frankly abhorrent, and it would provide no difference between android and any other OS. "

Guadalupe, change.org

"Im hating Google for this, i hope they not do this to Android system "

Pepino, change.org

"Google already limited us with Android apps that are from the Play Store, now they want to censor even more?? What's the goal behind all this?! Control?? And I'm from Brazil, why Brazil was in first place regarding this??? Is the law more important than the customers? So why are they adopting ideas that Restrict consumer Freedom??? Don't you think about the Well-Being of People, of the Consumer!??? All of this is a Game to me, and you're Using the Controller for Pleasure, NOT for the Good of Society in General! That's why I'm Really Against this law!! "

Bruno Eduardo, change.org

"We all have the right to contract unlimited. As free people. If Google controllers Android then that's peonage making Android users slaves, in a life that is so dependent around our phones!!!! "

Larry, change.org

"Lets keep android open or change to linux phone. Together we can. "

Sin, change.org

"Removing the only reason to use Android... "

John, change.org

"Apenas apoio "

Immer, change.org

"This solution simply doesn't make sense. It's not our fault, or the fault of all developers, that people don't know what to do to verify or install an application that isn't malicious. In my opinion, this should come enabled normally on new smartphones, but with a developer option to disable it. You don't have to complicate everything and force us to use an adb command just to install an unverified application. That simply doesn't exist. I provided the solution. "

Saulo, change.org

"If you buy a computer, you rightly expect to be able any software, developed by anyone, one that device. Why should phones be any different? This is a shameless power grab by google, and a huge step backwards for user's rights "

Christopher, change.org

"Android is not iOS, is monopoly becoming Android to iOS "

RallenPR, change.org

"I use many open source apps, and I do not want to lose any of them! "

Jayden, change.org

"I didn't sideload an app on my phone. I installed software on my handheld computer (phone). I own my device, not Google. This overreach of only being able to install Apple, Google, or Microsoft apps and nothing else is likely to spread to our personal computers if it is not stopped now with our phones. Google Play already protects from malware on the phone no matter where an app was installed from. This is NOT about security and lowering risk. "

Amber, change.org

"I release my apps on Github, this change will make my apps unusable. "

Mitch, change.org

"We need Android still an open platform that we could run our own applications on that!We never allow Google change Android into an locked-down platform, it is murdering the Android Development! "

Zhou, change.org

"Let's go! Google can be based if we all pray together. "

james, change.org

"Android shines in giving the user freedom to use their devices however they choose to. If Google closes down on this freedom, in my use case as a power user I will be unable to install apps any except from the play store which is a platform that is littered with bad app that are useless and sometimes they cost money making it unnecessarily difficult for Indy devs working on apps whether it for job or weekend project. However if Google clean up the play store they could implement a feature to ask the user at device setup and changeable in settings to manage how strict or lax they what the security to be, or just help support the graphene os project to have a secure android operating system and fix play integrity for Google pay, tap to pay to work. "

Cristian, change.org

"This is really bad, Google needs to keep the OS open "

Mark, change.org

"keeping it brief. There are MANY apps that people depend on for day to day life and this is going to impact that on a drastic scale. "

Bryan, change.org

"Like many others I use Android because it is more open than iOS. This change strips away one of the few real advantages it has over iPhone, sideloading apps. This change is not going to make iPhone users switch to Android but will make Android users look for alternatives. "

Omar, change.org

"I really like the ability to "sideload" apps on android. Android's customization capabilities is one of it's most likable features. APK files are cool. They are the reason why my phone looks so pretty. Please continue to allow this option as I think it will be beneficial to Google, instead of forcing 3rd party developers from abandoning the platform to monotonous hegemony like that of the Apple iPhone OS store. Google building upon the open source code designed by Linus is cool and allows for input from various individuals which help inevitably make the google play store more beautiful and lively. Customization is cool. Please continue to allow APK file usage. "

Paul, 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

"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

"Google should stop killing Android "

Rafael, change.org

"Authoritarians, I know you want the whole pie, but if you aspire for it we will make sure you lose the majority you already hold. "

Josh, change.org

"Monopole kosten,vdas tragen dann wir alle. "

Richard, change.org

"Google is long overdue to be broken up like AT&T was and this blatantly anti consumer decision to lock down Android proves this. "

Kris, change.org

"Google and all of the human tech industry companies are trying to squeeze the freedom and very life from all of the people globally. Enough is enough. "

Justin, change.org

"For the freedom of an open and universal system for all! "

Zaphyru's, change.org

"I am sad to see this is the way the world is going. We are slowly giving away our rights and freedom and nearly no one is noticing. Liberty dies when no one is looking "

Jacob, change.org

"The main reason I've always preferred android over apple is the freedom of app development and usage. What's the point of using an android phone when I have to rely on an app store that limits what's available? This decision is gonna affect an already undesirable Google "

Mychal, change.org

"The whole reason Android is popular is because it's open source. This undermines both user freedom and the open spirit that originally defined Android. 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. By doing this you are killing what make android great, the fact that everyone can make an app and load it on his phone. Google should not be able to say what apps we can and can’t download on a device we purchased. This change would remove the main reason I even purchase these phones, stop it google. As a developer I want to be able to use and test my own apps. Having a monopoly over the eccosystem is going to hurt developers and create move forced overreaching and breaching of constitutional rights. You are not protecting anyone from forcing them to use the googleplaystore, in fact all the spyware and malware I ever came in contact with was from Google Play itself. Calling it "sideloading" is just villianizing what a normal download is, removing basic freedoms to use my device as I so choose is a far overreaching tactic that shouldn't be even an option let alone seriously implimented. If this does happen, I won't be using andriod, And will also stop using any other google services. I can't support a company that is anti-consumer. Dealing with the amount of bloat and spyware that comes preinstalled on these phones is bad enough, pushing user to have to deal with these orwellian nightmares is completely unethical. Where did your company statement of" don't be evil" go? "

Kaleb, change.org

"Hope all Android devices keep free on apk sideload and Bootloader unlock "

Hanzhang, change.org

"I resent Google trying to invade, record and control more and more of my life. My enthusiasm for tech has really fallen off a cliff over the past 10 years and it just continues to fall. I've continued to move more of my activities to a self-hosted environment to preserve my sanity, information and preferences as mainstream services continue to change for the worse. "

Leah, change.org

"Google is essentially deciding to kill their own identity with this move. Side loading apps is a for of freedom that is the core reason people use android. Without this it's just a worse version of iOS... And no one wants that. This move if not corrected will start a movement they don't want and will grow the development of a true Linux based is for phones. This is a greed move. A power move they want full control and to lock developers into their own store front. It's sad really... A pathetic move that will hurt then in the end. I hope they change their mind.. if not I guess I will be going custom firmware on this pixel and strip Google from the device entirely. "

Adam, 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

"Trading freedom for security is something that should never be accepted! When someone offers you security in exchange for your freedom, what they're really saying is: "Give up your power and trust me not to destroy you." Imposed security is a leash. Freedom hurts because it leaves you exposed to chaos, but it's the pain of strength—the pain that forges sovereignty. Remember: "Those who would give up essential liberty for a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." — Benjamin Franklin "

William, change.org

"Google needs to STOP! Taking away MY Right to choose what apps I will or won't use is completely UNACCEPTABLE and ILLEGAL! Freedom of Choice has always been a hallmark of the Android lifestyle. Unlike Apple's closed-box system, Android's relatively open nature gives me the ability to choose FOSS apps over paid closed-source apps, saving me both money AND the lost sleep over repeated worries about tracking, ads and spyware in the apps I regularly use. Google's recent decision to lock the system down and force devs to pay huge "membership" fees, surrender ALL their rights under a TOS that is AGAINST them developing without providing the ID and private signature keys and listing any application IDs they have. If this isn't the behavior of a monopoly, than please define to me what is?! "

Stephen, change.org

"Please call your Reps and Sens to vote NO on legislation that would mandate online age-verification systems, digital ID requirements, or repeal or weaken Section 230. Including proposals like the KIDS Act package and KOSA, the SCREEN Act, Section 230 sunset bills, and COPPA 2.0 if it is used to expand surveillance-style age checks "

Evan, change.org

"I should be able to share my android apps with my family and friends. It's easy to do on Windows and Linux. Why do I have to pay for sharing what is mine with friends and family around the world; yes, my actual family and friends are literally everywhere. Google often distributes malware. They allow Verizon to install unwanted apps that were often just malware. Google and Samsung force install apps we never asked for mostly so they can spy for advertising and traing their AIs. Heck, Google even watches what you put on gdrive and will remove things they don't like due to personal issues. How dystopian! "

Matthew, 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

"This is despicable behavior on Googles part. I own my device, therefore I get to decide what I want to install to it. Period. End of story. Some corporate suite halfway across the country shouldn't be allowed to decide what I can install on my device. We need to stand up to this kind of abuse of power. "

Devin, change.org

"Keep Android Open Google! Make it stand out to users and developers above the iPhone! "

Jason, change.org

"I don't have much to say other than that this is immensely foolish of Google to do. "

Jaden, change.org

"Let open software environments stay open! Android has something unique that iOS does not, and it would be a shame to pursue the same locked-down “streamlined” experience. Personally, this change will stop me from purchasing an Android or Google device in the future, which is a shame because the open-environment nature of Android was the main appeal for me, and I know for many others. I believe this decision will alienate a large population of current, and potential future Android users. "

Ryan, change.org

"The idea that any owner of an android device would need permission from Google, or really any other third party, to install an application on his own device is ridiculous. This trend of companies reaching into people's lives, locking up their personal property and appointing themselves as a the nanny with the key that gets to dictate how that property is to be used is a violation of the most basic right to own property. It will not be tolerated and any company embracing this paradigm will find itself increasingly blacklisted. "

Andrey, change.org

"I really liked android phones cause of the freedom they use to have, but with this... they are the same as Apple so.... there's any reason for me to like Android anymore "

Fabián Jhovany, change.org

"Open source is people power "

Nathan, change.org

"As an average user, this policy just feels awfully abusive. I have always had the mindset that if a device is yours, it should be you who gets to decide what's put in it, and to see Google make such a constraining change and directly cause so much harm to all Android users' freedom and specially small creators capacity to be a part of the community and to CREATE just deeply revolts me. The freedom and the customization of Android is what has always made me use it in the first place, if we can't even have THAT then what even is the point anyways?! "

Kris, change.org

"The only reason I use android vs ios is due to a nonlocked system. If google locks down apps as planned, ill more than likely move to ios. Ill happily recycle my pixel 9 "

Travis, change.org

"Android being open source and accessible to everyone to install and modify as they choose is the most import thing. It's why android has the market share that it does, without developers being able to build for the platform as they wish android will wither and inovation will be stiffled. "

Guy, change.org

"Choice and modification is the root of the Android platform. I should be able to install software I want on my own phone. If Android becomes a walled garden, then there will be no real reason to buy an Android, and I'll buy an Apple. "

Bailey, change.org

"Computers and modern technology was built and advanced by hobbyists who could freely develop for and modify their devices. By limiting APKs and off store software installs we are killing the innovation that built this industry. I stand with FOSS, I stand with hobbyists. "

Paul, change.org

"Installing mini apps I wrote on my own device is the only reason I chose Android smartphone over dumbphone plus micro laptop. "

Alexey, change.org

"Ces é paia mano "

Solalalule, change.org

"What Google is doing seems awful to me; taking away the user's freedom to install any APK app they want is like forcing users to install whatever Google wants. It's deplorable. "

Pedro, change.org

"Google has always been the biggest hypocrite in the technology space. From stealing people's ideas to just buying them up. And ruining the experience. When I first fell in love with Android, it was because it was an open source platform that I could do as I pleased. I could extract the ROM and customize it to my liking. Now there is no semblance of customizability besides the walls of Jericho that Google has put. We must tear down these walls like the Berlin Wall and watch it burn because again Android was supposed to be for the people by the people not what iPhone or Apple is. Money hungry conglomerate corporate insatiable bastards. "

Adam, change.org

"Open source apps is what makes Android the best over ios "

Billy, change.org

"One of the main benefits of owning an Android device is having the freedom of installing any repositories and apps you wish, including those that are open source. If Google goes through with this power grab and monopolizes the Android software, then there will be no benefit compared to owning an iPhone. "

Richard, change.org

"then why get an android at this point? "

Kyarie, change.org

"Keep Android an open platform, avoid a massive class action lawsuit. I along many others bought an android phone precisely because of the open ecosystem, you change that, you get sued and lose customers "

Joseph, change.org

"My device is my device. "

arianna, change.org

"I hæv been a lifeloŋ Android user because it offers ðe ability to customize it ænd sideload æpps on it wiþ ease, ænd I'm not lettiŋ google take ðæt right away! Down wiþ Big Broðer! Down wiþ mæss censoršip! Down wiþ age verificašon! Down wiþ mæss surveillance! Down wiþ ðis Digital ID tyrrany! "

∞ANTHONY∞, change.org

"The war on freedom is beginning. Let's keep fighting back. "

Rafael, change.org

"Because we have no more free OS like android, so keep android open is very important, imo "

DeVaughn, change.org

"Mandating government identification and a registration fee to share software is a direct violation of the open-source principles and digital privacy that defined the platform. This change creates an unnecessary financial barrier for independent developers and students, effectively stifling global innovation and the creation of niche, non-commercial tools. By positioning itself as the sole gatekeeper of all app installations, Google is stripping away user autonomy and transforming a once-free ecosystem into a restrictive "walled garden." "

Ibrahim, change.org

"The openness of Android is perhaps one of the greatest features of Android. While many people do not sideload apps, many others do for a variety of reasons. Having the ability to use your own devices as you want want to, is crucial for many people around the world. We have seen many times in the past, that "security" measures like this one do very little to increase security, but restrict users heavily. "

Eric, change.org

"Pure authoritarian control tendency barely even trying to disguise itself as caring for the consumers security. "

Jared, change.org

"Do not allow this tyranny! Refuse this overeach and help promote free software and your right to be able use your device the way YOU see fit. "

Nichita, change.org

"It's Android's openness that has allowed its development and evolution to this day. To close it would break the promise of an open system and deprive users of great freedom! "

Stark, change.org

"The whole reason I love android is due to openness and freedom, Google taking this away makes me mad because that's a staple point for Android gone. As a regular user, I use the F-Droid store, as well as finding apps directly on GitHub. "

Micheal, change.org

"Trying to avoid strangleholds and controlling policies like this is literally the exact reason i use Android over Apple products, this is a massive step backwards for Android that sets a major precedent for censorship and monopolization that i absolutely loathe, this WILL make me significantly more likely to avoid Android and use other brands in the future if gone through with. This isn't protecting anyone, it's just a sickening bid for even more power and control. "

Grace, change.org

All references, editorials, press coverage, and videos →

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You should decide what runs on it.

That shouldn't require a 9-step process, a 24-hour wait, and Google's ongoing permission.

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