आपका फ़ोन अब आपका नहीं रहेगा।
सितम्बर 2026 के शुरू होते ही, गूगल बड़े ही शान्ति से आपकी सहमति के बिना, वे सारे एंड्राइड ऐप्प्स पर प्रतिबन्ध लगा देगा जिनके डेवेलपर्स ने गूगल के साथ अपना पंजीकरण नहीं किया है, उनके अनुबंधों पर हस्ताक्षर नहीं किया, उन्हें पैसे नहीं दिए, या फिर अपनी सरकारी पहचान पत्र (आधार कार्ड, पैन कार्ड आदि) न सौंपी हो।
हर ऐप और हर डिवाइस, दुनियाभर में, बिना किसी विकल्प के।
↓गूगल क्या कर रहा है?
अगस्त 2025 में, गूगल ने एंड्राइड पर डेवेलप करने के लिए नई आवश्यकताओं की घोषणा की जिसके अनुसार: सितम्बर 2026 के शुरू होते ही, हर एंड्राइड ऐप्प डेवलपर को केंद्रीय रूप से गूगल के साथ पंजीकृत होना होगा इससे पहले कि उनके द्वारा बनाये गए सॉफ्टवेयर किसी भी डिवाइस पर इनस्टॉल हो सकें। सिर्फ प्लेस्टोर वाले ही ऐप्प्स नहीं, सभी ऐप्प्स। इसमें साथी-सहपाठियों के बीच शेयर किये गए ऐप्प्स भी आते हैं, और F-Droid जैसे प्लेटफार्म भी, जो शौक़ीन तथा तकनीक प्रेमियों द्वारा निजी उपयोग के लिए बनाया गया है। गूगल के इस कदम से स्वतंत्र डेवेलपर्स, मंदिर-मस्जिद-गुरुद्वारे जैसी धार्मिक संस्थाएं और सामुदायिक समूह, और तकनीक-प्रेमी, ये सभी अपना सॉफ्टवेयर बनाने और वितरित करने के अधिकार से वंचित हो जाएंगे।
पंजीकरण करने के लिए आपको नीचे दिए गए कदम अपनाने होंगे:-
- गूगल को एक तय शुल्क भुगतान करना
- गूगल की नियम और शर्तों से सहमत होना
- सरकारी पहचान पत्र सौंपना (सर्वाधिक महत्त्वपूर्ण एवं चिंताजनक)
- सबूत के तौर पर अपनी private signing key दिखाना
- सभी वर्तमान तथा भविष्य के application identifiers को सूचीबद्ध करना
यदि कोई डेवलपर इन शर्तों का पालन नहीं करता है, तो उनके ऐप्प्स पूरी दुनिया में शांतिपूर्ण ढंग से हर एंड्राइड डिवाइस पर ब्लॉक कर दिए जाएंगे।
यह किसे नुक्सान पहुंचा रहा है
आपको
आपने एक एंड्राइड डिवाइस खरीदा क्यूंकि गूगल कहता है उनका डिवाइस एक खुला प्लेटफार्म है। आप उस डिवाइस पर वो इनस्टॉल कर सकते थे जो आपको पसंद है, यही शर्त थी।
गूगल अब उस शर्त को नए सिरे से लिख रहा है, उस हार्डवेयर पर भी जो आप पहले से खरीद चुके हैं। इस अपडेट के बाद, आप सिर्फ वही ऐप्प्स चला सकेंगे जो गूगल द्वारा प्रमाणित हैं। आपके फ़ोन पर: आपकी संपत्ति, जिसके लिए आपने पैसे दिए हैं।
स्वतंत्र डेवेलपर्स को
एक किशोर लड़के का पहला ऐप्प, एक वॉलंटियर का प्राइवेसी टूल, या एक कंपनी का गोपनीय बीटा। गूगल के आशीर्वाद के बिना सितम्बर 2026 के बाद आप उनमें से किसी भी प्रकार के ऐप्प इनस्टॉल नहीं कर पाएंगे।
F-Droid, जो कि हज़ारों free और open-source ऐप्प्स का घर है, उन्होंने इसे एंड्राइड के "अस्तित्व पर खतरा" बताया है। Cory Doctorow ने इसे "Darth Android" कहा है।
सरकारें एवं सामाजिक संगठन
गूगल का एक साबित इतिहास है, जब तानाशाही सरकारें ऐप हटाने की मांग करती हैं तो गूगल मान लेता है। इस प्रोग्राम के साथ, आपके देश की संस्थाओं को चलाने वाला सॉफ्टवेयर एक ऐसी विदेशी कंपनी की मर्ज़ी पर निर्भर होगा जिसे कोई जवाबदेह नहीं ठहरा सकता।
EFF ने app gatekeeping को "इंटरनेट सेंसरशिप की तरफ एक अग्रसर होता हुआ रास्ता" बताया है।
गूगल का "escape hatch" एक जाल है।
गूगल कहता है कि "power users" अभी भी "unverified apps इनस्टॉल कर सकते हैं।" पर असल में यह कुछ ऐसा दिखता है:
- System Settings में जाओ, फिर Developer Options ढूंढो।
- build number को सात बार टैप करें ताकि Developer Mode चालू हो सके।
- आपके साथ जबरदस्ती नहीं की जा रही है, इसकी पुष्टि करें।
- PIN या कोई भी पासवर्ड मांगने पर डालें।
- अपने डिवाइस को Restart करें।
- 24 घंटे का इंतज़ार करें
- वापस आएं, फिर और डरावनी screens पर पुष्टि करें कि आप अपने होश में हैं।
- "allow temporarily" (7 दिन) या "allow indefinitely" दोनों में से किसी एक विकल्प का चयन करें।
- फिर से कन्फर्म करें कि आप "जोखिमों" को समझते हैं।
नौ चरण। 24-घंटे का अनिवार्य cooling-off समय। एक ऐप्प को अपने डिवाइस पर इनस्टॉल करने के लिए।
इससे भी बुरी बात: यह flow पूरी तरह से Google Play Services के द्वारा कार्यरत रहेगा, न कि Android OS द्वारा। गूगल इसे बदल सकता है, इसे कठिन बना सकता है, या फिर किसी भी समय इस flow को खत्म कर सकता है, इसके लिए न OS Updates की जरुरत है और न ही आपकी अनुमति की। और अब तक उन्होंने न beta, न preview, और न ही कोई canary build शिप किया है। यह flow सिर्फ एक blog post और कुछ mockups के रूप में है, इसे एक कागज़ी कार्यवाही भी बोल सकते हैं।
यह सिर्फ Android तक ही सीमित नहीं है
अगर गूगल उन अरबों डिवाइसों को लॉक कर सकता है जो खुले प्लेटफार्म के रूप में बेचे गए थे, तो दुनिया का हर हार्डवेयर निर्माता यह देख रहा है।
सन्देश यह जा रहा है कि: वो कंपनी जिसने आपके डिवाइस को बनाया है, आपके खरीदने के बाद तय करेगी कि आप उस पर क्या चला सकते हैं। सॉफ्टवेयर की भाषा में इसे "rug pull" या फिर हिंदी में "पैरों तले जमीन खिसकना" बोलते हैं; फिर भी सॉफ्टवेयर में आप कोई विकल्प इनस्टॉल कर सकते हो। पर हार्डवेयर के नज़रिये से देखें तो, यह एक fait accompli है या "अब पछताए होत क्या, जब चिड़िया चुग गई खेत", एक ऐसी स्थिति जो आपकी स्वतंत्रता छीन लेती है और आपको एक जवाबदेही से बचने वाले gatekeeper और दोषी एकाधिकारी (monopolist) की मनमर्ज़ी के आगे बेबस कर देती है।
Android का खुलापन सिर्फ एक फीचर नहीं था। यह एक वादा भी था जिसके चलते यह iPhone से अलग था। करोड़ों ने Android सिर्फ इसी वजह से चुना। गूगल अब उस वादे को एकतरफा रूप से तोड़ रहा है, उन डिवाइसों पर भी जो पहले से लोगों की जेब में हैं, क्योंकि उन्होंने तय कर लिया है कि उनके पास इतना बाज़ार वर्चस्व और सरकारी पकड़ है कि वे इससे बच निकलेंगे।
Ars Technica: "गूगल का एप्पल के प्रति द्वेष, एंड्राइड की खुली विरासत को तबाह करने पर उतारू है।"
परन्तु, यह...
"...सुरक्षा वाली बात है न?"
सुरक्षा वाली वजह बस "आँखों में धूल झोंकने" वाली बात है। वैसे भी Google Play Protect डेवलपर की पहचान से अलग malware को स्कैन करता है। Govt. ID की आवश्यकता से कोड सुरक्षित नहीं हो जाता, इससे डेवेलपर्स को पहचानने और नियंत्रित करने में आसानी होती है। Malware वाले डेवेलपर्स पंजीकरण कर सकते हैं। स्वतंत्र डेवेलपर्स और आलोचक अक्सर नहीं कर सकते। EFF साफ़-साफ़ कहता है: पहचान-आधारित gatekeeping एक सेंसरशिप का हथियार है, इसका सुरक्षा से कोई नाता नहीं है।
"...advanced flow के उपयोग से तो sideloading फिर भी मुमकिन है न?"
नौ चरण, 24-hour का इंतज़ार, Developer Options में दफनाया गया, एक proprietary service के द्वारा चलाया गया जिसे Google जब चाहे हटा दे। इसे sideloading नहीं कहते। यह "नाक में दम" करने वाली प्रक्रिया है जिसे यह सुनिश्चित करने के लिए बनाया गया है कि लगभग कोई भी इसे पूरा न कर सके। और चूँकि यह Play Services द्वारा चलाया जा रहा है न कि OS द्वारा, गूगल इस प्रक्रिया को और सख्त या फिर चुपचाप हटा भी सकता है।
"...उन्हें दिक्कत देगा न जो कुछ छुपाना चाहते हैं?"
Whistleblowers, पत्रकार, और activists जो तानाशाही सरकार के अंतर्गत काम कर रहे हैं, वे इसके पहले शिकार बनेंगे। घरेलू उत्पीड़न से पीड़ित तबका इस कतार में अगले नंबर पर है। इन सभी समूहों के पास अपना सॉफ्टवेयर बनाने और इस्तेमाल करने के वैध कारण हैं, बिना अपनी कानूनी पहचान गूगल के डेटाबेस में डाले। गुमनाम open-source योगदान की परंपरा Google से भी पुरानी है। यह नीति उसे Android पर समाप्त करती है।
"...एप्पल भी तो करता है न?"
Apple पहले ही दिन से एक किले के समान है। लोगों ने Android इसीलिए चुना क्यूंकि यह अलग था। "एप्पल भी करता है", यह तो बस "एक अंधा, दूसरे की लाठी" वाली बात है और एक कमज़ोर तू भी तो तर्क है। और नियामक दबाव (EU के Digital Markets Act) के चलते, एप्पल को भी खुलने पर मजबूर किया जा रहा है। गूगल इसके उलट दिशा में जा रहा है: अपनी gatekeeper वाली पहचान को और मज़बूत करने की कोशिश में।
"...बस $25 और कुछ कागज़ात की ही तो बात है?"
शायद, अगर आप भारत में एक डेवेलपर हैं जिसके पास क्रेडिट कार्ड और ड्राइविंग लाइसेंस है। मान लीजिये आप sub-Saharan Africa में एक छात्र हैं, या Myanmar में एक विद्रोही हैं, या फिर एक volunteer जो community health app चला रहा है। बात सिर्फ पैसों तक सीमित नहीं है: आप अपने सरकारी पहचान पत्र और signing keys एक ऐसी कंपनी को सौंप रहे हैं जो ऐप्स हटाने और डेवलपर्स को बेनकाब करने की सरकारी मांगों का नियमित रूप से पालन करती है।
इसका विरोध करें
आप सभी
- F-Droid इनस्टॉल करें उन सभी Android डिवाइस पर जो आपके पास हैं। वैकल्पिक स्टोर्स सिर्फ तभी बचेंगे जब लोग उन्हें उपयोग करेंगे।
- अपने regulators को इसके बारे में सूचित करें। दुनियाभर के Regulators टेक सेक्टर में हो रहे monopolies तथा ताकत के केन्द्रीयकरण को लेकर गंभीर रूप से चिंतित हैं, और सीधे उन व्यक्तियों से सुनना चाहते हैं जो इससे प्रभावित और चिंतित हैं।
- इस पेज को शेयर करें। keepandroidopen.org को हर जगह लिंक करें।
- भाड़े के टट्टुओं का डट कर मुक़ाबला करें। ये "किन्तु-परन्तु" वाली फ़ौज भी जोर लगा रही है। उन्हें अपनी मनमर्ज़ी का नैरेटिव बनाने न दें।
- इस change.org petition पर हस्ताक्षर करें और उन 100,000 से अधिक हस्ताक्षरकर्ताओं का साथ दें जिन्होंने अपनी आवाज़ उठाई है।
- हमारे खुले पत्र को पढ़ें तथा शेयर करें
- गूगल को बताएं कि आप क्या सोचते हैं, उनके ही developer verification survey के द्वारा (क्या पता अँधेरे में तीर सही निशाने पर लग जाए)।
डेवेलपर्स
sign up न करें। Android Developer Console के लिए उनके प्रोग्राम को join करने के लिए sign up न करें और ऐसी नियमों एवं शर्तों को न मानें जिन्हें वापस नहीं लिया जा सकता। अपनी पहचान का सत्यापन न करें। उनकी दाल मत गलने दो।
गूगल का प्लान सिर्फ डेवेलपर्स की सहमति से ही काम कर सकता है। सहमति देने की भूल न करें।
- वे डेवेलपर्स और संस्थान जो sign up कर रहे हैं या करना चाहते हैं उन्हें रोकें।
- इस FreeDroidWarn library को अपने users को सावधान करने के लिए अपने ऐप्प में जोड़ें।
- अगर आप एक वेबसाइट चलाते हैं तो इस countdown banner को अवश्य जोड़ें।
Google employees
अगर आप इस प्रोग्राम के तकनीकी कार्यान्वयन (technical implementation) या इसके आंतरिक तर्क (internal rationale) के बारे में कुछ जानते हैं, तो कृपया कार्यस्थल के कंप्यूटर और Gmail अकाउंट के बजाय किसी अन्य निजी साधन से हमें tips@keepandroidopen.org पर संपर्क करें। आपकी गोपनीयता की पूर्ण गारंटी है।
All those opposed…
69 organizations from 21 countries have signed the open letter
Fastmail fastmail.com 
The App Fair Project appfair.org 
FULU Foundation fulu.org 
Open Web Advocacy open-web-advocacy.org 
IzzyOnDroid izzyondroid.org 
MetaBrainz Foundation metabrainz.org 
GrapheneOS Foundation grapheneos.org 
Rocky Linux rockylinux.org 
Digital Rights Watch digitalrightswatch.org.au 
Software Freedom Conservancy sfconservancy.org 
Software Liberty Association of Taiwan slat.org.tw 
La Quadrature du Net laquadrature.net 
KDE e.V. kde.org 
GitHub Store github-store.org 
GNOME Foundation gnome.org 
The Tor Project torproject.org 
Open Rights Group (ORG) openrightsgroup.org 
Aurora Store auroraoss.com 
Osservatorio Nessuno OdV osservatorionessuno.org 
Italian Linux Society ils.org 
Ghostery ghostery.com 
European Digital Rights (EDRi) edri.org 
AdGuard adguard.com 
The OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF) osmfoundation.org 
Digitale Gesellschaft digitale-gesellschaft.ch 
Associação Nacional para o Software Livre (ANSOL) ansol.org 
Data Rights datarights.ngo 
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) beuc.eu 
FOSDEM fosdem.org 
FUTO futo.org 
ARTICLE 19 article19.org 
Proton AG proton.me 
The Guardian Project guardianproject.info 
CryptPad cryptpad.org 
Rossmann Group rossmanngroup.com 
Obtainium obtainium.imranr.dev 
JMP.chat jmp.chat 
LineageOS lineageos.org 
epicenter.works – for digital rights epicenter.works 
The Chaos Computer Club (CCC) ccc.de 
Privacy Guides privacyguides.org 
The Calyx Institute calyx.org 
The Center for Digital Progress (D64) d-64.org 
Molly molly.im 
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) fsfe.org 
The Digital Rights Foundation digitalrightsfoundation.pk 
Brave brave.com 
Techlore techlore.tech 
Nextcloud nextcloud.com 
iodé iode.tech 
VideoLAN videolan.org 
April april.org 
Codeberg e.V. codeberg.org 
Vivaldi Technologies AS vivaldi.com 
Fedimedia fedimedia.it 
Unified Push unifiedpush.org 
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) eff.org 
microG microg.org 
/e/ Foundation e.foundation 
FACILe facil.qc.ca 
Fundación Karisma karisma.org.co 
Technopolice Bruxelles technopolice.be 
Tuta Mail tuta.com 
F-Droid f-droid.org 
Forbrukerrådet forbrukerradet.no 
Cryptee crypt.ee 
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) fsf.org 
OpenMedia openmedia.org 
OW2 ow2.org इनका क्या कहना है
Tech press
"Keep Android Open"
Linux Magazine
"Google's New Developer Rules Threaten to End the F-Droid Open-Source App Store"
How-To Geek
"Android, Epic, and What's Really Behind Google's 'Existential' Threat to F-Droid"
Slashdot
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
How-To Geek
"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"
InfoWorld
"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"
The New Stack
"Over 67 groups urge the company to drop ID checks for apps distributed outside Play"
The Register
"'Keep Android Open' Movement Challenges Google's Developer Verification Rule"
Open Source For U
"Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store"
TechCrunch
"Google says it's making Android sideloading 'high-friction' to better warn users about potential risks"
XDA Developers
"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"
Internet Freedom Foundation (India)
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
Android Headlines
"Open letter warns mandatory registration 'threatens innovation, competition, privacy and user freedom'"
Infosecurity Magazine
"This will wipe out Android as an actual alternative to Apple's mobile OS offerings."
Hackaday
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
How-To Geek
"It effectively makes the Play Store a monopoly without actually mandating that it is a monopoly."
I-Programmer
"Google's developer registration 'decree' means the end for alternative app stores"
Cybernews
"Google will make you wait 24 hours to sideload Android apps"
How-To Geek
"Android app store provider Aptoide hits Google with fresh lawsuit alleging monopoly and anticompetitive chokehold"
Benzinga
"Google's new developer rules could threaten sideloading and F-Droid's future"
Gizmochina
"Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy"
It's FOSS News
"F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules"
Bleeping Computer
"Google will require developer verification to install Android apps, including sideloading"
9to5Google
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
How-To Geek
"Android's sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet"
MakeUseOf
"Open-Source Android Apps Threatened by Google's New Policy"
Datamation
"Sideloading is dead for all intents and purposes. The Android you know and love is slowly disappearing."
Android Police
"F-Droid Slams Google for Misleading Users About Android's App Verification"
Android Headlines
"Google's New Developer ID Rule Could Harm F-Droid"
Reclaim The Net
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
How-To Geek
"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
"We all know that's a load of bullshit. Adding a goddamn 24-hour waiting period is batshit insanity."
Thom Holwerda, OSnews
"Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register"
The Register
"Google's dev registration plan 'will end the F-Droid project'"
The Register
"Google's Requirement For All Android Developers To Register And Be Verified Threatens To Close Down Open Source App Store F-Droid"
Techdirt
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
Tom's Guide
"Open-Source Android Apps at Risk Under Google's New Decree"
TechRepublic
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
Tom's Guide
"Google plans to block side-loading like Apple, declaring war on Android freedom"
Tuta Blog
"F-Droid says Google's new sideloading restrictions will kill the project"
Ars Technica
"Google will verify Android developers distributing apps outside the Play store"
The Verge
"Resistance to Google's Android verification grows among developers"
Techzine EU
"Keep Android Open – Abwehr gegen Verbot anonymer Apps von Google"
heise online
"Google's new ID requirements could destroy independent app stores"
TechSpot
"Google's Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android's open legacy"
Ars Technica
Editorials & analysis
"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
"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
"The requirement extends Google's gatekeeping authority from its own Play Store to every alternative distribution channel on Android."
LLM Advocates
"Google has announced what can only be described as a death blow to the open ecosystem that made Android. Under the guise of 'security,' Google is implementing draconian developer verification requirements."
AndroidSage
"Google's move is not credibly about 'security,' but actually about consolidating power and tightening control over a formerly open ecosystem."
Techdirt
"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
"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
"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
"Every additional bureaucratic hurdle reduces diversity in the software ecosystem and concentrates power in large established players."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"This is not a developer account sign-up. This is comprehensive surveillance of the software development ecosystem."
PixelUnion
"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
"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
"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 does not just warn anymore. It enforces."
Youssef Mabrouk, Ostorlab
"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
"Freedom of choice is being reframed as a 'security risk.'"
Newsfangled
"Google has not removed Android's openness, but it is turning openness from a default right into a conditional, attributable, and tiered capability."
MerchMindAI
"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
"Android wasn't supposed to be 'safe.' It was supposed to be free."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"This is a form of malicious compliance with the court orders stemming from its losses to Epic Games."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"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
"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
"This could turn Google into the effective gatekeeper for all apps on certified Android devices."
It's FOSS News
"One US corporation is placing itself between every Android developer and every Android user on earth."
PixelUnion
"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
"What student is going to upload their passport to a trillion-dollar surveillance corporation just to share their weekend project?"
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
"Android is no longer the scrappy rebel. It's just another empire tightening the drawbridge."
Newsfangled
"Centralizing the registration of all applications worldwide gives Google newfound powers to completely disable any app it wants."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud 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
"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
"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
"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
Organizations & open letters
"We are running out of time until Google becomes the gate-keeper of all users devices."
F-Droid
"Your Smartphone, Their Rules: How App Stores Enable Corporate-Government Censorship."
ACLU
"Forcing software creators into a centralized registration scheme is as egregious as forcing writers and artists to register with a central authority."
F-Droid
"Google is turning Android into a walled garden monopoly. We must prevent it."
Osservatorio Nessuno
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Android's biggest strength has always been its openness. That's what attracted developers and users in the first place."
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
"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
"Independent software distribution on Android will now require Google's explicit permission."
AdGuard
"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
"The European Pirate Party called for proportionate and transparent measures that ensure security without restricting innovation, limiting anonymity, or distorting competition."
European Pirate Party
"Unilaterally consolidating power to approve software into the hands of a single unaccountable corporation is a threat to digital sovereignty everywhere."
Nextcloud
"MEP Christel Schaldemose formally questioned whether Google's mandatory central registration is compatible with the Digital Markets Act."
European Parliament
"We unequivocally advise against signing up for this program, now or ever."
F-Droid Open Letter
"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
"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
"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
"Verification just confirms who's behind the app, it doesn't guarantee clean code or rule out malicious behavior."
AdGuard
"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
"Remember: It's your phone, your data, your freedom. Don't let Google take it away."
Tuta
"Ultimately, Google's plan will stop you from owning your Android phone."
Tuta
"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
"While Android used to be praised for its freedom and independence, it will become a closed shop just like Apple."
Tuta
"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
YouTubers & creators
"Your device, their rules. The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours."
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
"This represents the last real safe place for free and open-source software in the entire mobile ecosystem. Once it's gone, it's gone. And we're going to spend the next decade trying to claw it back."
Techlore – YouTube
"Follow the money. Google makes money when apps are downloaded from its store. Google has completely forgotten about its earlier company motto: Don't be evil."
Tuta Blog – Blog
"This has obvious problems for non-Google operating systems like iodeOS, LineageOS, or BraxOS. Google Android will 'check in' with Google to verify the identity of the app and to validate the operating system."
Rob Braxman Tech – Locals
"If I'm going to be trapped in a walled garden anyway, I'll take the one that's built properly."
fireborn – Blog
"I have really no more strong reason to not recommend you all get iPhones, because this just is pretty much an iPhone with a Google logo on it at this point."
Techlore – YouTube
"Google decides what's safe for you, and you don't get a say."
fireborn – Blog
"When you download applications, you've simply installed an application. I don't want to use words like 'sideload.'"
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
"Google has been carefully watching from the sidelines to see what exactly it is that Apple can get away with."
Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube
"This means you can't sideload an app from an unofficial source. But it could also be used to lock the ecosystem so we're forced to install only Google apps on approved Google OS versions."
Rob Braxman Tech – Locals
"Google 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 is removing the one key advantage Android has over iOS."
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
"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
"Android has become what they set out to destroy."
Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – 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
"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
"That's not openness. That is control."
ChiefGyk3D – 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
"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
"Developers of privacy-focused tools and emulators will have to dox themselves, making them vulnerable to government agencies or legal action."
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
"Google 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
"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
"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
"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
Developers & community
"For 'security' -- always security with these assholes. They're just building the walls of the walled garden higher."
lynxy, Tildes
"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
"Modern life practically forces you to put all your eggs into a phone controlled by one of two profit-seeking companies."
koala, Lobsters
"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
"Twice I have had to deal with Google silently disabling my drone app to the point I had to buy an older phone to perform work. When I purchase a device that works with another device, under no circumstances should I be at the mercy of any updates they make."
cbrophoto (drone professional), Reddit
"I 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
"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."
masterofn001, Lemmy
"They're boiling the frog -- slowly removing features until all choice is gone."
hn92726819, 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
"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
"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
"Google seems to actively hate people who develop for their platforms."
hbn, Hacker News
"They have stolen a free product and are now actively locking out the people who built it."
TheTearMiser, Lemmy
"Antitrust action is badly needed. It is ridiculous that I need permission from my device manufacturer to install software on hardware I own."
jim201, Hacker News
"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
"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
"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
"Google wants the authority of a gatekeeper without the overhead of human accountability."
afferi300rina, Hacker News
"It is a disgrace how Google has managed this situation. The promised 'advanced flow' hasn't appeared in any Android 16 or 17 betas. Google is quietly proceeding with the original lockdown."
fermigier, Hacker News
"Google now has a flag on my phone they can control remotely to keep me from accessing the apps I want."
vala, Lemmy
"If I go down this path, I will stop all development on Android. I implore all other developers to resist this. This will completely lock down the platform forever, there will be no going back."
BatteryMountain, Hacker News
"Once deployed, there's a near 100% chance of such a mechanism being used for evil."
Zak, Lemmy
"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
"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
"Android was never actually open and now they are abandoning even the thin pretense."
Tiraon, Tildes
"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
"It took them 17 years to finally pull the cage all the way shut."
Apocryphon, 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
"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
"Signal, VPNs -- they'll have a list of everyone opting out of government-mandated backdoors."
Max-P, Lemmy
"This isn't just a competition between app stores; it's a struggle for choice and dignity. Your phone shouldn't be a cage carefully constructed by others, but an extension of your own will."
renshijian, Hacker News
"I want to deploy apps on my device. They are my apps, it's my device, and I should not be required to ask for permission to do so."
fsniper, Hacker News
"The open Android I knew and loved is long gone."
girvo, Hacker News
"'Sideload' is like 'jaywalking'; seeks to stigmatize humans being human."
tejtm, Hacker News
"After 15 years of professional development on Android I too am now thinking about switching my focus to something different. And it sucks."
MrDresden, Hacker News
"Requiring a government ID to distribute software. Holy shit. If you are a kid and want to create a game for your friends, you better get that birth certificate ready!"
llitz, Reddit
"Play store is full of scam apps, F-Droid isn't, but Play Store is considered secure. It's all theatre."
gcupc, Lobsters
"We are talking about something categorically worse than vendor lock-in: Collective vendor lock-in."
anordal, Lobsters
"Android is for everyone, provided they submit to Google exclusively."
gumby271, Hacker News
"Google's plan to require developer verification would give Google and governments the ability to ban any app."
Zak, 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
"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
"Brazil government app refuses to operate with developer mode on."
flykespice (developer in Brazil), 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
"It's not cyclic. It's a ratchet and it gets tighter and tighter."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"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
"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 phrase 'sideload' is psychological propaganda we are all best off rejecting."
WaffleMonster, Slashdot
"Some time in the future, we will look back to this era and ask ourselves what went wrong."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"You have no right telling me what I can and cannot run on my own devices."
MrZander, 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
"Can't come at a worse time. People are just learning to make things through vibe coding, and they're gonna want to put their own apps on their phones. And now Google says no."
Serinus, Lemmy
"If 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
"All the banking and payment apps in India refuse to open if you have developer mode on."
nibbleyou (developer in India), 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
"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
"The war on General Purpose Computing is the death of innovation and a direct attack on digital freedom."
layfellow, 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
Voices from the petition
"Keep android free. "
Jansen, change.org
"Thair trying to take everything that gives free people power and control. We need to stop them, stop the billionaires, stop the corrupt officials, stop Israel, stop the child abusers. The more you undermine there control the better for it is for everyone. "
Octavio, change.org
"Open source exploration is too important to add any additional barriers to entrance. I expect it's bad for all of us, including alphabet and Google, the aosp... a new open model may rise from a push such as this. Really though, don't be evil, please "
Eric, change.org
"Apple's censorship of the App Store is why I have an Android phone. This is not the way to freedom. "
Cameron, change.org
"I love making apps for my self on appinventor but when I heard this news I couldn't believe it. I don't want to be an approved developer because I only make these apps for myself, my friends and my family. This would make android feel less open source and is a horrible thing from Google to do this. This doesn't benefit anyone and only crushes creativity. #DONTBELIKEAPPLE "
Justin, change.org
"I can't let them have this. This world and especially these last years, tech companies think they can fully control you, utilized you, abuse you. Pls let this be one win for us "
Isaac, 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
"What software I choose to create or install on my computing devices, no matter whether they fit in a pocket, is my choice alone. Google, Microsoft, Apple, et al. have zero business trying to arbitrate how I use the hardware that I own. Android is quickly becoming the very thing it swore to destroy--an opaque, locked-down, walled garden where the very concept of ownership is drawn into question--and I am already taking steps to distance myself from it should the worst come to pass. "
James, change.org
"The decision to limit APKs is simply stupid. "
Lyan Augusto, change.org
"I ought to have the right to install any program I'd like on my computer without google acting as gatekeeper. F-droid's Foss nature makes it more trustworthy than the play store has ever been. "
Cris, change.org
"The one positive thing differentiating Android from iOS has been the ability for Android users to make their own choices about what's installed on their devices. Killing that differentiator is the exact opposite of forward progress. "
Ryan, change.org
"Keep Android an open platform, avoid a massive class action lawsuit. I along many others bought an android phone precisely because of the open ecosystem, you change that, you get sued and lose customers "
Joseph, change.org
"It's like Google looked at the Microsoft debacle (hello! Linux!) that's currently going on and said wait..hold my beer... Not as easy to change from Google Android like Windows to Linux but it can be done! Already have proton emails so the ball is rolling! If this goes thru I will definitely find alternatives. And instead of using a mix of Google Play store apps and gmail and FOSS as of now, I'll just stick to FOSS and stick with proton email as the primary and go the way of degoogled or possibly apple. Or even go with a cheap flip phone and just forget about using any apps at all! see your already helping me curb the addiction you created by these smart phones and with the physical media resurgence this could kind of go with the whole theme so to speak. Thanks for the ideas Google! I've gotten into the habit of changing and finding alternatives in the last ten plus years to everything. This would not be any different. Know your place and keep your promises Google. Or to quote a couple of your slogans. "Don't be evil" and "Do the right thing" "
Marvin, change.org
"This is outright stupid on Andriods desicion making "
Madeline, change.org
"My name is Lawrence Wider Jr. I am a huge fan of Android. The ability flawlessly download the individuals files (APKs) of smartphone apps on my smartphone is the reason why I decided to choose Android as my first ever smartphone OS to use over iOS a couple of decades ago. In short, it was Freedom Of Choice that caused me to choose Android over IOS decades ago. If Google decides to go through with their plan to limit APK usage this September, then I will no longer have that awesome choice and I will no longer be able to choose the awesome smartphone OS known as Android as my smartphone os. The ability to flawlessly download the individuals files (APKs) of smartphone apps on my smartphone had also caused Android to be a fun smartphone OS for me to use. Another advantage of the ability for me to download individual files (APKs) of APKs on my Android smartphone has given me is the ability for it to be easier for me to use Android. If Google decides to limit APK file usage this September, then it would cause me to no longer choose Android as my smartphone is to use. Thank you. "
Lawrence, change.org
"Because we have no more free OS like android, so keep android open is very important, imo "
DeVaughn, change.org
"Google get out of MY phone! "
Mauro, change.org
"One of the things that makes Android special is the freedom it gives developers and users, I hope it doesn't go away. "
Chris, change.org
"I only bought an Android just for the custom APKs part. If I have to buy an entirely new phone for the slightest bit of sideloading, I will. "
Robert, change.org
"Just saying that Android is not becoming locked down because of sideload restrictions, it closed was from the start, but people don't care if bootloader unlock is not under their control, they are being abused from the born of android but they only now scream that sideload is getting restricted. I'm of course mad at this sideload situation but Android before WASN'T OPEN! "
Hidden, change.org
"Android's freedom of choice is what made me switch from apple. I find that limiting that those freedoms such as sideloading an obnoxious spit in the face of all who use and enjoy this operating system. If I wanted an anti consumer product id buy from apple. "
Link, change.org
"We need to continue to have options on the android platform. Once censorship begins where does it end. Developers need to have freedom and not be oppressed by greed. Side-loading is what makes ANDROID if that is taken, what makes Android unique it’s just like IOS a walled garden. "
Edgar, change.org
"This is exactly why I will NEVER use Apple *anything* not even movies on Apple TV. I've championed Android since it first came on the scene in my 25+ years of work in the wireless industry because of the open source nature of Android. It is also why I have switch all my devices but one to Linux in place of Windows (They have forever lost my support). Open source matters. It's also what sets Android apart from Apple. I will absolutely not purchase another Android device going forward if it is no longer open source. I have no problem falling back to a basic phone and running open source OSes on my PC, gaming handhelds and the like. This, to me, feels akin to the idea of the United States just erasing the first amendment. I doubt words will change your mind, but my dollars will back my opinion. It's sad that Google has decided to go this route. You've fallen so far since the beginning. I remember getting my Gmail account with beta invite. I remember being happy to see Google become a publicly traded company. I fear now I'll remember how Google became a huge disappointment. At least it's an interesting story seeing first hand the rise and fall of a search engine who's name became a verb because it was so superior. To just become a huge bully to the types of users that propped you up from the start. Of course jailbreaking will happen but how does that improve security? How does that differentiate you from the competition? "
Jeremy, change.org
"I love android. I love how open it is. I love being able to download any app I want. This policy change is dumb. "
Farren, change.org
""Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." - Benjamin Franklin "
ethical, change.org
"The main reason I've always preferred android over apple is the freedom of app development and usage. What's the point of using an android phone when I have to rely on an app store that limits what's available? This decision is gonna affect an already undesirable Google "
Mychal, change.org
"At the age of 41 I have had the blessing of watching the smartphone grow. From its infant day's, through to the Blackberry fad and into something I couldn't have imagined when I had my first "brick" cellphone. Front end center, the consumer was offered 2 brand's in the modern era of handheld devices. The giants, Apple and Android. Google's "open platform" and their freedom to develop, modify and create kept me loyal my entire life in regards to ownership of said technology. It's a great shame to hear Google is planning to end open user development, following Apple as if it's creating massive net profit loss. If followed through, I'll end my lifetime commitment to using Android and follow the path I swore not to follow... becoming an Apple ID number and forever locked in their digital cage. "
Charles, 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 already limited us with Android apps that are from the Play Store, now they want to censor even more?? What's the goal behind all this?! Control?? And I'm from Brazil, why Brazil was in first place regarding this??? Is the law more important than the customers? So why are they adopting ideas that Restrict consumer Freedom??? Don't you think about the Well-Being of People, of the Consumer!??? All of this is a Game to me, and you're Using the Controller for Pleasure, NOT for the Good of Society in General! That's why I'm Really Against this law!! "
Bruno Eduardo, change.org
"To put it simply it's wrong all of it. The idea that we are so untrustworthy with our own devices that we need this level of invasion/ surveillance implemented to satisfy their idea of safety is laughable. The online tech community is amazing and free to make any kind of customization to their own devices that they bought and paid for. And let's be honest there have been so many questionable decisions already based on security and safety that Google is no longer completely trustworthy. We should still be able to have the choice to use our own customizable apps/systems on our own personal devices. None of this feels safe, none of these changes feel like they have our safety in mind. "
Charles, change.org
"dont do that man "
Kaktus, change.org
"Android is the best platform for testing and developing applications. It would be a shame if such an absurd decision caused many users to abandon the operating system and migrate to another. Google, please reconsider this decision. "
Angel Uriel, change.org
"Why are these changes a necessity? What scary changes are happening in the technological realm that's causing Google to take these ecosystem changing moves? It appears as if you're ignoring a large section of your fan base. I hope freedom wins, but I think with the ever quickening development of A. I. that this measure may be the new necessity with mobile technology try to keep had actors at bay. "
Gene, change.org
"I'm getting so sick of governments/ corporations thinking they can just take away our right to privacy online under the guise of "security", and the more they're able to get away with it, the more we'll see it happening. I'm not a developer and I barely use 3rd party apps, but that doesn't mean I won't fight for our ability to use our phones as we see fit "
Danielle, 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
"To move forward with the developer verification process is both anticompetitive and counter intuitive. Google stands to lose it's only incentive to attract users and developers. To build from a foundation of open source/free software to this is simple greed. Without such foundations Android wouldn't exist today, nor would modern technology. This process will simply hurt consumers, developers, and Google as a company. It will bring forth a new competitor who cares about digital freedom and open source software. Please reconsider. Don't be evil. "
Davy, change.org
"Keep android open. Keep android from becoming Apple! "
Adam, change.org
"Android is supposed to be open, as a dirrect counter to Apples closed system. If you continue down this road, we will just make something else. Open source is a powerful community "
Serissa, change.org
"Android has always been a symbol of freedom, a system that allowed us to use our devices our own way, without chains or limitations imposed by corporations. Now Google wants to take that away from Android users, to control every detail as if we weren’t capable of deciding what’s best for ourselves. I don’t agree, and I will never agree, with this absurd, authoritarian, and completely insane decision. They are killing the very essence of Android, the open spirit that made millions of people choose this platform. We, users and developers, have always stood for the power of choice. If Google thinks it can simply impose restrictions and hide behind a false narrative of security, it’s deeply mistaken. Android wasn’t born to be a digital prison. It was born to be free. And if Google keeps going down this path, make no mistake: the community will not stay silent. Freedom will always find a way to fight back. "
Ronaldo, change.org
"Many apps i use are from alternative stores because they are libre and free. I won't be able to use my phone "
Alexandre, change.org
"The biggest reason I love Android is because it's open. I have had ENOUGH of companies trying to decide what I can and can't do with the devices I purchased. If I spent money on it, it is MINE and I should be allowed to do whatever I want with it. Enough is enough. "
Callum, change.org
"Trust is born out of the experience of self-agency. Google always has been trustworthy because of that. It's not been successful for breathtaking design, intuitive user experience or a consistent hardware strategy. Its most successful argument carrying the message of freedom and agency up to date is Android. Have end point management and self written helpers. Let my local plumber have his own app without being asked to update it every half year, let me build my own app for trataka meditation without need to share and make money of it - that's general computing on a mobile device accidentally married to a telephone. I can show off my fluid dynamics simulations, every month a further advanced model, and of course stupidly sink into the screen when I wait for the bus. Wonderful. So listen, Google. Don't take away my freedom, don't take away our freedom and agency. Don't waste our trust. And, with the formula you'll have read too often in your personal messages, dear Sundar, thank you for your attention to this matter. "
Frank, change.org
"This is a violation of free speech and freedom of choice. We are not apple! "
Gearrard, change.org
"Protect Android FREEDOM... I’ve used Android for years because it stood for freedom and choice. But lately Google has been making it harder to install APK files apps that come from outside the Play Store. That freedom to choose what I put on my own phone is what made Android different, and it’s slowly disappearing. I’m not a developer or hacker just someone who believes that the device I bought should truly belong to me. I should be able to install safe apps from any source without being blocked or discouraged. This isn’t about breaking rules it’s about keeping control over our own technology. If Google keeps tightening these restrictions Android will lose the openness that made it great. I care because user freedom matters and I don’t want to see it taken away bit by bit. "
Boris, change.org
"The core idea of Android and OSS is threatened. Android will no longer hold the offer of a unique opportunity of freedom for those feeling locked out of their own lives. It will join the likes of other mediocre technologies being force-fed to an unwilling population. This is not the way. "
Joy, change.org
"This is censorship at its core. Stop trying to destroy the open internet under the guise of safety. "
Dominic, change.org
"This will be the death of android and Google is holding the gun. My entire attraction to android was the freedom. Now that this will potentially cease to exist, I have no problem finding another source of freedom. Google thinks they're being smart, but they are only killing themselves slowly. Android users everywhere must make sure google pays dearly for the abomination they are creating. "
Kevin, 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
"Don't be Apple! "
Wenshan, change.org
"Android does not need to be the same as iphones are: locked and proprietary. "
Dustin, change.org
"I know I wont b buying another Google Pixel Phone (I have a 9XL right now) if this change is made. Why would I limit myself. Its why I choose to buy nothing by apple and never will. "
Chris, change.org
"I was really shocked when I heard that such thing is happening. I mean, isn't the point of Android itself to be fully open, especially compared to competitors as iOS? What's so wrong with a person developing apps as their passion/hobby? I don't think it is necessary to have to upload a government ID to a corporation just to make your app be able to be usable. It also impacts me, because I use very many open source apps as alternatives, which fit my usage a lot better, and I like to support those projects, and one more point, many people switching from iOS to Android are looking for the freedom that is sideloading apps without any hurdles. This has to change, or chaos would ensue around the Android world, and especially FOSS communities. "
Arsen, change.org
"The entire reason I chose an android over an apple phone was the control over my device I got. Taking that away is a mistake! "
Gin, change.org
"Save privacy and security "
Pepe, change.org
"This is ridiculous the fact that google is causing this will effect everybody it's gonna make it way harder for developers to post there apps to specific users. "
Daisuke, change.org
"Please stop monetizing making your software worse. I will quit using it. "
Bobby, 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
"Tudo e todos vamossss "
Renato, change.org
"If wee do not stop this then our computers are next. We will end up the same as other countries who put out the same message to their people to condition them. Our freedom of speech and the right to privacy under the privacy act will be taken away. You do not want this!!! "
Keith, change.org
"The spirit of open source is one of the basis of the Internet.Please do not reverse the course of history. "
Roberto, change.org
"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
"The freedom on Android is the best and that is exactly why we choose android. Please do not close off our experience on this platform. "
yer, change.org
"Installing mini apps I wrote on my own device is the only reason I chose Android smartphone over dumbphone plus micro laptop. "
Alexey, change.org
"android needs to be free and google has to stop controlling what users can do with their phones and devices. they are NOT our parents. we can do what the heck we want!!! "
Carlos, change.org
"Stop Google "
Sa, 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
"The entire point of choosing android over IOS is for the freedom to install things that may or may not work. 3rd party installation already requires you to go through some hoops . Its my device let me install what I want. "
Brian, change.org
"Android is meant to be Open Source This essentially means people should be able to change their version in any way they want Yes, security is important, but to take away the freedom of what should be open-source and freely modifiable is going to harm android People will look to other OS, such as Sailfish, Ubuntu touch and others "
Jaka, change.org
"At that point highkey I'd just use IOS. Why remove one of the main things that lets android be android "
Josue, change.org
"Android has always been about freedom. I've always loved side loading an app made by a line developer to complete a niche task/feature. My music player and compass app were side loaded from F Droid and I think it's super cool to be able to install custom versions of stock phone apps. I've side loaded a modded version of my camera app that brought Google Pixel's photosphere to my phone. How else would I have been able to do this without side loading?? There's no reason Android has to go this direction, it may just as well be called mock iOS if all the reasons I chose Android are taken away. May customization, freedom of how I use my phone, and innovation reign once again in the heart of Google's Android! PLEASE 🙏 "
YAIR RAFAEL, change.org
"This restriction simply ruins the entire premise that the android community has based itself on. It deprives users of the basic freedom that they rightfully deserve to have, since they acquired and rightfully paid for their device(s). It's another step into censorship and a monopoly under the premise of "security". The Google Play Store itself is a perpetrator of insecurity and restricting the developer base won't make it any better. If this is pushed foward, I will cease to use any android system that uses Google Play Services. "
Maria, change.org
"I've been the victim of identify theft and attempted payment fraud through the old Google Wallet platform. Thankfully my bank caught it, but when I disputed the charges Google insisted they were authorized, messing up my finances by having nearly $1500 drop out of my account for a week while I insisted I didnt transfer large amounts to random addresses. Ultimately, my bank sided with me, and despite being provided with police reports and dispute reports Google still wanted the transactions to go through. The consequence I received for not wanting to have money stolen from me is that Google has suspended payments for my account across all their services. I cannot buy apps from the Play Store or anything else requiring a payment even a decade later. Luckily some developers will take payment directly for the few apps that I have ended up needing to buy, and FDroid or other alternatives have given me a lot more choices to Google's ecosystem. You have to get creative when the corporation won't let you participate. Despite these hardships I still prefer Android's openness to iOS. Google should not fundamentally lock out alternatives. "
Dominic, 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
"Keep android app development open! "
Samuel, change.org
"Freedom is the reason we all choose android. Android was my gateway into learning how to interact with software, running custom firmware. I now have a great job as a technician and plan to continue growing my career in the technical field. Android played a huge role in my development and it would be such a massive loss to future generations with people like me trying to learn. There is no reason to support android anymore if we are restricted. The only one that stands to gain is Google (and they won't win if they do this, we WILL cut support). We the people, the users, the creators, the developers, only stand to lose if this change goes into effect. "
Mason, change.org
"I see why this could be a potential issue if this does happen. Hopefully it doesn't go through and it stays the same. "
Gavin, change.org
"Google was created OPEN to everyone, and should stay open source, and not be locked down or limited to creators and developers! "
Robbie, change.org
"As a young developer, you need to stop! What you re doing will prevent anyone below the age of 18 from developing apps for their own purpose and installing on their device, which they payed for, imagine giving a toy to a kid, then putting it into a box that they can't open, that is what you are doing right now. "
Alex, change.org
"As an android user I love the way I want to use my phone and which app to install. Apps that are being developed my developers that are not on the play store tends to be even better than those on the play store. The freedom which developers have to develop and distribution of apps has changed on how we use the android devices, giving us more option and great experience with the device. "
Josphat, change.org
"Stop your control of people devices. "
Sally, change.org
"The push toward a mandatory, centralized developer verification program for Android represents a significant departure from the open-source values that originally defined the platform. By requiring independent developers to pay fees, surrender private signing keys, and provide government identification just to share an app—even outside the Play Store—these policies create a massive barrier to entry that threatens to stifle innovation and privacy. This shift doesn't just add friction; it risks dismantling alternative ecosystems like F-Droid and Aurora Store, which have long provided a vital refuge for those seeking software free from big-tech oversight. If we allow the door to close on sideloading and force every developer behind a paywall, we are effectively trading a diverse, free ecosystem for a "walled garden" that prioritizes corporate control over user agency and digital rights. It is essential that the community stands together to keep Android an open platform where developers can create and users can choose without needing a centralized permission slip. "
Andrew, change.org
"I've installed dozens to hundreds of APKs on my phone for years. Whether it's personal projects or open source tools. It's really the only defining difference between Android and iOS. Why is this even being considered by Google? "
Joseph, change.org
"Google you suck ass. the whole point of Android is freedom. you're going to destroy so much and anger so many people if you do this 3 do it on pixel n ChromeOS or whatever but leave everything else alone you're ruining something beautiful "
liam, change.org
"One of the reasons why many people including myself chose Android over iOS is its openness. Android used to treat people like it should - users, who know what they are doing if they decided to enable sideloading (AKA "install unknown apps") or go into developer settings. If the new restrictions will get put in place, Android will lose this benefit, and while some people will not even notice the difference, others will switch to iOS, a custom ROM, or might start a development effort on an entirely new mobile operating system. Google will end up losing a decent chunk of its userbase. In addition, if we look at iOS again, they were putting all of tgose "safeguards" (aka restrictions) for a long time, and people were jailbraking their iPhones. Now think about it, if the new restrictions were to be put on "sideloadong", some developers will stop publishing on Google Play, and those users who were using those no longer available apps (especially the inexperienced ones) will start looking for ways to "fix" the problem. This will give rise to shady repair services (especially in developing countries), who will promice to get those apps back onto the users phone (mainly via ADB, as that method will continue to work), but will also end up putting some malware (such as crypto miners) on user devices at the same time. So, with that in mind, would this "developer verification" change really make Android more secure? "
Lev, change.org
"The only reason I own any Android devices is the ease with which I can load my own self-written programs. Creating friction in the form of forcing me to register or jump through hoops to run my programs will 100% cause me to abandon the platform, as easy, no-contract installation of software is literally the only feature of Android that I actually like (the OS is generally not very reliable, the usability is poor, and easy side loading is the only feature that differentiates the system from iOS.) It sure seems to me that with this plan, Google must really want to help Apple sell iPhones and iPads. If you remove the openness of Android, all Apple will need to do is release a cheaper phone and tablet than what Samsung has in order to destroy Android forever. Google overestimates the degree to which Android users are locked in to the platform; most Android users have it because Android phones are cheaper than iPhones. The rest of us are programmers who like our freedom, and this platform hostility will drive us away, which won't be good for the Google Play Store's selection of effort-free profits for Google. "
Casey, change.org
"The openness of the platform is one of the determining factors when choosing in favor of Android. "
Pavel, change.org
"I am one of many developers who rely on Android devices as a primary development environment. Using tools such as AndroidIDE and CodeOnTheGo, I build, test, and experiment with Android applications directly on mobile hardware. However, these workflows are already heavily restricted — particularly due to changes introduced after SDK API 28, where dynamic loading of certain native libraries became limited. As a result, many development-oriented applications are now restricted to sideloading only. In addition, the current Google Play requirement of targeting a minimum SDK level of 31 further limits independent and experimental development workflows. While I understand the importance of platform security and modernization, these changes unintentionally create barriers for developers who build, test, and innovate directly on-device. I also use Termux extensively to set up full Linux-based environments on Android — including complete distributions with XFCE4 and tools such as code-server or code-oss. This allows me to work with compilers, package managers, scripting languages, and development stacks without requiring a separate desktop Linux machine. For many developers, this mobile-first workflow is not a novelty; it is a practical and accessible development setup. Recent platform restrictions risk limiting not only convenience, but also the broader ecosystem of open-source innovation on Android. Numerous open-source contributors have invested significant time and effort into building portable Linux environments, developer tooling, and educational setups that run entirely on mobile devices. These projects lower the barrier to entry for students, independent programmers, and developers who may not have access to traditional computing hardware. If such updates continue to narrow these possibilities, they could effectively undermine years of community-driven work that has enabled Android devices to function as capable, flexible development platforms. Maintaining a balance between security requirements and developer freedom is crucial. Android’s openness has historically been one of its greatest strengths, and preserving that spirit is important for fostering innovation and supporting the global developer community. "
Vkrm, change.org
"Google's September 2026 "Developer Verification" mandate is not a security policy. It is a monopoly play wearing security as a costume. Starting September 2026, every Android developer -- including those who have never used the Play Store -- must register with Google, submit government ID, pay fees, and agree to Google's terms just to distribute an APK. In 2027 this goes global. No registration, no distribution. Period. F-Droid is already banned from the Play Store under Google's own Developer Distribution Agreement. Now Google is closing the only door F-Droid had left. Anonymous FOSS contributors cannot and will not hand Google their home addresses. The project dies. Thousands of privacy tools, accessibility apps, whistleblower utilities, and open source projects built by volunteers with no commercial interest go dark with it. The security argument is a fraud. Android already has Play Protect. Google's own Play Store hosted over a billion malicious app downloads in 2025 alone. Identity registration does not stop malware. It stops competition. What this actually does is give Google indirect control over every app on every Android device on earth, regardless of where it was distributed. You must register with Google. You must agree to Google's terms. You must pay Google. Or your software does not exist on Android. That is not an open platform. That is a toll booth on the entire software ecosystem, built by a company that was handed dominance by the very open ecosystem it is now dismantling. Sign this because the phone in your pocket should not require Google's permission to run software you choose to install on hardware you own. "
Mark, change.org
"The entire reason I have stuck with Android phones until now was my ability to INSTALL apps outside of the play store—key word install, not sideload. Even using that term is brainwashed lingo. A phone is just as much of a computer as a PC is, and I should be allowed to download whatever I want on a device a pay for. Especially when, in some cases, a laptop can be cheaper than a phone these days. This has always been a meaningful feature to me. Then there is the fact of censorship & creating a hostile environment for smaller dev teams. Having to pay a fee to Google, having to disclose IDs (this is also counterproductive to privacy focused apps). Any application that Google deems unfit, they can rip from the store. The 3rd party stores that Google will "let us" download from are no different from the Play Store. All those developers will still be subject to what Google is doing. If Android is going to become reskinned IOS, I would rather move to Apple. It's better optimized with many apps that absolutely DO NOT function near as well on Android or get updates way later than Apple. It's a smoother, cleaner product. Though, truly, I want to go to Motorola as they are planning to work with GrapheneOS which is privacy & security focused (which Google isn't! And this move is not making Android more secure!) These practices are anti-consumer AND anti-competition. Monopolistic, dirty practices. It's shameful that Google is still trying to act like they are an "open" system in the slightest while they actively shut out our ability to—again, INSTALL applications on our phone, which is essentially just a computer in our hands. Imagine if Windows did this, or even a Macbook. The free world is about having free choice, and this isn't that. I will absolutely be moving away from Android if this changes take effect. In the meantime, I'll take my in-app purchases to the actual websites behind them, use F-Droid & various places to download APKs to update in place of the Play Store. This is abhorent. TL;DR: Google is awful, hates consumer and developer freedoms, & yearns for censorship and growing it's monopolistic empire. I will be moving to any other phone if this happens. "
Jaden, 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
"Google, don't make me get the spray bottle. "
Skipps, change.org
"This is concerning for educators and hobbiests using Android phones as feature-rich platforms for learning "
Geoff, change.org
"I use a de-googled phone and F-Droid is my store. This will destroy F-Droid. If I pay for a device I should be able to load what every I like on that device. Google is using it's monopoly powers to force us into a box. I'm a great believer in privacy and freedom and I see it day by day gradually eroded. "
Peter, change.org
"We live in a declining society where it is becoming ever more apparent that those in power wish to hoard & guide technologies to enrich themselves more. Enough! Proprietary systems are no different than a safe, one you may use only in the manner that those with enough wealth & influence to have the safe's combination are willing to allow its usage. Such systems are a net negative to wider societal growth & stability. Meant to lock out new talent & stifle overall creativity which could massively improve the system overall. Just another example of a tech company's massive overreach. It should 100% be stopped. "
Aaron, change.org
"I am Japanese and using translation. I am deeply disappointed about this matter. There is no need to restrict the great features of Android. If only a limited number of people can develop, it will only lead to the decline of content. Please stop making things worse. "
成田, change.org
"Wow, I sure like it when the operating system touted to be for power-users to make unequivocally theirs gets shut up. If I wanted to play it "your way or the highway", I'd go to Apple. This is my device. And I don't need YOUR approval for that. "
Liam, change.org
"Monopole kosten,vdas tragen dann wir alle. "
Richard, change.org
"Google is wrong to limit people installing whatever they want on what's supposed to be their phone. "
Spark, change.org
"This is, I believe a really dumb decision on Google's part. Personally one of the primary reasons I choose to use Android devices over IOS is because I loathe Apple's locked down environment ... Is Google now wanting to follow in Apple's coat tails with this policy ? I thought Google was about leadership and innovation, if it now wants to play second fiddle to Apple, I hope another OS comes to the forefront, I'm pretty sure one will. It may take a little while, but freedom will out in the end. And personally if Google thinks they can control what I choose to do with my own devices ... well I'm sorry Google, but THAT WILL NOT WORK FOR ME. As it is I already have to sideliad apps I want on my tablet because " they are not compatible with my device " at least according to the Play Store they are not... So tell me Google, if they are so incompatible, WHY DO THE FUNCTION PERFECTLY one I sideload them from a device that you deem to be "compatible " ?? And now you think you can stop me ? and stop me from writing my personal little apps to do other neat stuff that I like ??? I really THINK NOT and if I can no longer work on Android Devices, we'll I WILL FIND / CREATE A WORKABLE ALTERNATIVE. "
Paul, change.org
"Dear Google. You have paid games. Players are trying to get the modded apk. You slap them with an "unsafe" warning. Not all modded apks can be unsafe, some are. If you want free robux, steal some. Sincerely, Yaoi Ulshade "
Yaoi, change.org