Telefonunuz tezliklə sizə məxsus olmayacaq.
2027-ci ildən başlayaraq*, Google tərəfindən icazəsiz şəkildə göndərilən səssiz bir yeniləmə, tərtibatçısı Google-da qeydiyyatdan keçməmiş, müqavilə imzalamamış, ödəniş etməmiş və hökumət tərəfindən verilmiş şəxsiyyət vəsiqəsini təqdim etməmiş hər bir Android tətbiqini bloklayacaq.
İmtina imkanı olmadan, bütün dünyada hər bir tətbiq və hər bir cihaz.
↓Google nə edir
2025-ci ilin avqustunda Google yeni bir tələb elan etdi: 2027-ci ildən etibarən, hər bir Android tətbiq tərtibatçısı mərkəzi olaraq Google-da qeydiyyatdan keçməlidir, əks halda onların proqram təminatı heç bir cihaza quraşdırıla bilməz. Təkcə Play Store tətbiqləri deyil: bütün tətbiqlər. Bura dostlar arasında paylaşılan, F-Droid vasitəsilə yayılan, həvəskarlar tərəfindən şəxsi istifadə üçün yaradılan tətbiqlər də daxildir. Müstəqil tərtibatçılar, kilsə və icma qrupları və həvəskarlar eyni dərəcədə öz proqram təminatlarını inkişaf etdirmək və yaymaq imkanından məhrum ediləcəklər.
Qeydiyyat tələb edir:
- Google-a rüsum ödəməyi
- Google-un Şərtləri və Qaydaları ilə razılaşmağı
- Hökumət tərəfindən verilmiş şəxsiyyət vəsiqənizi təqdim etməyi
- Şəxsi imza açarınızın (signing key) sübutunu təqdim etməyi
- Bütün cari və gələcək tətbiq identifikatorlarını sadalamağı
Əgər tərtibatçı qaydalara əməl etməsə, onun tətbiqləri bütün dünyada hər bir Android cihazında səssizcə bloklanır.
Bu kimə zərər verir
Sizə
Siz Android telefonunu almısınız, çünki Google onun açıq olduğunu demişdi. İstədiyinizi quraşdıra bilərdiniz və razılaşma belə idi.
Google indi bu razılaşmanı, onsuz da sizə məxsus olan avadanlıq üzərində geriyə dönük olaraq yenidən yazır. Yeniləmə gəldikdən sonra siz yalnız Google-un əvvəlcədən təsdiqlədiyi proqramları işlədə bilərsiniz. Öz telefonunuzda: pulunu sizin ödədiyiniz, sizə məxsus olan əmlakda.
Müstəqil tərtibatçılara
Bir yeniyetmənin ilk tətbiqi, bir könüllünün məxfilik aləti və ya bir şirkətin məxfi daxili beta versiyası. Fərqi yoxdur. 2027-ci ildə bunların heç biri Google-un xeyir-duası olmadan quraşdırıla bilməz.
Minlərlə pulsuz və açıq mənbəli Android tətbiqinin evi olan F-Droid, bunu "ekzistensial" təhlükə adlandırıb. Cory Doctorow bunu "Darth Android" adlandırır.
Hökumətlər və vətəndaş cəmiyyəti
Avtoritar rejimlər tətbiqlərin silinməsini tələb etdikdə, Google-un onlara tabe olma tarixçəsi sənədləşdirilib. Bu proqramla, ölkənizin təsisatlarını idarə edən proqram təminatı tək bir hesabat verməyən xarici korporasiyanın iradəsindən asılı olacaq.
EFF tətbiqlərə nəzarəti "internet senzurasına aparan və getdikcə genişlənən bir yol" adlandırır.
Google-un "xilas qapısı" əslində bir tələdir
Google deyir ki, "təcrübəli istifadəçilər" təsdiqlənməmiş tətbiqləri "hələ də quraşdıra" biləcəklər. Bəs bu əslində necə görünür:
- Sistem Ayarlarına daxil olun, Telefon Haqqında (About Phone) bölməsini tapın
- Tərtibatçı Rejimini aktivləşdirmək üçün qurulma nömrəsinə (build number) yeddi dəfə toxunun
- Məcburiyyət barədə qorxuducu ekranları rədd edin
- PİN kodunuzu daxil edin
- Cihazı yenidən başladın
- 24 saat gözləyin
- Geri qayıdın, daha çox qorxuducu ekranları rədd edin
- "Müvəqqəti icazə ver" (7 gün) və ya "müddətsiz icazə ver" seçin
- "Riskləri" başa düşdüyünüzü bir daha təsdiqləyin
Doqquz addım. Məcburi 24 saatlıq gözləmə müddəti. Özünüzə məxsus cihazda proqram quraşdırmaq üçün.
Daha pisi: bu proses Android ƏS-dən (OS) deyil, tamamilə Google Play Services vasitəsilə həyata keçirilir. Google heç bir ƏS yeniləməsi tələb olunmadan və heç bir razılıq almadan istənilən vaxt onu dəyişə, sərtləşdirə və ya ləğv edə bilər.
Bu, Android-dən daha böyük məsələdir
Əgər Google açıq platforma kimi satılan milyardlarla cihazı geriyə dönük olaraq kilidləyə bilirsə, planetdəki hər bir avadanlıq istehsalçısı bunu izləyir.
Qurulmaqda olan prinsip budur: cihazınızı istehsal edən şirkət, siz onu aldıqdan sonra, hansı proqramları işlədə biləcəyinizə qərar vermək hüququ əldə edir. Proqram təminatında bu, "ayaq altından xalçanı çəkmək" (rug pull) adlanır; lakin ən azından siz həmişə rəqib proqram təminatı quraşdıra bilərdiniz. Avadanlıqda isə bu, sizin iradənizi əlinizdən alan və sizi hesabat verməyən tək bir inhisarçının dutduğu yola qarşı gücsüz qoyan olub-bitmiş bir faktdır (fait accompli).
Android-in açıqlığı heç vaxt sadəcə bir xüsusiyyət olmayıb. O, onu iPhone-dan fərqləndirən bir vəd idi. Milyonlarla insan Android-i məhz bu səbəbə görə seçdi. Google indi bu vədi, artıq insanların ciblərində olan cihazlarda təktərəfli qaydada ləğv edir, çünki onlar kifayət qədər bazar hökmranlığına malik olduqlarına qərar veriblər.
Ars Technica: "Google-un Apple qısqanclığı Android-in açıq irsini məhv etməklə hədələyir."
Bir dəqiqə, məgər bu...
"...sadəcə təhlükəsizliklə bağlı deyilmi?"
Təhlükəsizlik əsaslandırması sadəcə gözdən pərdə asmaqdır. Google Play Protect artıq tərtibatçının kimliyindən asılı olmayaraq zərərli proqramları skan edir. Hökumət tərəfindən verilmiş şəxsiyyət vəsiqəsi tələb etmək kodu daha təhlükəsiz etmir. Bu, tərtibatçıları müəyyən edilə və idarə oluna bilən edir. Zərərli proqram müəllifləri qeydiyyatdan keçə bilərlər. Müstəqil tərtibatçılar və müxaliflər isə çox vaxt bunu edə bilmirlər. EFF çox açıq danışır: kimliyə əsaslanan nəzarət (gatekeeping) təhlükəsizlik vasitəsi deyil, senzura alətidir.
"...əgər inkişaf etmiş prosesdən istifadə etsəniz, hələ də kənardan quraşdırma (sideloading) sayıla bilməzmi?"
Doqquz addım, 24 saatlıq gözləmə, Tərtibatçı Ayarlarında gizlədilmiş və Google-un istədiyi vaxt ləğv edə biləcəyi xüsusi bir xidmət vasitəsilə çatdırılır. Bu, kənardan quraşdırma deyil. Bu, demək olar ki, heç kimin prosesi tamamlamamasını təmin etmək üçün qurulmuş bir çəkindirmə mexanizmidir. Və bu, ƏS əvəzinə Play Services vasitəsilə işlədiyinə görə, Google onu səssizcə sərtləşdirə və ya məhv edə bilər.
"...yalnız gizlətməyə nəsə bir şeyiniz varsa problemdir?"
İlk qurbanlar avtoritar hökumətlər altındakı məlumat uçuranlar (whistleblowers), jurnalistlər və fəallar olacaq. Növbəti sırada məişət zorakılığı vəziyyətində olan insanlardır. Bütün bu qrupların, hüquqi kimliklərini Google bazasına daxil etmədən proqram təminatından istifadə etmək və ya paylamaq üçün qanuni səbəbləri var. Anonim açıq mənbəli töhfələr Google-un özündən də qədim bir ənənədir. Bu siyasət Android-də buna son qoyur.
"...Apple-ın etdiyi eyni şey deyilmi?"
Apple ilk gündən qapalı bir bağ (walled garden) olub. İnsanlar Android-i fərqli olduğu üçün seçiblər. "Apple da bunu edir" demək ən dibə doğru bir yarış və zəif bir arqumentdir. Tənzimləyici təzyiq altında (AB-nin Rəqəmsal Bazarlar Aktı), hətta Apple belə açılmağa məcbur edilir. Google isə əks istiqamətdə hərəkət edir: öz nəzarətçi (gatekeeping) statusunu daha da möhkəmləndirməyə çalışır.
"...sadəcə 25 dollar və bəzi sənədləşmə işləri deyilmi?"
Ola bilsin, əgər siz ABŞ-da kredit kartı və sürücülük vəsiqəsi olan bir tərtibatçısınızsa. Böyük Səhradan cənubdakı Afrikada bir tələbə, Myanmada bir müxalif və ya icma sağlamlıq tətbiqini saxlayan bir könüllü olmağa çalışın. Xərc təkcə maliyyə ilə bağlı deyil: siz hökumət tərəfindən verilmiş şəxsiyyət vəsiqənizi və imza açarlarınızın sübutunu, tətbiqləri silmək və tərtibatçıları ifşa etmək barədə hökumət tələblərinə mütəmadi olaraq tabe olan bir şirkətə təhvil verirsiniz.
Mübarizə aparın
Hər kəs üçün
- Sahib olduğunuz hər bir Android cihazına F-Droid quraşdırın. Alternativ mağazalar yalnız insanlar onlardan həqiqətən istifadə etdikdə sağ qalır.
- Tənzimləyici qurumlarınızla əlaqə saxlayın. Bütün dünyada tənzimləyicilər texnologiya sektorunda inhisarlar və gücün mərkəzləşməsindən həqiqətən narahatdırlar və təsirlənən və narahat olan şəxslərin fikirlərini birbaşa eşitmək istəyirlər.
- Bu səhifəni paylaşın. Hər yerdə keepandroidopen.org saytına link verin.
- Astroturfer-lərə qarşı çıxın. "Əslində..." deyən kütlə tam gücü ilə iş başındadır. Onların narrativi (hekayəni) təyin etməsinə imkan verməyin.
- Change.org petisiyasını imzalayın və səslərini eşitdirən 100.000-dən çox imzalayan şəxsə qoşulun.
- Açıq məktubumuzu oxuyun və paylaşın
- Özlərinin tərtibatçıların yoxlanılması sorğusu vasitəsilə bu barədə nə düşündüyünüzü Google-a bildirin (bunun bir xeyri olacaqsa təbii ki).
Tərtibatçılar üçün
Qeydiyyatdan keçməyin. Android Tərtibatçı Konsolunda qeydiyyatdan keçərək və onların geri qaytarıla bilməyən Şərtləri və Qaydaları ilə razılaşaraq proqrama qoşulmayın. Kimliyinizi təsdiqləməyin. Onların oyununu oynamayın.
Google-un planı yalnız tərtibatçılar tabe olduqda işləyir. Tabe olmayın.
- Digər tərtibatçıları və təşkilatları qeydiyyatdan keçməməyə inandırın.
- İstifadəçiləri xəbərdar etmək üçün tətbiqlərinizə FreeDroidWarn kitabxanasını əlavə edin.
- Veb-sayt idarə edirsiniz? Geri sayım bannerini əlavə edin.
Google işçiləri üçün
Əgər proqramın texniki tətbiqi və ya daxili əsaslandırılması barədə nəsə bilirsinizsə, işdən kənar bir maşından və Gmail olmayan bir hesabdan tips@keepandroidopen.org ünvanı ilə əlaqə saxlayın. Tam məxfilik təmin edilir.
Bütün əleyhdarlar…
23 ölkədən 71 təşkilatlar imza atıb açıq məktubu
Fedimedia fedimedia.it
Techlore techlore.tech
Software Freedom Conservancy sfconservancy.org
Italian Linux Society ils.org
iodé iode.tech
FOSDEM fosdem.org
Cryptee crypt.ee
GitHub Store github-store.org
MetaBrainz Foundation metabrainz.org
April april.org
Rocky Linux rockylinux.org
European Digital Rights (EDRi) edri.org
Open Rights Group (ORG) openrightsgroup.org
Vivaldi Technologies AS vivaldi.com
OpenMedia openmedia.org
Associação Nacional para o Software Livre (ANSOL) ansol.org
GNU/Linux València gnulinuxvalencia.org
Nextcloud nextcloud.com
Brave brave.com
Digital Rights Watch digitalrightswatch.org.au
ARTICLE 19 article19.org
GNOME Foundation gnome.org
Fundación Karisma karisma.org.co
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) fsfe.org
The Chaos Computer Club (CCC) ccc.de
Digitale Gesellschaft digitale-gesellschaft.ch
FULU Foundation fulu.org
La Quadrature du Net laquadrature.net
/e/ Foundation e.foundation
FUTO futo.org
Proton AG proton.me
CryptPad cryptpad.org
Software Liberty Association of Taiwan slat.org.tw
Rossmann Group rossmanngroup.com
The Digital Rights Foundation digitalrightsfoundation.pk
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) fsf.org
Technopolice Bruxelles technopolice.be
epicenter.works – for digital rights epicenter.works
Forbrukerrådet forbrukerradet.no
UnifiedPush unifiedpush.org
Data Rights datarights.ngo
The Calyx Institute calyx.org
FACiL facil.qc.ca
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) eff.org
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) beuc.eu
The Center for Digital Progress (D64) d-64.org
F-Droid f-droid.org Onlar nə deyirlər
Texnologiya mətbuatı
"Google will make you wait 24 hours to sideload Android apps"
How-To Geek
"Sideloading is dead for all intents and purposes. The Android you know and love is slowly disappearing."
Android Police
"Google's New Developer Rules Threaten to End the F-Droid Open-Source App Store"
How-To Geek
"Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register"
The Register
"Android app store provider Aptoide hits Google with fresh lawsuit alleging monopoly and anticompetitive chokehold"
Benzinga
"It effectively makes the Play Store a monopoly without actually mandating that it is a monopoly."
I-Programmer
"Android's sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet"
MakeUseOf
"Open-Source Android Apps at Risk Under Google's New Decree"
TechRepublic
"This will wipe out Android as an actual alternative to Apple's mobile OS offerings."
Hackaday
"Open letter warns mandatory registration 'threatens innovation, competition, privacy and user freedom'"
Infosecurity Magazine
"Google's new developer rules could threaten sideloading and F-Droid's future"
Gizmochina
"Google plans to block side-loading like Apple, declaring war on Android freedom"
Tuta Blog
"Google's Requirement For All Android Developers To Register And Be Verified Threatens To Close Down Open Source App Store F-Droid"
Techdirt
"Google's New Developer ID Rule Could Harm F-Droid"
Reclaim The Net
"Resistance to Google's Android verification grows among developers"
Techzine EU
"Google's dev registration plan 'will end the F-Droid project'"
The Register
"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"
InfoWorld
"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"
The New Stack
"Google says it's making Android sideloading 'high-friction' to better warn users about potential risks"
XDA Developers
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
How-To Geek
"Google will verify Android developers distributing apps outside the Play store"
The Verge
"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
"F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules"
Bleeping Computer
"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
"Open-Source Android Apps Threatened by Google's New Policy"
Datamation
"F-Droid Slams Google for Misleading Users About Android's App Verification"
Android Headlines
"Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store"
TechCrunch
"Google's developer registration 'decree' means the end for alternative app stores"
Cybernews
"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
"Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy"
It's FOSS News
"Keep Android Open"
Linux Magazine
"We all know that's a load of bullshit. Adding a goddamn 24-hour waiting period is batshit insanity."
Thom Holwerda, OSnews
"F-Droid says Google's new sideloading restrictions will kill the project"
Ars Technica
"Keep Android Open – Abwehr gegen Verbot anonymer Apps von Google"
heise online
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
Android Headlines
"Google's new ID requirements could destroy independent app stores"
TechSpot
"Over 67 groups urge the company to drop ID checks for apps distributed outside Play"
The Register
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
Android Headlines
"Google is restricting one of Android's most important features, and users are outraged"
SlashGear
"'Keep Android Open' Movement Challenges Google's Developer Verification Rule"
Open Source For U
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
Tom's Guide
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
Tom's Guide
"Android, Epic, and What's Really Behind Google's 'Existential' Threat to F-Droid"
Slashdot
Redaktor yazıları və analizlər
"The requirement extends Google's gatekeeping authority from its own Play Store to every alternative distribution channel on Android."
LLM Advocates
"One US corporation is placing itself between every Android developer and every Android user on earth."
PixelUnion
"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
"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
"Centralizing the registration of all applications worldwide gives Google newfound powers to completely disable any app it wants."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"Every additional bureaucratic hurdle reduces diversity in the software ecosystem and concentrates power in large established players."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Android is no longer the scrappy rebel. It's just another empire tightening the drawbridge."
Newsfangled
"Android does not just warn anymore. It enforces."
Youssef Mabrouk, Ostorlab
"This could turn Google into the effective gatekeeper for all apps on certified Android devices."
It's FOSS News
"What student is going to upload their passport to a trillion-dollar surveillance corporation just to share their weekend project?"
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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Google's move is not credibly about 'security,' but actually about consolidating power and tightening control over a formerly open ecosystem."
Techdirt
"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
"Freedom of choice is being reframed as a 'security risk.'"
Newsfangled
"This is a form of malicious compliance with the court orders stemming from its losses to Epic Games."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"This is not a developer account sign-up. This is comprehensive surveillance of the software development ecosystem."
PixelUnion
"Google has not removed Android's openness, but it is turning openness from a default right into a conditional, attributable, and tiered capability."
MerchMindAI
"Android wasn't supposed to be 'safe.' It was supposed to be free."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"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
Təşkilatlar və açıq məktublar
"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
"We unequivocally advise against signing up for this program, now or ever."
F-Droid Open Letter
"Google is turning Android into a walled garden monopoly. We must prevent it."
Osservatorio Nessuno
"MEP Christel Schaldemose formally questioned whether Google's mandatory central registration is compatible with the Digital Markets Act."
European Parliament
"Unilaterally consolidating power to approve software into the hands of a single unaccountable corporation is a threat to digital sovereignty everywhere."
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
"Your Smartphone, Their Rules: How App Stores Enable Corporate-Government Censorship."
ACLU
"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
"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
"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
"Google Play itself has repeatedly hosted malware, proving that corporate gatekeeping doesn't guarantee user protection."
F-Droid
"Nearly 50 organizations published an open letter opposing what they characterize as a 'kill switch for the open ecosystem.'"
Tech-ish Kenya
"Ultimately, Google's plan will stop you from owning your Android phone."
Tuta
"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
"Independent software distribution on Android will now require Google's explicit permission."
AdGuard
"Remember: It's your phone, your data, your freedom. Don't let Google take it away."
Tuta
"While Android used to be praised for its freedom and independence, it will become a closed shop just like Apple."
Tuta
"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 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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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 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
"Verification just confirms who's behind the app, it doesn't guarantee clean code or rule out malicious behavior."
AdGuard
"We are running out of time until Google becomes the gate-keeper of all users devices."
F-Droid
"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
"Centralised, intransparent security architectures certainly help secure monetization and the market by locking out competitors."
Nextcloud
"The European Pirate Party called for proportionate and transparent measures that ensure security without restricting innovation, limiting anonymity, or distorting competition."
European Pirate Party
"Android's biggest strength has always been its openness. That's what attracted developers and users in the first place."
AdGuard
YouTuber-lər və yaradıcılar
"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 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 is removing the one key advantage Android has over iOS."
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – 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
"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 has been carefully watching from the sidelines to see what exactly it is that Apple can get away with."
Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube
"Google decides what's safe for you, and you don't get a say."
fireborn – Blog
"If I'm going to be trapped in a walled garden anyway, I'll take the one that's built properly."
fireborn – Blog
"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
"Android has become what they set out to destroy."
Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – 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
"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
"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
"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 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 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
"That's not openness. That is control."
ChiefGyk3D – 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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Your device, their rules. The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours."
Tuta Blog – Blog
Tərtibatçılar və icma
"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
"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
"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
"Once deployed, there's a near 100% chance of such a mechanism being used for evil."
Zak, Lemmy
"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
"They have stolen a free product and are now actively locking out the people who built it."
TheTearMiser, Lemmy
"Modern life practically forces you to put all your eggs into a phone controlled by one of two profit-seeking companies."
koala, Lobsters
"The phrase 'sideload' is psychological propaganda we are all best off rejecting."
WaffleMonster, Slashdot
"Google now has a flag on my phone they can control remotely to keep me from accessing the apps I want."
vala, 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
"The open Android I knew and loved is long gone."
girvo, 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
"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
"Brazil government app refuses to operate with developer mode on."
flykespice (developer in Brazil), Hacker News
"It took them 17 years to finally pull the cage all the way shut."
Apocryphon, Hacker News
"Google's plan to require developer verification would give Google and governments the ability to ban any app."
Zak, Hacker News
"Android was never actually open and now they are abandoning even the thin pretense."
Tiraon, Tildes
"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
"All the banking and payment apps in India refuse to open if you have developer mode on."
nibbleyou (developer in India), 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
"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
"You have no right telling me what I can and cannot run on my own devices."
MrZander, 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
"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
"It's not cyclic. It's a ratchet and it gets tighter and tighter."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"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
"Some time in the future, we will look back to this era and ask ourselves what went wrong."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"They're boiling the frog -- slowly removing features until all choice is gone."
hn92726819, 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
"Signal, VPNs -- they'll have a list of everyone opting out of government-mandated backdoors."
Max-P, 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
"Google wants the authority of a gatekeeper without the overhead of human accountability."
afferi300rina, 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
"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
"For 'security' -- always security with these assholes. They're just building the walls of the walled garden higher."
lynxy, Tildes
"Play store is full of scam apps, F-Droid isn't, but Play Store is considered secure. It's all theatre."
gcupc, Lobsters
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"'Sideload' is like 'jaywalking'; seeks to stigmatize humans being human."
tejtm, 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
"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."
masterofn001, Lemmy
"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
"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
"Google seems to actively hate people who develop for their platforms."
hbn, 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
"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
"Android is for everyone, provided they submit to Google exclusively."
gumby271, 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
"The war on General Purpose Computing is the death of innovation and a direct attack on digital freedom."
layfellow, Hacker News
"Social engineering is destroyed with education, not with restriction and control. Trading freedom for safety eliminates both."
survirtual, 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
"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
"We are talking about something categorically worse than vendor lock-in: Collective vendor lock-in."
anordal, Lobsters
"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
"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
"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
Petisiyadan səslər
"As a developer, a main appeal of Android has been that I can write my own software for it. I've shared some of my more polished and completed apps with others, although my primary motivation has been to "scratch an itch". Although F-Droid doesn't track download or usage stats, I can tell from comments in my github issues that the majority of the users of my apps have found and installed it from F-Droid. Likewise, most of the software I've installed on my own device comes from F-droid. I like the focus F-Droid apps have on privacy and find the quality to be much higher on average than on the Google play store. I strongly recommend that F-droid, other 3rd party stores, and the ability to install an .apk file from any other source is retained. Users deserve the freedom to use their device as they see fit, and should be respected enough to decide that for themselves. Google has already shown itself to be a poor gatekeeper when it comes to deciding what is allowed in the Play Store. High quality and immensely useful apps have been removed for being incompatible with increasingly restrictive policies (such as Termux), while low quality clones of existing apps, ad spam, scams, and outright malware, continues to be allowed. I will not use, recommend, nor develop for an ecosystem where Google has the only say in what I'm allowed to do with it. "
Matthew, change.org
"Oh great and wise corporate overlords, I come to you a mere peon, a cog in your profit machine, to implore you to keep Android open to small or niche developers. If you implement the proposed changes you will have turned a thriving app ecosphere into nothing more than a reskinned iOS. Your commitment to Open Source and the availability of Android-.apk-but-not-via-Google are on the line here. Many of the most compelling use cases for my Android device would cease to exist under the proposed regime. If that happens I might as well switch to iOS devices, at least they are pretty. "
Michael, change.org
"This change has nothing to do with security, it wants to remove the power of choice from the user and screw up many developer by forcing them to use the Play Store. Android is all about freedom and will always be. "
Yuri, change.org
"Android is freedom. Plain and simple. Android let's us the users decide what we want to do with our devices. I have only ever used android because it is open and free. "
Drew, change.org
"This is an insult to the hard work of the open source community on which android is built. Not even Google stands to benefit. If this goes through, I will not be doing business with them any more. "
Alexander, change.org
"While thinking walled garden is a way to milk customers even more when you already collecting , selling , sharing the customer's data even tho the customers already paid for the device , services already. You are basically taking away and ignoring the customer's autonomy and disrespecting us all. "
ilayda, change.org
"It is a fundamental right for everyone to be able to install whatever they want from wherever they want on any computer of theirs. "
Jim, change.org
"Google’s move to restrict APK file usage is a direct attack on user freedom and device choice. Installing apps outside the Play Store has always been a vital part of Android’s openness, it empowers users, developers, and innovation itself. This change tightens Google’s grip on the Android ecosystem and undermines the freedom that has defined the platform from the start. We, strongly oppose this limitation. Android was built on openness and user control not corporate gatekeeping. We call on Google to preserve the right to install and manage APK files freely. "
Howard, change.org
"I am concerned for my privacy with this change. I chose Android under the impression that I can customize my device in ways that can help me protect my online privacy. That's something that can't be said for Apple. The decision to change Android to a closed system is going to hurt people like me who care about online privacy. Google, You're not helping your customer base by doing this. Only making them more likely to switch to iphones or flip phones. This is not the Android I've always known, It's another platform falling into the proprietary capitalism that a significant amount of the android customer base has been trying to steer away from since the early days of smartphones. "
Patience, change.org
"If Google "Walled gardens" Android, I will never buy a phone with their OS ever again. That's literally the only reason people buy Android, is because it is open not locked down like Apple. F.A.F.O. how much money you'll really lose Google. "
Brandon, change.org
"I've used both an apple and an android, the differences between them are like night and day, one has made it almost impossible to have free applications unless your willing to deal with a bombardment of ads, it also made it near impossible to have true safety, privacy, and freedom . Safety) there are applications that are aiding in the fight against tyrannical countries by making you decide what apps should be acceptable in which country you are harming people. Privacy) There wont be any anonymity with Developers, who now have to pay to make something for others, this doesn't encourage charity and generosity, it only fuels greed Freedom) There wont be a single application no matter how 'offline' the features are that wont be paid or ad-bloated, I don't get to choose any app and deal with the consequences, of those choices. in the words of Ben Franklin "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety" "
jack, change.org
"This one feature is the one thing that has kept me from using iphone, if google proceeds, there will be many people like me that will make the jump because android will have nothing else to offer in comparison, this is bad for everyone not just the ones that use apps outside play store, they really want to kill android brands just like this. I hope they don't commit to this horrible anti consumer change "
Miguel, change.org
"Rules requiring app developers to pay Google and submit identification documents undermines Android as free and open source software and further exposes Google for the greedy, controlling corporate entity it is, now so far away from it's original "don't be evil" ethos. Privacy concerns about what happens when identification information is exposed have no value to them, and the chilling effect this will have on everyone from minor students learning to develop apps to developers surveilled by their governments will ruin the internet even more than it already has. "
Mary, change.org
"There are games, apps, that are FREE, because the authors want it that way, no charge. WHY SHOULD GOOGLE WIN MONEY WITH THEM??? "
Ana, change.org
"I keep memories of my life in open free apps. I can't lose all of that. Android needs to be as it has been until now. "
Javier, change.org
"I think it's bad because there will be no freedom or be able to test out your own apps you want to make like projects "
Angel, change.org
"Google, go rethink your choices! what is wrong with companies nowadays?!?! "
am, change.org
"The only reason that I chose to switch to android and off of apple was due to the abillity to sideload apps. Without this feature, I will probably be switching back to apple because of its ecosystem. "
David, change.org
"It's crucial for Google to recognize that the strength of the Android ecosystem lies in its openness and diversity. Many users are increasingly concerned about privacy and surveillance, which is driving a preference for simpler, "dumb" phones. By maintaining an open ecosystem, Google can cater to this demographic that values freedom and autonomy over constant connectivity and data collection. An open Android ecosystem not only fosters innovation and creativity but also empowers users to choose devices that align with their values. It allows manufacturers to build secure, privacy-centric alternatives without being bogged down by restrictive policies. This encourages a healthier competition, where privacy-focused options can thrive alongside mainstream offerings. Additionally, embracing a more privacy-oriented approach can enhance Google's reputation. Users are now more mindful of where their data goes and how it’s used. By championing user choice and privacy, Google can position itself as a leader in ethical tech, attracting users who wish to escape the surveillance machine. Maintaining an open system isn't just about freedom for developers; it's about respecting the desires and needs of a significant portion of the population that prioritizes privacy. By supporting this diverse landscape, Google can build trust, loyalty, and ultimately, a better future for all users. "
Taylor, change.org
"You okay Google? Isolation is never the answer. Hope you feel better soon! "
Robert, change.org
"This is a grave mistake and disaster and a true display of tyrannical behavior meant to push away the rights of others under the usual suspect aka the old bs saying "to protect the children" or "to keep you safe" its all a lie and this is just another way for the 4th amendment in my country to lose even more of its value and harm other countries that dont gave as many rights as americans do. First it was collusion and social media tracking, then it was ads and personalizations, then came along biometric security such as face scan or fingerprints arent protected by 4th amendment like passwords are, then we had AI invasiveness and the loss of ownership and shifting to subscriptions and now here we are not knly can we not own digital things now we are to lose our last items the physical things we own now under control as well no longer owned but basically licensed to us as long as we arent deemed dissidants. I only can hope that if you dont change that maybe we have alternatives and keep the will to fight back. "
Avery, change.org
"Dawg how am i supposed to live without sideloaded apks "
Sean, 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
"Freedom of choice and the end users ability to load applications and make changes to their devices is exactly why I switched to Android so many years ago. Truly hoping this is resolved and back to the core android roots once again. "
Ryan, change.org
"As a developer, I will NEVER give Google my ID or personal identity. They are already known to post developers home addresses on their app store publicly, which is a huge safety violation. I do not trust google and will not give them any of my personal data. "
Skye, change.org
"Google. Seriously. Stop. You're becoming the definition of the "don't be evil" slogan that you've buried. You're making Android even worse than iOS "
Karkan, change.org
"I value the open source initiative deeply. I believe that Google putting up barricades to make this harder to access and use for developers and consumers alike is an act against the freedom of the open source initiative. "
Samuel, change.org
"Being an "approved developer" is such a stupid word. Android was known for the freedom of developers and now we are being silenced. "
Kash, change.org
"Screw Google... That's all. "
Michael, change.org
"Boydan girmek lazım "
Said, change.org
"Locking the bootloader is bad. Preventing side loading is bad. If I buy a device, I want to use it as I like. That is the whole reason I've stuck on ith Android in the first place. Guess those days are gone. "
Joseph, change.org
"This is the sole reason that people choose Android over iOS and removing it removes another layer of customization that Android was known for. "
Isaac, change.org
"I'll repeat what I have seen many other say. It's not "sideloading", it's installing. It's not "making sure you only get what we know is good", it's a digital company town. We already pay for every aspect of our time on this earth. The fact that they want to make it so you can't go anywhere but them? It's a giant flashing LED sign that says monopoly. And I say to not let it happen, for privacy, for ownership, for the right to do what we want with the stuff we buy. "
Benjamin, change.org
"The act of restricting a user's choice of how or where they get their applications is against the concept of a free market and is a monopolization of how applications are distributed. Forcing developers into the play store is against everyone's freedom of choice. Point blank and center. There is no logic that suggests such a change is good or necessary. The play store can be a place for an average user to download their apps. But the user should have every right to be able to install software on their device which they purchased outside from other sources if they want. There is no good reason for a hardware vendor, OEM, or software company should have the right to limit you on what you can or cannot do with your device. Nor should they have the right to limit developers either. This is an attack on one of the culprit reasons on what made Android great in the first place. Especially compared to the competition (eg. Apple). Such a restriction would lead Android's package and software installation into a direct monopoly with nearly full control of how applications are distributed, rather than letting user's sourcing them from other places if they prefer. When I buy a desktop computer, I fully expect to be able to install my own OS on it, install my own software, and get the installer from their website, or maybe use a command promot/terminal to install it from a package manager. That is freedom of choice. I fully expect the same from any device I purchase for personal use and that is my right because it is a product I paid for. These companies are consistently abusing software and their terms of agreement to essentially change the terms of sale after you bought it. Which is a different issue in itself, yet can tie directly make into these restrictions and practices. It's highly predictable behavior. And frankly no consumer benefits from such change. It'll be argued "for the sake of security and system integrity", yet these companies do not have the spine and integrity to mention the real reasons behind it. Never mind even with such restriction, the Google Play Store is littered with predatory and malicious applications that float around 24/7, yet they intend on restricting apps on the outside that a lot of legitimate developers who put a lot of work into a free and open software platforms they use to give users alternative options of often what is even better software then what is on the Play Store. This is absolutely undoubtedly a severely anti-consumer practice that does not protect you, but monopolizes the delivery of software and restricts access to users and developers. This should never be supported on an "open platform". Such a change fundamentally would turn Android into a predatory, monopolistic and proprietary anti-consumer software. No different from iOS. "
Steve, change.org
"Android has long been censored by Google with aggressive and unfair privacy policies, for example, the screen that appears when you install an app from an external source. Not content with that, Google wants to take away the rest of the freedom that Android possesses, something that the creators of this system strongly advocate. "
Eduarda, change.org
"Android, since it's existence, has always been about the user. Removing access to apps that millions of people use every day will shatter that foundation and make android indifferent to its competitors. "
Jack, change.org
"Stop your control of people devices. "
Sally, change.org
"Google can't just restrict our Freedom of Choice! Android is OPEN-SOURCE!! Can't Google even get their policies correct!? Also, what about the Developers and their information!? Wouldn't that be up for grabs if hackers managed to forcibly leak that sensitive information onto the whole web!? Google needs to be smart and NOT force this policy on all of us! We all need to rise up and downright revolt against such heinous and immoral acts of these companies in order to avoid a full on Dystopian Reality that numerous books and certain alternate scenarios feared! Fight this policy that Google is forcing on everyone! "
Raymond, change.org
"google, queremos continuar livres! "
Vitor, change.org
"Google is kidding themselves if they think we'll just groan and give in; freedom of use and a low barrier of entry to development is one of the greatest things that sets Android apart from iPhones. I'm not interested in using a daily device like a phone if I can't do it my way. If I'm forced to use a device with these policies in place I'm rooting it. "
Ahmed, change.org
"This is a spit in the face of open-source and Android's userbase. "
Mark, change.org
"Android has been the place for people to create and discover... It's extremely secure already, and there's no need to submit us all to the recent authoritarian wishes of Google... They want to have the developer's full information, to ban you if you challenge them or make an app that they don't like, but people do. We need to stop this... We thank Google for all of what they've done so far... But if they are going down this path, it's time for a TRULY open alternative... "
javier, change.org
"who thought it was even a good idea "
Joel, change.org
"Android Freeeeee!! "
Tymmi, change.org
"Enough freedoms have been taken away, so leave the tech ALONE!!! "
John, change.org
"Closing off the ability for the average consumer to engage with their device on their terms is outright dystopian and also part of why so many younger people struggle with computer literacy. "
Joseph, 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
"I've been a long Android user, and I learned so much due to being able to sideload programs; even being able to manually install google play services on some devices where it doesn't come by default. I believe that Google should not lock this change so we can have our own choices to do what we want with out programs and apps; unlike Apple who locks down their ecosystem, and (more so unrelated) Amazon picking out and stopping jailbreaks, which is the reason I have an android phone. For that freedom promised. Google, make the right decision. "
Brandon, change.org
"This is literally why I switched to android. The literal only reason. "
Ari Siobhan, change.org
"Freedom requires the ability for us to harm ourselves if we so choose. We own the devices we buy and should not be required to only go through people Google allows. This is an unacceptable policy when it's my device. "
Matthew, change.org
"Android has always been about freedom and customization. Let's keep it that way "
Jacob, 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
"I like Android because of the customization and the control you have over YOUR phone. Restricting the openness and freedom you have on Android is an invasion of our rights. https://keepandroidopen.org/ "
Blake, change.org
"I do not want Google to get a third monopoly. That is the whole point of this gatekeeping. I'm sick of these corporations doing whatever they want. "
Aidan, change.org
"Isn't the whole purpose of Android yo be open source? Where's that going to Google? Get your s**t together "
Jarred, 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
"The whole point of going for an Android over an iPhone is the freedom to customize and install what I want. It's bad enough that there are fewer and fewer makers that allow things that used to be expected (headphone jack, replaceable battery, SD storage) but at least we had the apps we wanted, how we wanted them. If this changes, there will be no point to the entire Android platform. This cannot be allowed to happen. We know this isn't about security, either, it's about surveillance and being able to sell more of our data "
Lewis, change.org
"What is an android without weird apps installed from a weird website... I'm just kidding but that is what make better android you can make anything that you want. but if you can't install apps from outside of the play store you are going to lose so much content and I don't talk English so well but for this cause I'm did learn... An android without free apps not is an real android. And I'm not talking about like all apps need to don't cost I'm talking of being free of install any thing that you need. That's all thanks for read and remember being free is better than being dreaming. "
Elias, change.org
"You have to ask yourself. What is google's motivation and it's simple power ingredient "
D., change.org
"The thing about Android has always been that it is open, people should have the right to install whatever software they want on their phones. KEEP ANDROID OPEN!!! "
Sofia, change.org
"First step to digital Gulag "
Sergio, 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
"Open source apps is what makes Android the best over ios "
Billy, change.org
"Freedom has not been free. I had to change my name to even talk here without feeling like I am spied on. Let the people be free and happiness shall come, that is all I want to add. "
Fawks, change.org
"Vamos parar essa empresa mercenárias "
Euler, change.org
"I switched to Android OS because apple's OS is closed. There will be no upsides to Android once it is closed. I will switch back to iPhones in a heartbeat so I can be on the same system as the rest of my family. "
devin, change.org
"The entire reason I chose android over apple was the freedom I had to do what I wanted on the device I paid for. Google enforcing this "lock-down" is just shooting themselves in the foot and giving people more reason to give apple a shot. "
Riley, change.org
"How many of the rights of the people will be taken away? This is ridiculous. If given the choice between security and freedom and privacy, I'll take freedom and privacy 100% of the time. I'm sick of this kind of stuff. "
Deagan Euras, change.org
"WHAT GOOGLE IS DOING WITH ANDROID IS A BIG SCAM AND WE CANNOT LET THIS HAPPEN. LET'S ADVANCE THIS PETITION MORE AND MORE UNTIL THEY GIVE UP ON THIS IDEA. SHARE THIS PETITION AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND DONATE MONEY SO THAT MORE AND MORE ANDROID USERS SPEAK UP ABOUT THIS CASE TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING!!!!! "
Matheus, change.org
"Hasn't Google monopolized enough? Let us have a right to our data, identity security, and development. "
Taylor, change.org
"Having moved to the Google platform due to limitations on Apple devices, it would be a huge shame to see this implemented. "
Christo, change.org
"Google, which has long positioned itself as a defender of freedom on the internet, now seems to be taking worrying steps by trying to limit the installation of apps outside of the Google Play Store. This move not only restricts users' freedom of choice, but also centralizes even more power in the hands of a single corporation, creating a closed and controlled environment. By forcing developers to comply with its rules and fees, Google eliminates the possibility of cheaper or even free alternatives, making the Android ecosystem more restricted and expensive. Moreover, this decision goes against the very essence of Android, which has always been based on freedom of customization and access. It's a setback for users who seek greater control over their devices and privacy. Limiting app installations outside the Play Store is not just a matter of convenience, but a matter of respecting user autonomy. "
Júnior, change.org
"I have contributed to FOSS apps that were published to Google play and F-Droid + similar stores, as well as written multiple apps for myself and family members. Android has long been an open platform that actually gives the user(s) freedom to do what they want with the device they own. However, that free and open model is coming under threat more and more in the name of "security" all while collecting and monetizing our user data. We do not need another walled garden Apple experience. Android users use Android BECAUSE of choice and freedom, not in spite of it. "
Christopher, change.org
"The only reason why I absolutely love android is because it makes me feel like I actually OWE my device and can do with it whatever I please to do, if google is limiting what I CAN or CANT do this means the device is no longer mine and why would I stick with android when there is other ecosystems like iOS which are SO much better than googles tracking and privacy? I want android to stay the way it’s been, open, amazing and fulfilling for users like me and so many others, all of my friends and family members use/have android because it belongs to them, if google decides to implement this APK blocking I assure them everyone around me will start buying iPhones! "
Andres, change.org
"This was why I didn't use iphones "
Greg, change.org
"I have always stayed with Android knowing I was free to create and develop and install and control my own device without the need to root the device. This decision will make this device just as worthless to me as an apple ios device and then looking again for other alternatives. Android was not always as polished and of thr same quality and IOS but having the ability to control my own device and software meant more to me then a fully polished and responsive mobile device. "
Brad, change.org
"Keep google free and open to use third party apps and app stores. "
Robert, change.org
"Google doing this would not only reduce consumer rights but also create a monopoly. I do not approve of this. "
Alexis, 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
"Apple would be the only entity to benefit from this change. The ability to side load apps and to support (and greatly benefit from) the FOSS community are the only meaningful reasons that anyone would choose to have an Android phone. "
Jake, 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
"Compared to iOS, Android always felt less restrictive and easier to work with, both as a user and developer. Now, Google would like to take that competitive niche and throw it in the dumpster. This benefits no users or developers. It is blatantly greedy, controlling, and nonsensical. It adds more red tape for developers, higher potential for censorship at the whim of Google, and it will turn Android into another iOS. Android users chose not to go with iOS when they bought their devices, for several reasons. For me personally, I liked that Android allowed certain kinds of apps that Apple did not allow on iOS. If Android didn't have that advantage, I would've picked iOS. It's a bad move for Google's business, it's a bad move for developers, and it's a bad move for consumers. Terrible idea all around. "
Bill, change.org
"When we buy a phone, we’re buying the right to use it as we see fit. For years, the core promise of Android was that it was an "open" platform, a space where users had the freedom to choose their software and developers had the freedom to innovate without a middleman. The move to mandate central registration for APK files and developer verification fundamentally breaks that promise. I believe in a future where technology serves the person who bought it. Let's call on Google to honor the original vision of Android as an open computing platform. Let’s keep Android open for the creators, for the consumers, and for the sake of a free and diverse digital future. "
Jessie, 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
"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
"Ive used exclusively Android for years because of the freedom it gives its users. Such a wonderful community of developers and users that I know everyone would mourn if it went away. POWER TO THE PEOPLE! "
Alora, change.org
"After this decision I will just go with iPhone, this was the only reason I was using Android, just making it worse for the consumer, this is not about security but locking down people's choice of store, which in my opinion should be illegal give that we bought our phones and we should be able to do with them as we please "
Colin, change.org
"I purchased an Android device just recently and had to send it back because I disliked how central to the user experience Google made itself on the new device. I could never see myself buying another Android if it gets worse than this, and Googles limits on APK file usage is definitely worse. "
Donna Grace, change.org
"I dislike all the changes that have undergone Android, but this one takes the cake for the worst one i could have ever imagined. "
Pye, change.org
"This is very anti trust and google is doubling down in the form of 'safety and security'. Do not let this happen! "
JASON, change.org
"Because if Google prevents unverified apk installation it will interfere with downloading open source apps and self-signed apps "
error, change.org
"Google,please don't do that. Because if you do that, millions and millions of Android users will switch to iOS, because that's the point of Android even exists! *I* switched to Android because I did not like iOS So please... Give us the freedom we want! "
Eduardo, change.org
"Android is about freedom and choice, if I wanted a knock off I-Phone, I would just buy a knock off I-Phone from Temu. These kinds of changes are how you end up with more people steering away from your device, and going towards devices that give people their individual freedoms back. "
Xavier, change.org
"I want to have the option of what to download and how to download it because if I wanted something restricted I would use Apple "
Sergio, change.org
"Stop making anti-consumer decisions, the consistent downward trend of freedom from Android is distressing and ultimately it will bite back. I will be petitioning my congressional representation as well, Google is only uniting everyone against them. "
Josh, change.org
"We were promised FOSS, keep it that way "
Darius, change.org
"It doesn't surprise me to hear that GOOGLE is going to do this. It's not about creating something that could possibly be of benefit anymore. The all mighty dollar has to raise it's ugly head now days or it's just not worth doing. "
Ralph, change.org
"Google has been sued up the butt for monopolizing before, and now they're trying again? And on top of these ridiculous surveillance laws all because a few parents can't watch their children, this is just a stupid decision to make. "
Kamareon, change.org
"We need to live free with our freedom, Apk files is the only reason that I use Android device. "
Laurent, change.org
"Literally the best part of android devices is sideloading APKs "
Michael, change.org
Bütün istinadlar, redaktor yazıları, mətbuat xəbərləri və videolar →