আপনার ফোন আর আপনার থাকছে না।
২০২৭* সাল থেকে গুগল আপনার অনুমতি ছাড়াই একটি সাইলেন্ট আপডেট পুশ করবে, যা সেই সব অ্যান্ড্রয়েড অ্যাপকে ব্লক করে দেবে যাদের ডেভেলপার গুগলের কাছে রেজিস্টার করেনি, তাদের কন্ট্রাক্টে সাইন করেনি, টাকা দেয়নি এবং নিজের সরকারি আইডি জমা দেয়নি।
বিশ্বের প্রতিটি অ্যাপ এবং ডিভাইসে এটি কার্যকর হবে, আর এর থেকে বের হওয়ার কোনো উপায় রাখা হয়নি।
↓গুগল কী করছে?
২০২৫ সালের আগস্টে গুগল একটি নতুন নিয়ম ঘোষণা করেছে ↗: ২০২৭ সাল থেকে, যেকোনো ডিভাইসে সফটওয়্যার ইন্সটল করার আগে প্রতিটি অ্যান্ড্রয়েড অ্যাপ ডেভেলপারকে গুগলের কাছে কেন্দ্রীয়ভাবে রেজিস্টার করতে হবে। শুধু প্লে-স্টোরের অ্যাপ নয়, সব অ্যাপের জন্য এটি প্রযোজ্য। এমনকি বন্ধুদের মধ্যে শেয়ার করা অ্যাপ, F-Droid ↗ এর মাধ্যমে ডিস্ট্রিবিউট করা অ্যাপ, বা শখের বসে নিজের ব্যবহারের জন্য বানানো অ্যাপও এর আওতাভুক্ত। ফলে শৌখিন ডেভেলপার, চার্চ বা কমিউনিটি গ্রুপ—সবাই তাদের সফটওয়্যার তৈরি ও ডিস্ট্রিবিউশন করার ক্ষমতা হারিয়ে ফেলবে।
রেজিস্ট্রেশনের জন্য যা যা লাগবে:
- গুগলকে ফি প্রদান করা
- গুগলের শর্তাবলীতে (Terms and Conditions) রাজি হওয়া
- আপনার সরকারি পরিচয়পত্র (ID) জমা দেওয়া
- আপনার ব্যক্তিগত সাইনিং কী (Private Signing Key)-এর প্রমাণ দেওয়া
- বর্তমান এবং ভবিষ্যতের সব অ্যাপ আইডেন্টিফায়ারের তালিকা দেওয়া
যদি কোনো ডেভেলপার এই নিয়ম না মানে, তবে তাদের অ্যাপগুলো সারা বিশ্বের প্রতিটি অ্যান্ড্রয়েড ডিভাইসে সাইলেন্টলি ব্লক করে দেওয়া হবে।
ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত হবে কারা?
আপনি নিজে
আপনি অ্যান্ড্রয়েড ফোন কিনেছিলেন কারণ গুগল বলেছিল এটি একটি 'ওপেন' প্ল্যাটফর্ম। আপনি যা খুশি ইন্সটল করতে পারতেন, এটাই ছিল শর্ত।
গুগল এখন সেই শর্ত পাল্টে দিচ্ছে আপনার কেনা হার্ডওয়্যারের ওপর। আপডেটটি আসার পর, আপনি কেবল গুগলের অনুমোদিত সফটওয়্যারই চালাতে পারবেন। আপনার ফোন: যেটা আপনার সম্পত্তি, যার জন্য টাকা আপনি দিয়েছেন।
স্বতন্ত্র ডেভেলপাররা
একজন কিশোরের বানানো প্রথম অ্যাপ হোক, কোনো ভলান্টিয়ারের বানানো প্রাইভেসী টুল হোক, কিংবা কোনো কোম্পানির গোপন ইন্টারনাল বেটা অ্যাপ—গুগলের অনুমতি ছাড়া ২০২৭ সালে এর কোনোটিই ইন্সটল করা যাবে না।
হাজার হাজার ফ্রি এবং ওপেন-সোর্স অ্যাপের ভাণ্ডার F-Droid ↗ একে একটি "অস্তিত্বের হুমকি" ↗ হিসেবে বর্ণনা করেছে। কোরি ডক্টরো একে বলছেন "ডার্থ অ্যান্ড্রয়েড" ↗।
সরকার এবং সুশীল সমাজ
স্বৈরাচারী শাসকরা অ্যাপ সরিয়ে ফেলার দাবি জানালে গুগলের তা মেনে নেওয়ার প্রমাণিত রেকর্ড ↗ আছে। এই প্রোগ্রামের ফলে একটি দেশের গুরুত্বপূর্ণ প্রতিষ্ঠানগুলোর সফটওয়্যার চলবে কি না, তা নির্ভর করবে একটি জবাবদিহিহীন বিদেশি কর্পোরেশনের মর্জির ওপর।
EFF-এর মতে ↗ অ্যাপ গেটকিপিং হলো "ইন্টারনেট সেন্সরশিপের একটি ক্রমবর্ধমান পথ।"
গুগলের তথাকথিত 'এস্কেপ হ্যাচ' আসলে একটি ফাঁদ
গুগল বলছে যে "পাওয়ার ইউজাররা" চাইলে এখনো আনভেরিফাইড অ্যাপ "ইন্সটল করতে পারবে"। কিন্তু কাজটা আসলে কতটা কঠিন, দেখুন:
- সিস্টেম সেটিংসের গভীরে গিয়ে ডেভেলপার অপশন খুঁজুন
- ডেভেলপার মোড চালু করতে বিল্ড নাম্বারে সাতবার ট্যাপ করুন
- ভয় দেখানো সব ওয়ার্নিং স্ক্রিন এড়িয়ে যান
- আপনার পিন (PIN) দিন
- ডিভাইস রিস্টার্ট দিন
- ২৪ ঘণ্টা অপেক্ষা করুন
- আবার ফিরে এসে আরও ভয়ংকর সব স্ক্রিন বাতিল করুন
- অস্থায়ীভাবে অনুমতি দিন" (৭ দিন) অথবা "স্থায়ীভাবে অনুমতি দিন" অপশনটি বেছে নিন
- আপনি যে "ঝুঁকি" বুঝতে পারছেন তা আবারও নিশ্চিত করুন
নয়টি ধাপ। বাধ্যতামূলক ২৪ ঘণ্টার ওয়েটিং পিরিয়ড। শুধুমাত্র আপনার নিজের ডিভাইসে সফটওয়্যার ইন্সটল করার জন্য।
আরও খারাপ বিষয় হলো: এই পুরো প্রক্রিয়াটি চলে গুগল প্লে সার্ভিস (Google Play Services)-এর মাধ্যমে, অ্যান্ড্রয়েড ওএস (Android OS)-এর মাধ্যমে নয়। গুগল যেকোনো সময় ওএস (OS) আপডেট ছাড়াই আপনার অনুমতি ছাড়াই এটি পরিবর্তন করতে বা বন্ধ করে দিতে পারে।
এটি কেবল অ্যান্ড্রয়েডের বিষয় নয়
গুগল যদি বিলিয়ন বিলিয়ন ডিভাইসকে এভাবে লকডাউন করে দিতে পারে যা আগে ওপেন হিসেবে বিক্রি হয়েছিল, তবে বিশ্বের প্রতিটি হার্ডওয়্যার নির্মাতা কোম্পানি সেদিকেই নজর দেবে।
এখানে যে মূলনীতিটি তৈরি হচ্ছে তা হলো: ডিভাইস নির্মাতা কোম্পানি আপনার কেনা জিনিসের ওপর সিদ্ধান্ত নেবে যে আপনি কোন সফটওয়্যার চালাতে পারবেন। সফটওয়্যারের ভাষায় একে বলা হয় "রাগ পুল" (Rug pull); কিন্তু আগে অন্তত আপনি বিকল্প সফটওয়্যার ইন্সটল করতে পারতেন। হার্ডওয়্যারের ক্ষেত্রে এটি আপনাকে ক্ষমতাহীন করে তুলবে এবং আপনাকে একজন জবাবদিহিহীন গেটকিপার ও দণ্ডিত একচেটিয়া ব্যবসায়ীর মর্জির ওপর ছেড়ে দেবে।
অ্যান্ড্রয়েডের উন্মুক্ততা কেবল একটি ফিচার ছিল না; এটি ছিল সেই প্রতিশ্রুতি যা একে আইফোন থেকে আলাদা করেছিল। লাখ লাখ মানুষ ঠিক এই কারণেই অ্যান্ড্রয়েড বেছে নিয়েছিলেন। গুগল এখন একতরফাভাবে সেই প্রতিশ্রুতি কেড়ে নিচ্ছে, কারণ তারা মনে করছে বাজারে তাদের একচেটিয়া আধিপত্য আছে এবং কেউ তাদের আটকাতে পারবে না।
Ars Technica-এর মতে ↗: "গুগলের অ্যাপল হওয়ার আকাঙ্ক্ষা অ্যান্ড্রয়েডের উন্মুক্ত ঐতিহ্যকে ধ্বংস করার হুমকি দিচ্ছে।"
কিন্তু দাঁড়ান, এটি কি...
"...নিরাপত্তার জন্য নয়?"
নিরাপত্তার দোহাই আসলে একটি ধোঁকাবাজি। গুগল প্লে প্রোটেক্ট (Google Play Protect) অলরেডি ম্যালওয়্যার স্ক্যান করতে পারে, তার জন্য ডেভেলপার রেজিস্ট্রেশনের প্রয়োজন নেই। সরকারি আইডি নিলেই কোড নিরাপদ হয় না; বরং এতে ডেভেলপারদের নিয়ন্ত্রণ করা সহজ হয়। ম্যালওয়্যার নির্মাতারাও রেজিস্টার করতে পারে, কিন্তু ছোট ডেভেলপার বা ভিন্নমতাবলম্বীরা প্রায়ই তা পারে না। EFF ↗ পরিষ্কারভাবে বলেছে: আইডেন্টিটি-ভিত্তিক গেটকিপিং হলো সেন্সরশিপের হাতিয়ার, নিরাপত্তার নয়।
"...অ্যাডভান্সড ফ্লো ব্যবহার করলে কি সাইডলোডিং করা যাবে না?"
নয়টি ধাপ, ২৪ ঘণ্টার অপেক্ষা, ডেভেলপার অপশনে লুকিয়ে রাখা এবং গুগলের ইচ্ছামতো বাতিলযোগ্য একটি সার্ভিস—একে সাইডলোডিং বলা যায় না। এটি একটি প্রতিরোধমূলক ব্যবস্থা যা তৈরি করা হয়েছে যাতে কেউ এই প্রক্রিয়া শেষ করতে না পারে। আর যেহেতু এটি প্লে সার্ভিসের মাধ্যমে চলে, গুগল যেকোনো সময় এটি আরও কঠিন বা বন্ধ করে দিতে পারে।
"...লুকানোর কিছু না থাকলে কি সমস্যা আছে?"
স্বৈরাচারী সরকারের অধীনে থাকা হুইসেলব্লোয়ার, সাংবাদিক এবং অ্যাক্টিভিস্টরাই হবেন এর প্রথম শিকার। এরপর ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত হবেন পারিবারিক সহিংসতার শিকার মানুষগুলো। এই সব গ্রুপের মানুষের গুগলের ডেটাবেজে নিজেদের আইনি পরিচয় না দিয়ে সফটওয়্যার ব্যবহার করার বৈধ কারণ আছে। বেনামে ওপেন-সোর্স অবদান রাখা গুগলের চেয়েও পুরনো একটি ঐতিহ্য। গুগলের এই নীতি অ্যান্ড্রয়েডে সেই ঐতিহ্যের ইতি টানবে।
"...অ্যাপল যা করে গুগলও কি তাই করছে না?"
অ্যাপল শুরু থেকেই একটি ক্লোজড সিস্টেম বা 'ওয়াল্ড গার্ডেন' ছিল। মানুষ অ্যান্ড্রয়েড বেছে নিয়েছিল কারণ এটি আলাদা ছিল। "অ্যাপলও এটা করে"—এই যুক্তি দিয়ে নিজেদের ভুল ঢাকতে চাওয়াটা একটা রেস টু দ্য বটম। তাছাড়া রেগুলেটরি চাপের কারণে (ইইউ-এর ডিজিটাল মার্কেটস অ্যাক্ট) এখন অ্যাপলও সিস্টেম ওপেন করতে বাধ্য হচ্ছে। অথচ গুগল ঠিক উল্টো পথে হাঁটছে।
"...মাত্র ২৫ ডলার আর কিছু কাগজপত্রই তো?"
হয়তো আপনার জন্য সহজ, যদি আপনি আমেরিকার ডেভেলপার হন যার ক্রেডিট কার্ড আর ড্রাইভিং লাইসেন্স আছে। কিন্তু সাব-সাহারান আফ্রিকার একজন ছাত্র, বা মিয়ানমারের একজন ভিন্নমতাবলম্বী, অথবা কমিউনিটি হেলথ অ্যাপ চালানো কোনো ভলান্টিয়ারের কথা ভাবুন। এর খরচ শুধু আর্থিক নয়: আপনি আপনার সরকারি আইডি এবং সাইনিং কী এমন একটি কোম্পানির হাতে তুলে দিচ্ছেন যারা অহরহ ↗ সরকারের কথা শুনে অ্যাপ সরিয়ে ফেলে এবং ডেভেলপারদের তথ্য ফাঁস করে দেয়।
প্রতিরোধ গড়ে তুলুন
সবার জন্য
- আপনার প্রতিটি অ্যান্ড্রয়েড ডিভাইসে F-Droid ইন্সটল করুন ↗। বিকল্প অ্যাপ স্টোরগুলো কেবল তখনই টিকে থাকবে যখন মানুষ সেগুলো ব্যবহার করবে।
- আপনার রেগুলেটরদের সাথে যোগাযোগ করুন। বিশ্বের সব দেশের রেগুলেটররাই টেক সেক্টরে একচেটিয়া আধিপত্য নিয়ে চিন্তিত এবং তারা সরাসরি ভুক্তভোগীদের কথা শুনতে চান।
- এই পেজটি শেয়ার করুন। সব জায়গায় keepandroidopen.org লিংকটি ছড়িয়ে দিন।
- ভুয়া প্রচারণার বিরুদ্ধে দাঁড়ান। অনেকে গুগলের হয়ে সাফাই গাইতে পারে, তাদের বিভ্রান্তিকর যুক্তিতে কান দেবেন না।
- change.org পিটিশনে সই করুন ↗ এবং ১ লাখের বেশি মানুষের সাথে যোগ দিন যারা ইতোমধ্যে প্রতিবাদ জানিয়েছেন।
- আমাদের খোলা চিঠিটি পড়ুন এবং শেয়ার করুন
- গুগলের নিজস্ব ডেভেলপার ভেরিফিকেশন সার্ভেতে ↗ আপনার মতামত জানান (যদিও জানি না এতে কতটা কাজ হবে)।
ডেভেলপারদের জন্য
রেজিস্ট্রেশন করবেন না। অ্যান্ড্রয়েড ডেভেলপার কনসোলে সাইন-আপ করে গুগলের এই অন্যায় শর্তাবলীতে রাজি হবেন না। আপনার পরিচয় ভেরিফাই করবেন না। তাদের এই খেলায় পা দেবেন না।
গুগলের পরিকল্পনা কেবল তখনই সফল হবে যদি ডেভেলপাররা তা মেনে নেয়। তাই মানবেন না।
- অন্যান্য ডেভেলপার ও সংস্থাগুলোকে সাইন-আপ না করতে উদ্বুদ্ধ করুন।
- ব্যবহারকারীদের সতর্ক করতে আপনার অ্যাপে FreeDroidWarn লাইব্রেরি ↗ যুক্ত করুন।
- আপনার কি ওয়েবসাইট আছে? আমাদের কাউন্টডাউন ব্যানারটি যুক্ত করুন।
গুগল কর্মীদের জন্য
আপনি যদি এই প্রোগ্রামের কারিগরি বাস্তবায়ন বা অভ্যন্তরীণ উদ্দেশ্য সম্পর্কে কিছু জানেন, তবে একটি অফিসিয়াল নয় এমন কম্পিউটার এবং নন-জিমেইল অ্যাকাউন্ট থেকে tips@keepandroidopen.org-এ যোগাযোগ করুন। আপনার গোপনীয়তা রক্ষা করা হবে।
যারা বিপক্ষে দাঁড়িয়েছেন…
23টি দেশের 71টি সংস্থা সই করেছে এই খোলা চিঠিতে
Rocky Linux rockylinux.org
Fedimedia fedimedia.it
Software Liberty Association of Taiwan slat.org.tw
The Digital Rights Foundation digitalrightsfoundation.pk
Techlore techlore.tech
Technopolice Bruxelles technopolice.be
GNOME Foundation gnome.org
Data Rights datarights.ngo
Nextcloud nextcloud.com
UnifiedPush unifiedpush.org
Brave brave.com
F-Droid f-droid.org
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) beuc.eu
ARTICLE 19 article19.org
GNU/Linux València gnulinuxvalencia.org
The Calyx Institute calyx.org
The Chaos Computer Club (CCC) ccc.de
Forbrukerrådet forbrukerradet.no
Associação Nacional para o Software Livre (ANSOL) ansol.org
Fundación Karisma karisma.org.co
FULU Foundation fulu.org
April april.org
Open Rights Group (ORG) openrightsgroup.org
CryptPad cryptpad.org
FACiL facil.qc.ca
Vivaldi Technologies AS vivaldi.com
European Digital Rights (EDRi) edri.org
Italian Linux Society ils.org
FOSDEM fosdem.org
Rossmann Group rossmanngroup.com
Cryptee crypt.ee
OpenMedia openmedia.org
La Quadrature du Net laquadrature.net
Software Freedom Conservancy sfconservancy.org
Digitale Gesellschaft digitale-gesellschaft.ch
MetaBrainz Foundation metabrainz.org
iodé iode.tech
FUTO futo.org
Proton AG proton.me
GitHub Store github-store.org
Digital Rights Watch digitalrightswatch.org.au
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) fsf.org
The Center for Digital Progress (D64) d-64.org
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) fsfe.org
/e/ Foundation e.foundation
epicenter.works – for digital rights epicenter.works
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) eff.org অন্যরা কী বলছেন
টেক মিডিয়া
"F-Droid says Google's new sideloading restrictions will kill the project"
Ars Technica
"Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy"
It's FOSS News
"Keep Android Open"
Linux Magazine
"Google will verify Android developers distributing apps outside the Play store"
The Verge
"Google's Requirement For All Android Developers To Register And Be Verified Threatens To Close Down Open Source App Store F-Droid"
Techdirt
"Android, Epic, and What's Really Behind Google's 'Existential' Threat to F-Droid"
Slashdot
"Android app store provider Aptoide hits Google with fresh lawsuit alleging monopoly and anticompetitive chokehold"
Benzinga
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
Android Headlines
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
How-To Geek
"Google will require developer verification to install Android apps, including sideloading"
9to5Google
"This will wipe out Android as an actual alternative to Apple's mobile OS offerings."
Hackaday
"Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register"
The Register
"Google's New Developer ID Rule Could Harm F-Droid"
Reclaim The Net
"Google's Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android's open legacy"
Ars Technica
"Google's new ID requirements could destroy independent app stores"
TechSpot
"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's sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet"
MakeUseOf
"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"
InfoWorld
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
Tom's Guide
"It effectively makes the Play Store a monopoly without actually mandating that it is a monopoly."
I-Programmer
"Resistance to Google's Android verification grows among developers"
Techzine EU
"Sideloading is dead for all intents and purposes. The Android you know and love is slowly disappearing."
Android Police
"'Keep Android Open' Movement Challenges Google's Developer Verification Rule"
Open Source For U
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
How-To Geek
"Google's developer registration 'decree' means the end for alternative app stores"
Cybernews
"F-Droid Slams Google for Misleading Users About Android's App Verification"
Android Headlines
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
How-To Geek
"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"
Internet Freedom Foundation (India)
"Google says it's making Android sideloading 'high-friction' to better warn users about potential risks"
XDA Developers
"Keep Android Open – Abwehr gegen Verbot anonymer Apps von Google"
heise online
"Over 67 groups urge the company to drop ID checks for apps distributed outside Play"
The Register
"Google's New Developer Rules Threaten to End the F-Droid Open-Source App Store"
How-To Geek
"Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store"
TechCrunch
"Google will make you wait 24 hours to sideload Android apps"
How-To Geek
"Open letter warns mandatory registration 'threatens innovation, competition, privacy and user freedom'"
Infosecurity Magazine
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
How-To Geek
"Google is restricting one of Android's most important features, and users are outraged"
SlashGear
"F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules"
Bleeping Computer
"We all know that's a load of bullshit. Adding a goddamn 24-hour waiting period is batshit insanity."
Thom Holwerda, OSnews
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
Android Headlines
"Google's dev registration plan 'will end the F-Droid project'"
The Register
"Google plans to block side-loading like Apple, declaring war on Android freedom"
Tuta Blog
"Open-Source Android Apps at Risk Under Google's New Decree"
TechRepublic
"Open-Source Android Apps Threatened by Google's New Policy"
Datamation
"Google's new developer rules could threaten sideloading and F-Droid's future"
Gizmochina
"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"
The New Stack
সম্পাদকীয় ও বিশ্লেষণ
"Freedom of choice is being reframed as a 'security risk.'"
Newsfangled
"Android is no longer the scrappy rebel. It's just another empire tightening the drawbridge."
Newsfangled
"Every additional bureaucratic hurdle reduces diversity in the software ecosystem and concentrates power in large established players."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"The 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's move is not credibly about 'security,' but actually about consolidating power and tightening control over a formerly open ecosystem."
Techdirt
"This is a form of malicious compliance with the court orders stemming from its losses to Epic Games."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"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
"Centralizing the registration of all applications worldwide gives Google newfound powers to completely disable any app it wants."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"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
"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
"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
"Android does not just warn anymore. It enforces."
Youssef Mabrouk, Ostorlab
"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
"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
"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
"One US corporation is placing itself between every Android developer and every Android user on earth."
PixelUnion
"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
"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
"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
"Google has announced what can only be described as a death blow to the open ecosystem that made Android. Under the guise of 'security,' Google is implementing draconian developer verification requirements."
AndroidSage
"Google 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
"The requirement extends Google's gatekeeping authority from its own Play Store to every alternative distribution channel on Android."
LLM Advocates
"Google has not removed Android's openness, but it is turning openness from a default right into a conditional, attributable, and tiered capability."
MerchMindAI
"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
"What student is going to upload their passport to a trillion-dollar surveillance corporation just to share their weekend project?"
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"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
"This is not a developer account sign-up. This is comprehensive surveillance of the software development ecosystem."
PixelUnion
"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
"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
"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
"Android wasn't supposed to be 'safe.' It was supposed to be free."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"This could turn Google into the effective gatekeeper for all apps on certified Android devices."
It's FOSS News
"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
সংস্থা ও খোলা চিঠি
"Ultimately, Google's plan will stop you from owning your Android phone."
Tuta
"Android's biggest strength has always been its openness. That's what attracted developers and users in the first place."
AdGuard
"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
"Independent software distribution on Android will now require Google's explicit permission."
AdGuard
"The European Pirate Party called for proportionate and transparent measures that ensure security without restricting innovation, limiting anonymity, or distorting competition."
European Pirate Party
"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
"While Android used to be praised for its freedom and independence, it will become a closed shop just like Apple."
Tuta
"Google Play itself has repeatedly hosted malware, proving that corporate gatekeeping doesn't guarantee user protection."
F-Droid
"This is a profound change, one that shatters the entire premise of the Android ecosystem, long regarded as the antithesis of the closed Apple ecosystem."
AdGuard
"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
"Unilaterally consolidating power to approve software into the hands of a single unaccountable corporation is a threat to digital sovereignty everywhere."
Nextcloud
"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
"Your Smartphone, Their Rules: How App Stores Enable Corporate-Government Censorship."
ACLU
"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 build privacy-first browsers, encrypted messaging apps, VPNs, Tor-based software or tools for journalists and activists would be required to upload government ID to Google. These developers are unlikely to trust Google and might stop developing for Android."
Brave
"A 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
"Forcing software creators into a centralized registration scheme is as egregious as forcing writers and artists to register with a central authority."
F-Droid
"Centralised, intransparent security architectures certainly help secure monetization and the market by locking out competitors."
Nextcloud
"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
"Google is turning Android into a walled garden monopoly. We must prevent it."
Osservatorio Nessuno
"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
"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
"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
"MEP Christel Schaldemose formally questioned whether Google's mandatory central registration is compatible with the Digital Markets Act."
European Parliament
"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
"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
"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
"We unequivocally advise against signing up for this program, now or ever."
F-Droid Open Letter
"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
ইউটিউবার ও কনটেন্ট ক্রিয়েটর
"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
"If I'm going to be trapped in a walled garden anyway, I'll take the one that's built properly."
fireborn – Blog
"A world where two tech companies from the same city that dominate all of our mobile devices both require centralized developer registration is a world with one more lever for surveillance, one more checkpoint for censorship."
Techlore – YouTube
"That's not openness. That is control."
ChiefGyk3D – YouTube
"When you download applications, you've simply installed an application. I don't want to use words like 'sideload.'"
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – 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
"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 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
"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
"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
"Android has become what they set out to destroy."
Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – 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
"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
"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 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
"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 decides what's safe for you, and you don't get a say."
fireborn – Blog
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Developers of privacy-focused tools and emulators will have to dox themselves, making them vulnerable to government agencies or legal action."
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
"Your device, their rules. The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours."
Tuta Blog – 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
ডেভেলপার ও কমিউনিটি
"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
"'Sideload' is like 'jaywalking'; seeks to stigmatize humans being human."
tejtm, 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
"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."
masterofn001, Lemmy
"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
"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
"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
"It took them 17 years to finally pull the cage all the way shut."
Apocryphon, Hacker News
"All the banking and payment apps in India refuse to open if you have developer mode on."
nibbleyou (developer in India), Hacker News
"It's not cyclic. It's a ratchet and it gets tighter and tighter."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"Social engineering is destroyed with education, not with restriction and control. Trading freedom for safety eliminates both."
survirtual, 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
"Play store is full of scam apps, F-Droid isn't, but Play Store is considered secure. It's all theatre."
gcupc, Lobsters
"Google wants the authority of a gatekeeper without the overhead of human accountability."
afferi300rina, Hacker News
"The open Android I knew and loved is long gone."
girvo, Hacker News
"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
"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
"They're boiling the frog -- slowly removing features until all choice is gone."
hn92726819, Hacker News
"Google seems to actively hate people who develop for their platforms."
hbn, 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
"Brazil government app refuses to operate with developer mode on."
flykespice (developer in Brazil), Hacker News
"Google has no right to be my parent. As long as I can't reject paternalism, I don't believe for a second this is done with the well-being of scam victims as the main priority."
gspr, Lobsters
"Signal, VPNs -- they'll have a list of everyone opting out of government-mandated backdoors."
Max-P, 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
"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
"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
"Once deployed, there's a near 100% chance of such a mechanism being used for evil."
Zak, Lemmy
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Google's plan to require developer verification would give Google and governments the ability to ban any app."
Zak, 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
"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
"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 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
"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
"Some time in the future, we will look back to this era and ask ourselves what went wrong."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"We are talking about something categorically worse than vendor lock-in: Collective vendor lock-in."
anordal, Lobsters
"The war on General Purpose Computing is the death of innovation and a direct attack on digital freedom."
layfellow, Hacker News
"You have no right telling me what I can and cannot run on my own devices."
MrZander, Hacker News
"For 'security' -- always security with these assholes. They're just building the walls of the walled garden higher."
lynxy, Tildes
"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
"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
"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
"Modern life practically forces you to put all your eggs into a phone controlled by one of two profit-seeking companies."
koala, Lobsters
"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
"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
"Google now has a flag on my phone they can control remotely to keep me from accessing the apps I want."
vala, Lemmy
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Android was never actually open and now they are abandoning even the thin pretense."
Tiraon, Tildes
"The phrase 'sideload' is psychological propaganda we are all best off rejecting."
WaffleMonster, Slashdot
"They have stolen a free product and are now actively locking out the people who built it."
TheTearMiser, Lemmy
পিটিশন থেকে আসা মতামত
"The whole point of Android is that we had a choice and a powerful environment to create and use apps. This was the one feature that allowed Android to grow in the beginning and has sustained that growth since to become the most dominate phone OS in the world. People left Apple for Android. This is nothing but a cash grab and to lock people in their walled garden. Very anti-consumer. "
Joe, 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
"Device freedom shluld not be limted and the whole appel of android is device freedom taking that away defeats the whole point terrible change hope this doesn't go through "
Logan, change.org
"Android users should really be given options for how to use their devices. It's unfair that they want to limit us after having given us so much freedom. While I understand it's to protect users, this measure affects independent developers, and even worse, forcing them to use Face ID exposes their faces to potential hacking and data leaks, since this is nothing new. I really hope this reaches more people and that they sign to try to show the community's discontent. "
León 999, change.org
"This is a threat to everyone's first amendment rights. Google's tech oligarchy is trting gatekeep creativity for their own greed. This should concern everyone, not just F-Droid developers and users! They won't just stop at F-Droid, their goal is total control! "
AJ, change.org
"Google shouldn’t have the power to take away choice from users and developers "
Job, change.org
"Privacy is important! "
Kyle, change.org
"Do not fix something that is not broken. "
Pavel, change.org
"I have been an android user ever since I got my first smartphone over a decade ago. The only reason I still rock an android phone is the ability to customize my phone to my liking and being able to install whatever I want on the machine that I purchased with my money. Taking away the only feature that separates android from iOS is a terrible decision. This will definitely make a good chunk of your fanbase move over to iOS, including myself. "
Luis, change.org
"The fact is that Google does not have a valid cause to further restrict Androids app open sources due to “alleged need to protect Android users safety “ by only allowing apps to be installed through their paywall, I mean service, google play store. This personally affects me, as I have been using Android for years, and prefer to switch devices when it is best for me, I have a difficult time learning about tech as it is and with the massive amount of wrongs that company has done, it is only growing greedier while treating the users, as captives, not even providing sufficient opt ins, opt outs, and giving the choice to not have any private identifying datas sold out to any unsafe nefarious entity willing to pay. That data would not exist were it not for us individuals it is inextricably tied to, and if anyone has the authority to opt in or out to whats done, especially the selling of my private datas, that would exclusively be Me,Myself, and I. Google is neither fair nor honest, they sneak about doing unethical things until being discovered, and this is just Un American, and totally Anti Capitalism. They wish to eradicate possiblities of choice, wherever possible. They want a monopoly, not a fair market and I will be forced to ditch my Android , if I cannot use open source apps on it, the open source apps have much less problems from my experience, I dont end up with fake apps that mess up my phone, and or cannot be deleted. Once i know a device fairly well it really does not serve me well just to have to find something else, which likey i should do because it was built already infected with google, I trusted that company to be better,gave it a chance, but it is no ones friend. Im not even requesting anyone to stop the google nonsense, just dont let it stop use of upen source on Android, please. Thank you for taking time to read my message. "
Sara, change.org
"Freedom is fundamental. "
S, change.org
"Hello, I have been using Android my whole life, and I have always disliked iOS because of how locked down its operating system is. Recently, I have heard that Google may want to lock down Android and restrict third-party creators, and that is very concerning. Android’s openness is one of its biggest strengths. Not everyone can afford the cost and requirements to publish apps on the Google Play Store, and many independent developers rely on the ability to distribute apps outside of it. Android is also the largest operating system worldwide, and many devices such as the Meta Quest depend on Android and their own app stores. Locking down Android could create major problems for these platforms and users. As someone who plans to create and upload Android applications in the near future, this kind of change would be very limiting and would hurt creativity and development. Please keep Android open, and do not turn it into a system like iOS. Thank you for your time. "
charlie, change.org
"As a lifelong Android user and now a beginner developer, I say this is nothing more than an attempt to turn Android into an iPhone 2. You're not protecting anyone, and this seems more like the beginning of an Android monopoly. An open-source system shouldn't have this kind of restriction/censorship, much less force developers to identify themselves and pay fees for beta apps. It shouldn't have a single store. This decision to act against consumers and developers will have very serious negative consequences. After all, when I choose to buy an Android, I choose it for the freedom it gives me and the variety of stores and places where I can download programs that aren't on the Play Store, whether games or development programs. Nobody chooses an Android for its features, much less for the Google system. We choose it because we want the freedom to do what we want with what we buy with our money, taking full responsibility for what we download. Because if I wanted a centralized store with no freedom whatsoever, I would buy an iPhone. "
Sophya, 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
"As I'm planning on purchasing a new device soon, this announcement is making me reconsider choosing android at all. If it is moving towards controlling user freedoms, Android becomes less compelling, as that has been the major draw for me. "
Taryn, change.org
"One of the reasons that people want to use Android is because of its freedom in installing apps. Locking it is like shooting your feet. "
John, 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
"For Freedom! "
Ömer Can Devrim, change.org
"To block sideload in all newer Android devices, not only for Pixel phones that Google own, is not going to enhance user's safety. It makes life more difficult for developers and you are taking away one of the only things that made Android better than Apple. If Google really wanted to enhance users' safety, they would verify better apps on their Play Store or implement a better antivirus that could scan apks and check for malware. I bought my phone and my tablet with my hardwork and money, I am not a child to not know what I should or shouldn't install inside my phone. Imagine if I couldn't install a necessary software in my computer or test my code just because Microsoft didn't approve of it? That would be absurd. It is my responsibility to know what I can or cannot install in my device, that is not up to a multi-billion company to decide. By blocking sideload, Google is breaking the trust they had from thousands of developers and millions of users of this OS. "
Bianca, change.org
"who thought it was even a good idea "
Joel, change.org
"It starts with this. "
Jenna, change.org
"This is absurd. To remove one of the main things that drew people to android over iPhone is laughably moronic. Especially when some of the best apps recommend by people come from outside the play store. Pull it together! "
Logan, change.org
"As a big android user I love the option to try out apps that people make that dont want to use google play. Or the ability to sideload an app if its not "officially" supported but can run fine. The open nature of it is what makes things great and taking that away will push away people. "
T, change.org
"I'm not even an Android app developer, but I've always wanted to be. Now, I'm not sure that I do. Making this change will mean that all apps will funnel through Google Play, which gives Google exclusive control and a censorship chokehold on the entire Android ecosystem. I shouldn't have to explain why that would not be good. The whole thing that made Android different from iOS is that it was OPEN. Now Google's just throwing that out of the window. At this point, I might just switch to iOS because Android has lost all of its character. "
Ethan, change.org
"Android giving users choice has been the staple point of android OS. Removing choices like sideloading apps is not the move. I develop apps for myself, I do not want to be "an approved developer" I don't have time nor care for that. This action also is the beginning of censorship, and monopolization of android OS. Android started as an open operating system, you have simply turned it into a reskinned Apple OS. Your choice to go anti-consumer is going to hurt. You are not "protecting" anyone 184 likes "
Gabe, change.org
"Google is an evil company. "
Cool, change.org
"Ive always been an android user and refused apple products. Ive loved being able to root and openly develop and play with my device. Its shown my how to write software and understand how a computer works. I understand the push for security but this takes away the very nature of Android. There are other ways to verify security if it becomes that necessary. "
Nicholas, change.org
"If I wanted my phone to be a prisoner in a fascist dictatorship I'd have an iPhone. I've been thinking about degoogling my life, maybe now is the time to do it. "
Karl, change.org
"Android users have had the ability to use APKs for so long. It is a major thing that differentiates them from Apple, and something that has prevented me from switching over. Without the freedom of apks, there is nothing keeping me with Android or Google. "
Kayla, change.org
"As the market stands the whole point of having an Android device over an iPhone is that you have more freedom over your device. Android is secure. Any claim that this change is for security is a farce. Unwitting users are not downloading random malicious APKs and then clicking through warnings to install them. It just is a non-existent problem. This change is about Google seizing power for personal gain. It's remarkably short sighted and foolish. If they're going to get rid of developer and subsequently user freedom then there's no reason to stay with Android/Google. I don't like Apple, but they already do security and privacy better and are in all other ways comparable. Google has had no claim to any kind of morality for quite some time, but with this move they are now so greedy and so stupid that they're actively working against their own interests. "
Steven, change.org
"I refuse to be locked into only the play store. I need to be able to use f-droid and or install my own apk files as I will. It's my comptuer! "
Tom, change.org
"Its important to have side stores that protect privacy and not let everything enshitify. "
Augusto, change.org
"LEAVE ANDROID ONLY PLEASE "
Chapo, change.org
"Please reconsider this decision. Android has always been about freedom and open source. Being able to support small developers and having choices to sideload apps is integral to Android's success. "
Jay, 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
"As a former iOS dev, this move by Google sickens me. Android is the last major mobile OS that allows for open source development. Paying to become a "verified developer" is anti-consumer and anti-competitive. Google should be ashamed! This will allow them to introduce the same planned obsolescence the Apple uses to keep their users buying new phones when the latest OS isn't compatible with their phone. Users installing apps via 3rd party fully understand the risks. Corporate overreach won't "protect" anyone. We are not stupid Google! Stop treating us like sheep who don't know any better! "
Danielle, change.org
"the whole point of android is that it is open. i want to OWN and have actual control over my device. google's decision takes that out. It's cruel and straightup dystopian how it is forcing users to just comply; thus having you not actually "own" the device. we want to freely choose what we have on our own devices, and it's quite blatant the "protection from risks" is only a smokescreen to censor and ... ruin android's biggest redeeming quality. this is a horrible choice "
r.w., change.org
"This errodes competition by giving Google more control over what content is easily allowed. Fundamentally, this is anti-competition and a way for Google to cement their ability as the "taste maker" for Android devices. "
David, 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
"Keep android free. "
Jansen, change.org
"We chose Android because it is OUR device that we have control of. Soon it will be fully controlled by Google. "
Montana, change.org
"I originally chose android so I can learn and make things with apk packages, modify my phone and practice security and privacy. Also to break away from the apple cult. If google goes through with it, that'll betray myself and so many others who feel the same. "
Christopher, change.org
"Literally one of the only things Android has going for it compared to iOS. You want this gone, fine -- then what advantage do you possibly imagine Android would have over iPhones? Do you really think people are going to continue to buy crap Pixels with Tensor chips at the same price as an iPhone? Android has ALWAYS been about uplifting device ownership. You get rid of APK side loading, you kill the damn OS once and for all. "
Jeremy, change.org
"A significant amount of the apps I use are small hobbyist open-source apps who would not want to go through the verification process just to have their apps be able to be easily installed, and this would effectively kill almost all of them "
Trevor, change.org
"Android earned its place in the market because it was open. The ability to sideload applications isn't a loophole — it's a feature, and a promise. It's what set Android apart, attracted developers, and gave users real ownership over their devices. That openness, rooted in the same Linux principles Android was built on, is the reason Google is where it is today. Restricting sideloading would be a profound betrayal of that foundation. It trades user freedom for platform control, and developer trust for gatekeeper revenue. It is, in short, pulling up the ladder after climbing it. I believe many in this community — developers, enthusiasts, and everyday users alike — feel the same way. We chose Android because it respected our autonomy. If that changes, so will our choices. I urge Google to listen to this community and protect what made Android worth building for in the first place. "
Felix, change.org
"I use android for one and one singular reason. Freedom. If I download malware, that's my own damn fault! Being "approved" by google just means following their political agenda, never these protective measures mean anything good. We didn't asked for this, no consumer wants this, WE DON'T NEED PROTECTION. WE. AREN'T. CHILDREN! "
Henrique, change.org
"We need to stop the "APPLE-FICATION" of our beloved ANDROID. We have supported Android & Google since it's beautiful inception, to stick it to EVIL BIG CORPS. LIKE APPLE. The act of PREVENTING us from installing APK's or other OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE, is a direct BETRAYAL of us LOYAL USERS of the ANDROID OS. A YUUGE SLAP in the face with 20+ years worth of power behind it. This act maybe not be coming until 2027.... Regardless, this will affect lots of Devs., Users, and others in the ecosystem that prefer to not use the "Play Store" to obtain their apps, and don't Agree with the way that Apple treats it's customers & doesn't want Android to become a company that continually oversteps it's boundaries, & HAS PUT PROFIT OVER PEOPLE SINCE IT'S INCEPTION. ANDROID started as the O.S. of the people, made by an Alliance of Companies, that know how to treat their customers and constantly listened to Android Users, in regards to features and other things that were requested after every update. This is how we have Arrived @ the current version. After countless features added, bug fixes and years of us buying devices with Androids O.S. '27 might be the last year that MILLIONS OF LOYAL ANDROID users turn their backs on the operating system & move on to other Operating Systems that don't want to treat us like children under the guise of "SAFETY".... PLS MAKE SURE TO SHARE THIS WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW AND ASK THEM TO SHARE AS WELL! OUR LITERAL DIGITAL FREEDOM & PREVENTING ANDROID FROM BECOMING EVERYTHING THEY WERE AGAINST IN THE BEGINNING IS IN OUR HANDS. WILL THIS PETITION WORK? WHO KNOWS. THEY OBVIOUSLY HAVE THEIR MINDS ON RECLAIMING ALL THE LOST REVENUE FROM FREE APPS, ALT OPERATING SYSTEMS, AND CRACKED APPS/GAMES. Apple has prevented cracked App from the start, that led many ppl to switch to Android after they started bricking JAIL BROKEN iPhones. This might happen with Android as well, nobody wants a bricked Android just because we don't agree with paying between $3 &$9, in order to not get AD's every time that you start a new level on a game, every 3 minutes, every time you open the app, or being restricted from certain functions that only work with the "FULL" Version of the App. PLS ANDROID DON'T TURN INTO APPLE. Remember the motto that you based your whole system on "DON'T BE EVIL"... Leave that to Apple and their sheep users that allow themselves to be controlled by an evil corp. "
Brian, change.org
"I only choose Android because of the openness and flexibility in how I choose to use my device. Locking down Android with paid developer verification and blocking me from installing apps manually is not being open. "
Jason, change.org
"Keep google free and open to use third party apps and app stores. "
Robert, change.org
"Stop this madness !! Don’t you have better things to do like stop governments looking at the peoples emails, pictures etc. It’s ridiculous you are tracking and legally hacker everyone’s as it is. Do the right thing and stop trying to track and sell everyone’s Data. You have enough money and data. LEAVE APK AND DEVELOPERS ALO E. "
Brian, change.org
"We have the right to choose what apps we want to use or not to use leave it alone "
DENNIS, change.org
"I do not agree with Google's decision to limit my personal choices about the device I paid for. I bought my phone under the impression I was allowed to use whatever software I choose, but with these restrictions, I feel betrayed and used. I may as well stop using Android phones if it's just going to be another Apple. "
Sabrina, change.org
"Hands off the APK! I left Russia for Freedom in 2022 and now you trying to restrict our Freedom like a criminal Putin. "
Alex, change.org
"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
"#NoMoreCorruption "
Russell, change.org
"To whom it may concern. Recently it was brought to my attention that Google is planning on violating my rights by removing the ability to install applications on devices I OWN without googles permission. This decision places ultimate power with google to suppress any speech and crush any competition which operates against their interests. As a consumer, i should have the right to install any software i choose within the boundaries of the law. The devices which i install software on belong to me, therefore, i should be the ultimate arbiter of what runs on my property. Google should not have that power. Please, i beg of you. If there are any principled people left in the US government, then please do not allow google to continue down this path. Below this point are statements which i believe accurately reflect the situation sourced from https://keepandroidopen.org/ In August 2025, Google announced that as of September 2026, it will no longer be possible to develop apps for the Android platform without first registering centrally with Google. This registration will involve: Paying a fee to Google Agreeing to Google’s Terms and Conditions Providing government identification Uploading evidence of the developer’s private signing key Listing all current and future application identifiers What this means for our rights ➤ You, the consumer, purchased your Android device believing in Google’s promise that it was an open computing platform and that you could run whatever software you choose on it. Instead, as of September 2026, they will be non-consensually pushing an update to your operating system that irrevocably blocks this right and leaves you at the mercy of their judgement over what software you are permitted to trust. ➤ You, the creator, can no longer develop an app and share it directly with your friends, family, and community without first seeking Google’s approval. The promise of Android — and a marketing advantage it has used to distinguish itself against the iPhone — has always been that it is “open”. But Google clearly feels that they have enough of a lock on the Android ecosystem, along with sufficient regulatory capture, that they can now jettison this principle with prejudice and impunity. ➤ You, the state, are ceding the rights of your citizens and your own digital sovereignty to a company with a track record of complying with the extrajudicial demands of authoritarian regimes to remove perfectly legal apps that they happen to dislike. The software that is critical to the running of your businesses and governments will be at the mercy of the opaque whims of a distant and unaccountable corporation. "
Micheal, change.org
"For the freedom of an open and universal system for all! "
Zaphyru's, change.org
"Genuinely fr "
Hanifinio, change.org
"It isn't safe to bottleneck every human user to obey a s>ngle companies whims. This will be fought in court, I'm sure. But in the meantime I will fight this disagreeable motion. This is a freedom of privacy and speech, in the enar future if you have an unsavory opinion, towards Google or other, you will be targeted. "
Kosta, change.org
"Keep Andriod open! "
Andre, change.org
"I have always preferred Android phones over Apple phones, just for the freedom that Android gave to download applications without having to limit and control you all the time, but now Android wants to become an APPLE 2.0, if that happens I will throw away my Android phone and directly buy an iPhone, if it is going to have restrictions too, all bad Android 👎 "
Mauricio, change.org
"Using Android has always meant having the freedom to customize your experience to your hearts content, this would be the end of an era. This would also be the end of many small app developers that can't or won't conform to the what one might say 'invasive' requirements to publish an app. You can say goodbye to FOSS and side loading which is a huge part of Android customization. "
sebastian, change.org
"Google is going to ruin what they built and turn into Apple. "
Abnormal Software, change.org
"Gghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh "
Pablo, change.org
"Google is stupid and annoying and I hate them let me do what I want with my phone or imma just use grapheneOS "
David, change.org
"Let's go! Google can be based if we all pray together. "
james, change.org
"This is about Freedom! I want to be in control of what apps I install on my phone! And How I install them! I choose freedom! Do Not block or limit my freedom under the the guise of helping me according to your beliefs! "
Henry, change.org
"the staple and main "selling" point of android is how open and free it is. Without that it's no different than any other os. This decision is completely asinine on Google's part. "
Thomas, change.org
"As a user and advocate of free and open-source software, I express my deep concern regarding Google's recent decisions that progressively erode the open nature of Android. The reduction of AOSP releases from four to two times per year [[13]], the development of the system behind closed doors [[21]], and the new developer verification program that threatens independent repositories like F-Droid [[17]], represent a shift toward a more controlled and restrictive model. Android was born as a promise of freedom for manufacturers, developers, and users; turning it into a closed ecosystem not only betrays its foundational principles, but also limits innovation, competition, and users' right to control their own devices. I demand transparency and a genuine commitment to open source. "
Dalien, change.org
"Having a device where you control what does or does not go on it is our right to have. We bought this device and we should have the freedom to do what we want with the device, regardless of the manufacturer or operating system it is on. Allowing this change to happen is just one more step towards a controlled ecosystem; by Google, for Google and this is exactly what they want. "
Clayton, change.org
"Don't be Apple! "
Wenshan, change.org
"If it were only Google Pixel devices with such a restriction I would have been somewhat okay. However, going after any official Android device just shows Google's attitude towards the community as well as the monopoly it has over an OS that many people outside of Google have contributed to. Imagine if starting tomorrow the Linux Foundation puts such a restriction on any hardware running Linux? "
Aleksandar, change.org
"The whole reason I choose Android over iOS is because of the choices I have when I purchase the device. Android make me feel that I own the device. However, if Android takes iOS's walled garden approach there's little reason to select Android over iOS. "
Tyler, change.org
"Android was meant to be competion for apple an OPEN SOURCE it's what made android better and not a closed system like the competitor. Read the room Google! "
Jesse, change.org
"It is so crazy to think I would ever think that this was the case. Android becoming IOS. I know Google wants to be Apple, but limiting supposedly open source software to now not allow true open source software seems to undermine this experiment. I will call this an experiment because you're been testing it for over a decade and now showing the true direction. Closed environment where all the data is mined and sold. Regardless of those who were here because Apple locked us into devices and software, the difference here is quality control you have none Google. You have relied on communities of users/developers to accomplish this. No More! This change unfortunately won't affect the bottom line immediately or barely when it comes to profit, but it will affect quality and choices and those are things that attract money... "
Marc, change.org
"The whole point---for me---to have an Android phone is to stay away from Apple's closed ecosystem. Google locking down APK privileges to "approved developers" spits in the face of this. An owner of a phone should have the right and ability to install whatever they want on it, without deference to any company. If this change goes through, my next phone certainly won't be an Android one. "
Adam, change.org
"The biggest reason I use Android is because I like the fact that it's open and if I don't like something I can just fix it also I like the ability to have my open source apps which you're trying to kill I guess you're just going to help boost The amount of people that are switching over to a true linux-based phone "
Justin, change.org
"android open source project (AOSP) open source! the google its destroying "open source spirit" "
enzo, change.org
"that's the only reason i actually use Android, this should not be an actual project of Google "
Theodore Thomas, change.org
"the declaration of independance prolly said something about this... "
john, change.org
"I grew up on Android devices, and I find it saddening that Google is making this decision. It’s clearly not for the security reasons they claim; it's about control. "
Gabriel, change.org
"It would be a catastrophic degradation for quality of human life if portable computing were to become locked behind the domineering control of platform companies such as Google. It must be stopped. "
Edward, change.org
"There has always been more freedom with Android and that is why people choose it. Taking this freedom away will take your customers away. We will always find or create another option. "
Danny, change.org
"a recently convicted monopolist extorting developers and committing further anticompetitive behavior? not in my pocket it's not. "
Marc, change.org
"This is an absolutely ridiculous move on their part. Nothing but censorship and control these past several months. They'll all burn for it. "
Jeffrey, 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
"Products should be made to give the consumer control of the product they purchase. They should not be used for the corporation that manufactured the product to control the consumer use of that product or what the consumer has access to. This is a form of controlled speech and is a violation of the first amendment of the United States of America. "
Mitch, change.org
"1 federal lawsuit wasn't enough? Why after all that's happened, being convicted for monopoly must Google feel the need to throw "
Zach, change.org
"There is no valid reason to do this except greed and control. If someone installs malicious software on their own device thats their issue. "
Jonathan, change.org
"Android should be a free platform, thats why it exists, taking this away is creating a monopoly that Apple has created and has also gotten in trouble for in the EU for consumer rights "
William, 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
"Open source apps is what makes Android the best over ios "
Billy, change.org
"The internet should be free for all "
Ev, change.org
"APKs have been very useful to me for getting games I would otherwise have to get overseas with my dad earlier. It allows many more other applications to be downloaded on to my phone too, which would allow me to bypass the need to get the admin code to my computer every time I want to get something. What is this bs that Google is doing? "
Ja, change.org
"Google wanna eliminate biggest advantage of Android over iOS "
Misa, change.org
"Android's main strength and opportunity in the S. W. O. T analysis is it's openness, which no other OS comes close to. From one side of the earth to the other, android users justifiably expect this unique strength to be enhanced, not diminished. Indeed, this unique feature which has set android apart from the beginning, has also motivated many in the community to become developers. There are even developers for apps on the Apple store whose beginnings were with android. These developers benefited from the openness android provides. For example, Toni Fingerroos — Hill Climb Racing / Fingersoft (Finland), Andrei Popleteev — KeePassium (Luxembourg), and many more. "
Schwan, change.org
"As a regular user of Android, I've always loved the freedom that Android gave me when it came to downloading apps and APKs. I've never had an issue with Android up until now. This policy is going to be restricting and a violation of the digital rights of both consumers and the creators. This does not protect anybody in the equation, and if this policy goes through then I will not use Android services anymore. Google, please hear our voices and do not go through with this. You will lose many supporters if you do. "
Simon, change.org
"If I paid for my device I should be able to do whatever I want with it, you don't own it google I do, and your taking away one of the only reasons I love and use an android. "
Dylan, change.org
"this discourage even people that want to start at programming "
Elton, change.org
"The ability to download apps directly from developers is one of the main differentials of Android from IOS. Limiting this will severely impact the market share of Android by removing basically any reason anyone would want to use Android over IOS. "
gabriel, change.org