आपका फ़ोन अब आपका नहीं रहेगा।
2027* के शुरू होते ही, गूगल बड़े ही शान्ति से आपकी सहमति के बिना, वे सारे एंड्राइड ऐप्स पर प्रतिबन्ध लगा देगा जिनके डेवेलपर्स ने गूगल के साथ अपना रजिस्ट्रेशन 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: 2027 के शुरू होते ही, हर एंड्राइड ऐप डेवलपर को केंद्रीय रूप से गूगल के साथ रजिस्टर होना होगा इससे पहले कि उनके द्वारा बनाये गए सॉफ्टवेयर किसी भी डिवाइस पर इनस्टॉल हो सकें। सिर्फ प्लेस्टोर वाले ही ऐप्स नहीं, सभी ऐप्स। इसमें दोस्तों के बीच शेयर किये गए ऐप्स भी आते हैं, और F-Droid जैसे प्लेटफार्म भी, जो शौक़ीन तथा टेक 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 टेक-प्रेमी, ये सभी अपना सॉफ्टवेयर बनाने और वितरित करने के अधिकार से वंचित हो जाएंगे।
रजिस्ट्रेशन 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 ऐप्स 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 ऐप्स चला सकेंगे जो गूगल द्वारा प्रमाणित हैं। आपके फ़ोन पर: आपकी संपत्ति, जिसके लिए आपने पैसे दिए हैं।
स्वतंत्र डेवेलपर्स को
एक किशोर का पहला ऐप, एक वॉलंटियर का प्राइवेसी टूल, या एक कंपनी का गोपनीय बीटा। गूगल के आशीर्वाद के बिना 2027 में आप उनमें से किसी भी प्रकार के ऐप इनस्टॉल नहीं कर पाएंगे।
F-Droid, जो कि हज़ारों फ्री और ओपन-सोर्स ऐप्स का घर है, उन्होंने इसे एंड्राइड के "अस्तित्व पर खतरा" बताया है। Cory Doctorow ने इसे "Darth Android" कहा है।
सरकारें एवं सामाजिक संगठन
तानाशाही सरकारों की ऐप्स हटाने की मांगों के आगे घुटने टेकने का गूगल का पुराना और दर्जित इतिहास 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 ऐप्स की चौकीदारी 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।
- पिन 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। सिर्फ एक ऐप 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।
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: जिस कंपनी ने आपके डिवाइस को बनाया है, आपके खरीदने के बाद वही 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 चौकीदार 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 इतनी बाज़ार 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 आतुर है।"
लेकिन, ये तो...
"...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 रजिस्ट्रेशन कर सकते हैं। स्वतंत्र डेवेलपर्स और आलोचक अक्सर नहीं कर सकते। EFF साफ़-साफ़ कहता है: पहचान-आधारित चौकीदारी एक सेंसरशिप का हथियार है, इसका सुरक्षा से कोसों दूर तक कोई नाता नहीं है।
"...advanced flow के उपयोग से तो sideloading 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 ओपन-सोर्स योगदान की परंपरा गूगल 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 बचकाना 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 चौकीदारी 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 ऐप में जोड़ें।
- अगर आप एक वेबसाइट चलाते हैं तो इस countdown banner को अवश्य जोड़ें।
गूगल कर्मचारियों के लिए
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।
वे सभी जिन्होंने इसका विरोध किया है.....
23 देशों के 71 संस्थाओं ने हस्ताक्षर किया है खुला पत्र
ARTICLE 19 article19.org 
Rocky Linux rockylinux.org 
Codeberg e.V. codeberg.org 
Fedimedia fedimedia.it 
FULU Foundation fulu.org 
Software Freedom Conservancy sfconservancy.org 
Rossmann Group rossmanngroup.com 
JMP.chat jmp.chat 
FOSDEM fosdem.org 
Fastmail fastmail.com 
AdGuard adguard.com 
CryptPad cryptpad.org 
OW2 ow2.org 
Digital Rights Watch digitalrightswatch.org.au 
GNOME Foundation gnome.org 
Vivaldi Technologies AS vivaldi.com 
Forbrukerrådet forbrukerradet.no 
The Tor Project torproject.org 
The Calyx Institute calyx.org 
Digitale Gesellschaft digitale-gesellschaft.ch 
FACiL facil.qc.ca 
KDE e.V. kde.org 
Tuta Mail tuta.com 
Data Rights datarights.ngo 
Obtainium obtainium.imranr.dev 
The OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF) osmfoundation.org 
FUTO futo.org 
LineageOS lineageos.org 
Aurora Store auroraoss.com 
The App Fair Project appfair.org 
European Digital Rights (EDRi) edri.org 
UnifiedPush unifiedpush.org 
Cryptee crypt.ee 
Brave brave.com 
XMPP Standards Foundation xmpp.org 
VideoLAN videolan.org 
Fundación Karisma karisma.org.co 
OpenMedia openmedia.org 
Associação Nacional para o Software Livre (ANSOL) ansol.org 
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) fsfe.org 
Ghostery ghostery.com 
The Chaos Computer Club (CCC) ccc.de 
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) beuc.eu 
GitHub Store github-store.org 
epicenter.works – for digital rights epicenter.works 
Privacy Guides privacyguides.org 
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) eff.org 
MetaBrainz Foundation metabrainz.org 
La Quadrature du Net laquadrature.net 
Proton AG proton.me 
Open Web Advocacy open-web-advocacy.org 
IzzyOnDroid izzyondroid.org 
Nextcloud nextcloud.com 
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) fsf.org 
Italian Linux Society ils.org 
Open Rights Group (ORG) openrightsgroup.org 
Techlore techlore.tech 
F-Droid f-droid.org 
GNU/Linux València gnulinuxvalencia.org 
Osservatorio Nessuno OdV osservatorionessuno.org 
iodé iode.tech 
Software Liberty Association of Taiwan slat.org.tw 
/e/ Foundation e.foundation 
microG microg.org 
The Center for Digital Progress (D64) d-64.org 
Technopolice Bruxelles technopolice.be 
April april.org 
Molly molly.im 
The Guardian Project guardianproject.info 
The Digital Rights Foundation digitalrightsfoundation.pk 
GrapheneOS Foundation grapheneos.org इनका क्या कहना है
टेक प्रेस
"Keep Android Open – Abwehr gegen Verbot anonymer Apps von Google"
heise online
"Google will verify Android developers distributing apps outside the Play store"
The Verge
"Google's developer registration 'decree' means the end for alternative app stores"
Cybernews
"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 New Developer Rules Threaten to End the F-Droid Open-Source App Store"
How-To Geek
"Google's new ID requirements could destroy independent app stores"
TechSpot
"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"
The New Stack
"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
"Sideloading is dead for all intents and purposes. The Android you know and love is slowly disappearing."
Android Police
"Open-Source Android Apps Threatened by Google's New Policy"
Datamation
"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 Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
How-To Geek
"Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store"
TechCrunch
"Google's new developer rules could threaten sideloading and F-Droid's future"
Gizmochina
"Open-Source Android Apps at Risk Under Google's New Decree"
TechRepublic
"F-Droid says Google's new sideloading restrictions will kill the project"
Ars Technica
"Over 67 groups urge the company to drop ID checks for apps distributed outside Play"
The Register
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
Tom's Guide
"Google's Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android's open legacy"
Ars Technica
"Google plans to block side-loading like Apple, declaring war on Android freedom"
Tuta Blog
"Google will require developer verification to install Android apps, including sideloading"
9to5Google
"Resistance to Google's Android verification grows among developers"
Techzine EU
"Google will make you wait 24 hours to sideload Android apps"
How-To Geek
"Google's Requirement For All Android Developers To Register And Be Verified Threatens To Close Down Open Source App Store F-Droid"
Techdirt
"Google's New Developer ID Rule Could Harm F-Droid"
Reclaim The Net
"F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules"
Bleeping Computer
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
Tom's Guide
"Google's dev registration plan 'will end the F-Droid project'"
The Register
"Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register"
The Register
"Android, Epic, and What's Really Behind Google's 'Existential' Threat to F-Droid"
Slashdot
"Keep Android Open"
Linux Magazine
"Google says it's making Android sideloading 'high-friction' to better warn users about potential risks"
XDA Developers
"Google is restricting one of Android's most important features, and users are outraged"
SlashGear
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
How-To Geek
"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"
InfoWorld
"Open letter warns mandatory registration 'threatens innovation, competition, privacy and user freedom'"
Infosecurity Magazine
"Android's sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet"
MakeUseOf
"'Keep Android Open' Movement Challenges Google's Developer Verification Rule"
Open Source For U
"F-Droid Slams Google for Misleading Users About Android's App Verification"
Android Headlines
"Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy"
It's FOSS News
"This will wipe out Android as an actual alternative to Apple's mobile OS offerings."
Hackaday
"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"
Internet Freedom Foundation (India)
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
How-To Geek
संपादकीय तथा विश्लेषणकर्ता
"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
"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
"The requirement extends Google's gatekeeping authority from its own Play Store to every alternative distribution channel on Android."
LLM Advocates
"Freedom of choice is being reframed as a 'security risk.'"
Newsfangled
"Google isn't certifying apps, they're certifying developers. This implies that the company can somehow predict whether a developer will do something malicious in the future."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"Google 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 is not a developer account sign-up. This is comprehensive surveillance of the software development ecosystem."
PixelUnion
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Android wasn't supposed to be 'safe.' It was supposed to be free."
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
"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
"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
"Every additional bureaucratic hurdle reduces diversity in the software ecosystem and concentrates power in large established players."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"One US corporation is placing itself between every Android developer and every Android user on earth."
PixelUnion
"The proposed Android Developer Verification program isn't a security update; it's a kill switch for the open ecosystem."
Hillary Keverenge, Tech-ish Kenya
"Google has not removed Android's openness, but it is turning openness from a default right into a conditional, attributable, and tiered capability."
MerchMindAI
"Centralizing the registration of all applications worldwide gives Google newfound powers to completely disable any app it wants."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"This policy represents a dramatic departure from Android's decades-old tradition of openness, in which developers could build and share apps freely without first submitting to a centralized authority."
Biometric Update
"Innovation may be the biggest casualty in all of this. This new rule erodes your right to make informed decisions about your own devices."
MakeUseOf
"Android is 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
"What student is going to upload their passport to a trillion-dollar surveillance corporation just to share their weekend project?"
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"This could turn Google into the effective gatekeeper for all apps on certified Android devices."
It's FOSS News
"This is a form of malicious compliance with the court orders stemming from its losses to Epic Games."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"Google's move is not credibly about 'security,' but actually about consolidating power and tightening control over a formerly open ecosystem."
Techdirt
"Android does not just warn anymore. It enforces."
Youssef Mabrouk, Ostorlab
"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 is no longer the scrappy rebel. It's just another empire tightening the drawbridge."
Newsfangled
"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
"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
संस्थान एवं खुले पत्र
"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
"Centralised, intransparent security architectures certainly help secure monetization and the market by locking out competitors."
Nextcloud
"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
"MEP Christel Schaldemose formally questioned whether Google's mandatory central registration is compatible with the Digital Markets Act."
European Parliament
"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
"The European Pirate Party called for proportionate and transparent measures that ensure security without restricting innovation, limiting anonymity, or distorting competition."
European Pirate Party
"For developers building tools specifically designed to protect user privacy, being forced to surrender their own personal data as a precondition for distribution is deeply contradictory."
AdGuard
"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
"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
"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
"We unequivocally advise against signing up for this program, now or ever."
F-Droid Open Letter
"A policy that forces every Android developer to hand their identity to Google, regardless of whether they use Google's services, makes Android a less-open and less-private platform."
Brave
"Android's biggest strength has always been its openness. That's what attracted developers and users in the first place."
AdGuard
"Nearly 50 organizations published an open letter opposing what they characterize as a 'kill switch for the open ecosystem.'"
Tech-ish Kenya
"A centralized global registration system for Android will inevitably chill this work. Those communities are likely to drop out of developing for Android altogether."
Electronic Frontier Foundation
"Unilaterally consolidating power to approve software into the hands of a single unaccountable corporation is a threat to digital sovereignty everywhere."
Nextcloud
"Google is turning Android into a walled garden monopoly. We must prevent it."
Osservatorio Nessuno
"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
"Google Play itself has repeatedly hosted malware, proving that corporate gatekeeping doesn't guarantee user protection."
F-Droid
"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
"While Android used to be praised for its freedom and independence, it will become a closed shop just like Apple."
Tuta
"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
"Verification just confirms who's behind the app, it doesn't guarantee clean code or rule out malicious behavior."
AdGuard
"Forcing software creators into a centralized registration scheme is as egregious as forcing writers and artists to register with a central authority."
F-Droid
"This extends Google's gatekeeping authority beyond its own marketplace into distribution channels where it has no legitimate operational role."
Open letter, over 67 signatory organizations
"Google 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
"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
यूट्यूबर और क्रिएटर
"Google is removing the one key advantage Android has over iOS."
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
"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
"That's not openness. That is control."
ChiefGyk3D – 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
"The fact of the matter is, this is my device. I paid a lot of money for it. I should be able to do with it what I want."
Switched to Linux – YouTube
"Google is 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
"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
"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 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
"Developers of privacy-focused tools and emulators will have to dox themselves, making them vulnerable to government agencies or legal action."
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
"Every single time a company takes away your ability to do what you want with what you bought and paid for, every single time they twist a knife, we have to point it out."
Louis Rossmann – YouTube
"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
"If I'm going to be trapped in a walled garden anyway, I'll take the one that's built properly."
fireborn – Blog
"Google is setting a requirement that only they can fulfill, forcing developers to go through Google and killing off thousands of apps. Countless users stranded."
Techlore – YouTube
"This means you can't sideload an app from an unofficial source. But it could also be used to lock the ecosystem so we're forced to install only Google apps on approved Google OS versions."
Rob Braxman Tech – Locals
"I'm not using the word 'phone.' I'm using the word 'computer.' This has over 8 GB of RAM, a terabyte of storage. It's a computer. And I'm also not going to be using words like 'sideload.' When you download an exe file onto your Windows computer, you've installed an application. You haven't 'sideloaded' something."
Louis Rossmann – YouTube
"Google already can disable malware that they find on your device. It's already a built-in feature. So what is developer registration actually adding here? Is it security or control? You decide."
Techlore – YouTube
"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
"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
"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 decides what's safe for you, and you don't get a say."
fireborn – Blog
"This is an iPhone now. I didn't want to buy an iPhone. I use Android because it gives me freedom. If you are not going to give me freedom with my computer, then why would I buy your stuff anymore?"
Louis Rossmann – YouTube
"When you download applications, you've simply installed an application. I don't want to use words like 'sideload.'"
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
"Imagine Dell told you that you could no longer install any operating system other than Windows on your laptop. That's what Google is doing to your phone."
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
डेवेलपर्स एवं कम्युनिटी
"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
"You have no right telling me what I can and cannot run on my own devices."
MrZander, Hacker News
"It took them 17 years to finally pull the cage all the way shut."
Apocryphon, 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
"Modern life practically forces you to put all your eggs into a phone controlled by one of two profit-seeking companies."
koala, Lobsters
"Don't beg. Don't get in a position that freedoms depend on the whims of a corporation or willingness of a government to regulate them. Build."
jzb, Lobsters
"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
"Social engineering is destroyed with education, not with restriction and control. Trading freedom for safety eliminates both."
survirtual, Hacker News
"Google seems to actively hate people who develop for their platforms."
hbn, Hacker News
"Play store is full of scam apps, F-Droid isn't, but Play Store is considered secure. It's all theatre."
gcupc, Lobsters
"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
"Google's plan to require developer verification would give Google and governments the ability to ban any app."
Zak, 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
"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
"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
"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
"Google now has a flag on my phone they can control remotely to keep me from accessing the apps I want."
vala, Lemmy
"'Sideload' is like 'jaywalking'; seeks to stigmatize humans being human."
tejtm, 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
"It's not cyclic. It's a ratchet and it gets tighter and tighter."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"We are talking about something categorically worse than vendor lock-in: Collective vendor lock-in."
anordal, Lobsters
"I hate this so much. More and more I get the feeling I have no control over the devices I own. My fear is that Windows will eventually follow. For security reasons of course. It's the path we're on now."
cheesyvoetjes, Reddit
"The phrase 'sideload' is psychological propaganda we are all best off rejecting."
WaffleMonster, Slashdot
"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
"Google wants the authority of a gatekeeper without the overhead of human accountability."
afferi300rina, Hacker News
"Some time in the future, we will look back to this era and ask ourselves what went wrong."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"The open Android I knew and loved is long gone."
girvo, 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
"All the banking and payment apps in India refuse to open if you have developer mode on."
nibbleyou (developer in India), Hacker News
"Once deployed, there's a near 100% chance of such a mechanism being used for evil."
Zak, Lemmy
"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
"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
"My Pixel 6 just broke, and after 15 years of using Android, I've finally been convinced to move to iOS. If I must live in a walled garden, I suppose I'll choose the one with nicer flowers."
yonato, Hacker News
"I 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
"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
"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
"There's an entire genre of scamming where the scammers spend months building rapport with their victims before cashing out. One day is nothing."
free_bip (on the 24-hour wait defeating scammers), Hacker News
"The war on General Purpose Computing is the death of innovation and a direct attack on digital freedom."
layfellow, Hacker News
"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."
masterofn001, Lemmy
"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
"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
"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
"If Android's sandbox and permission systems actually worked, then the mere act of installing an app from an arbitrary source would be as harmless as visiting an arbitrary website."
mwcampbell, Lobsters
"Android is for everyone, provided they submit to Google exclusively."
gumby271, Hacker News
"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
"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
"Signal, VPNs -- they'll have a list of everyone opting out of government-mandated backdoors."
Max-P, Lemmy
"I teach digital literacy and 99% of unsavory software I encounter on people's phones come from the Play Store or App Store. I will believe they're serious about protecting users when I see them do something about the crap ton of borderline scam apps infesting their stores."
1995ToyotaCorolla, Lemmy
"They're boiling the frog -- slowly removing features until all choice is gone."
hn92726819, 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
"They have stolen a free product and are now actively locking out the people who built it."
TheTearMiser, Lemmy
"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
"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
"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
"For 'security' -- always security with these assholes. They're just building the walls of the walled garden higher."
lynxy, Tildes
"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
याचिकाकर्ताओं की आवाज़ सुनें
"Once i switched to f-droid & duckduckgo google could destroy my android experianced the way it's suposed to be, keep our galaxies's free and simple. "
Kelab, change.org
"I don't develop any apps, I do believe in freedom. Freedom to put whatever kind of gas I want in my vehicle(sorry EV's!). Freedom to make make some cash on the side whenever I decide to clean out my storage and have a garage sale. Freedom to choose what apps I can install on a device, running android os which I have rightly paid for. There are other options available Google if helping to keep people safe from running buggy apps on their devices is what you really care about. No need to try and be the app gatekeepers for the future. I pray someone snaps back to reality there before your company proceeds to far down this dark path. "
John, change.org
"Silly choice. A large chunk of Android users will definitely switch to Apple with changes like this. "
Kai, change.org
"Keep Android Open "
Timothy, change.org
"Google is trying to steal money from devs. Plain and simple. "
Caleb, change.org
"Be better than IOS, this is not the way "
Kai, change.org
"Unnaceptable betrayal of platform standards "
Lukas, change.org
"I hæv been a lifeloŋ Android user because it offers ðe ability to customize it ænd sideload æpps on it wiþ ease, ænd I'm not lettiŋ google take ðæt right away! Down wiþ Big Broðer! Down wiþ mæss censoršip! Down wiþ age verificašon! Down wiþ mæss surveillance! Down wiþ ðis Digital ID tyrrany! "
∞ANTHONY∞, change.org
"The continual tightening of the corporate hand around the throat of Android is pivotal to oppose. Android and other Linux-based operating systems are currently and will continue to be the front lines of the eternal battle for user freedom, privacy, and safety worldwide. "
Aaron, 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
"Freedom of choice and the end users ability to load applications and make changes to their devices is exactly why I switched to Android so many years ago. Truly hoping this is resolved and back to the core android roots once again. "
Ryan, change.org
"The transformation of Android into a closed platform would likely erode its competitive advantage over Apple, potentially positioning Apple as the superior option. As an open-source project, Android should ideally operate without the necessity of governmental or private authorizations. Should Google proceed with such a change, it is highly probable that new operating systems will emerge. These decisions by Google could result in significant detriments to the company without yielding any discernible benefits. As a shareholder, I strongly recommend that Google refrain from pursuing this course of action. I oppose any initiative that would necessitate third-party authorization upon installing and operating applications for the Android platform, as this represents a threat to consumers and creators alike, and moves us closer to a monopolistic market. "
Pedro, change.org
"This is an attempt to stifle free and open development because that development has created avenues that subvert Google's bottom line. People are becoming tired of being the product and have the right to their privacy- but Google belives they have a right to force people to become said product by limiting where and how they use their devices. Buzz-words like "a more secure ecosystem" are used to hide their true initiative: their bottom line. Ironically, this corse of action may become the driving force that pushes Linux phones into full maturity, thus amputating the open-source-development community as revenue. I don't subsidize my mobile device purchases so that I may have full control over what I can do with them. Upon this move, I will gladly suffer the inconvenience of a less-mature operating system or less-developed device over a walled garden built by greed mascurading under the guise of "This is what will be best for everyone." "
Jake, change.org
"This policy would put developers at risk. This isn't safety, it's censorship. "
Teagan, change.org
"The sole reason one would choose Android over Apple was because Android uniquely treated their users as Users, not Customers, or Idiots. To take the very core ethos of what appealed to consumers and destroy it in some short-sighted power-grab is insane. "
Josh, change.org
"No reason to own a google device if I am limited in what I can do with it. "
Salvatore, change.org
"We want digital sovereignty for democracy! "
Kelly, change.org
"This decision is about maximizing revenue. And it is Google's near monopoly they are leveraging to do it, despite the negatives for every other person and organisation. Forcing users out of Android with this decision only increases pressure for real alternatives to Android on the smartphone OS, and in the end is Google shooting themselves in the foot. Bit it hurts us too. It's cheaper and easier for everyone to maintain the status quo. Please don't do this, as it erases now decades of work by thousands (millions?) of developers around the world. "
Oliver, change.org
"The freedom of android is what makes me not think about moving to another system such as ios, which could be lost depending on what Google decides, the charm of android is this for me. "
José Antônio, change.org
"Android has been the place for people to create and discover... It's extremely secure already, and there's no need to submit us all to the recent authoritarian wishes of Google... They want to have the developer's full information, to ban you if you challenge them or make an app that they don't like, but people do. We need to stop this... We thank Google for all of what they've done so far... But if they are going down this path, it's time for a TRULY open alternative... "
javier, change.org
"I’m not sure how Google arrived at this decision. Android’s openness is the very foundation of its existence. If Android is no longer open, I think I would choose iOS for its more cohesive ecosystem. In reality, the Play Protect mechanism has very limited ability to guard against malicious software and does not improve the user experience. On the contrary, it would exacerbate the monopoly of the software ecosystem, add to the burden on individual developers and small gaming companies, and could be devastating to the entire ecosystem. I often download games from itch.io and useful tools from GitHub, and if this policy is implemented, these activities will no longer be convenient. Perhaps this is a fine example of Google’s contribution to a global anti-addiction mechanism for smartphones. "
Yi, change.org
"As a CS Professional and recent CS Grad, the flexibility for Android to allow us to share hobby project apps with friends and family who also use Android is a vital part of the learning experience and what makes Android unique. Requiring paid verification based on government ID will have a stifling effect that will make Android loose the open nature that set it apart from Apple, which has been key to its success for many upcoming CS Students, and for many hobbiests that often lead to professional paths. "
Kyler, change.org
"i liked playing gta sa on my droid dont ruin some kids childhood "
Husam, change.org
"Please don't make this change Because that's why I got an Android in the first place! "
Jerry, change.org
"We own the devices that we buy with our money. We should have the freedom to do with them as we like. This includes the installation of apps from any developer without some rediculous google verification. "
Edwin, change.org
"This move is a step backward for the Android ecosystem for so many reasons, but most of because all Google claiming this is for "security" is very disingenuous. Malware already exists on the Play Store, and restricting independent, open-source software does not make users safer, it only makes the ecosystem more closed and worse off. This is anti-consumer to a tee and should not be allowed to happen. "
Teemu, change.org
"I personally knew Android because of it's open nature. Seeing this made me heartbroken. I am all about rooting so sideloading is a crucial part in some rooting operations I do on my device. Now I can't have any more cool mods on my device anymore. Thanks Google. "
chau, change.org
"I have been with Android since the Motorola Droid on Android 2.0 and been with Android all the way till now. The reason I went with Android is because of the openness and freedom I can do with my device that I bought. Throughout the years, I have installed really amazing apps outside the Play Store. I should have the ability to install any app I want and App developers should be able to create any app they want without having to give their information away. Google, please don't become like Apple and lock everything down. "
Rafael, 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
"This is despicable behavior on Googles part. I own my device, therefore I get to decide what I want to install to it. Period. End of story. Some corporate suite halfway across the country shouldn't be allowed to decide what I can install on my device. We need to stand up to this kind of abuse of power. "
Devin, change.org
"I think this a terrible thing since what if you're trying to create your own project app but with this you wont be able to create your own app easily with no problem for your own personal self "
Angel, change.org
"I've always like Google for supporting open source. If Google doesn't not support open source who will? Come Google please keep being advocate of open source. I don't mind all the tracking Google does as long as they support open source "
allan, change.org
"One of the core principals of Android has been consumer choice. Especially in the current day, it's more important than ever that the consumer can choose where to get their software from. As a developer myself, I do not want to and WILL NOT sign up for the developer verification program, as Google has no right to tell me what I can do with my device. I do not trust any company to keep me safe, and especially not when they're overreaching into the personal lives and choices of the everyday user. Even from a consumer quality of life perspective, this change is hugely detrimental. Google Play is infested with ads, bad faith apps, sponsorships, and so much more I do not want to see. Alternative storefronts give users the choice to avoid clunky, nasty pieces of software and choose what workflow is best for them. I beg, please reconsider this choice and keep consumer's rights intact. "
Alexander, change.org
"I moved from iOS to Android, to get back the freedom of using my phone according to my wishes. I have a lot of friends who did too. We all condemn this attempt by Google to enshittify Android. Protection and imposition are not the same. Google, don't be evil. "
Max, change.org
"If this goes through I’m going to apple "
Matt, change.org
"Google can't just restrict our Freedom of Choice! Android is OPEN-SOURCE!! Can't Google even get their policies correct!? Also, what about the Developers and their information!? Wouldn't that be up for grabs if hackers managed to forcibly leak that sensitive information onto the whole web!? Google needs to be smart and NOT force this policy on all of us! We all need to rise up and downright revolt against such heinous and immoral acts of these companies in order to avoid a full on Dystopian Reality that numerous books and certain alternate scenarios feared! Fight this policy that Google is forcing on everyone! "
Raymond, change.org
"Google, don't be evil. "
Eric, change.org
"Don't be Apple! "
Wenshan, change.org
"We will seek another way. Having only google apps would be like an iphone and why then would i keep android? will be jumping on the iphone train!! and using other phones and resources that get around the ban. privacy and diversity are important and there will always be some of us who pursue it. Apps like F-droid have been very cool and usefull. being told you can't use other non-google place store apps will cause the loss of many android phone users. "
sasha, change.org
"This is an insane power play that is attempting to force more money into Google's pockets for developer licenses. There are a lot of legitimate uses for sideloading apps that are legal. Certain emulators cannot be on the Play Store, which are 100% legal. Some apps don't release on the Play Store because of region requirements that don't allow it, so APK's are the only option. Plus, there are a lot of firms that likely develop in-house security apps, that don't and CAN'T be published to the Play Store for security reasons, so this will also lock out those companies from their own security systems and applications. Also, sometimes installing a previous version of an app is needed when the latest version is broken. Also, if I want to develop my own app, now I have to have a developer license to even test it? This is absolutely anti-consumer at its finest, and Google will lose a lot of business from this power play. The sad part is that they will be likely facing a lawsuit from many companies that will be affected by this, because this is a huge change that will affect a huge majority of Android users. "
Nathan, change.org
"We should keep Android open. "
Habsir, change.org
"Yeah let's remove the one thing keeping people on Android 🤨 "
Bobby, change.org
"This is some dirty anti competitive google practice. One of the main reason why people choose android is it's freedom. I'd use a custom rom if my phone supported it(it's a galaxy a04e). Man, i like AOSP, and i really think way mkre people should be using android custom roms for privacy and freedom, because of companies like this, who want to create a monopoly. Android is a good OS, but the company who owns is garbage tbh. So, what i meant is, dont let them continue with those anti competitive practices, havent we had enough of google and big techs dirty practices? "
QByte, change.org
"Completely Unacceptable "
Joe, change.org
"FOSS shall not die and we the users shall be free to install what ever software we want "
Erik, change.org
"Limiting developer and user freedom in the name of "safety" or whatever will only bring Android down to iOS's level. Don't make this mistake, Google! We must keep the right to make and use APKs freely! "
Julian, change.org
"Locking down the Android OS does not benefit developers, or users. It gives more control for Google, to eventually extract more from their users. Android has not been the epitome privacy and FOSS, for a while now; but it has at least kept some of those options open for users. Limiting sideloading is ruining my last reason to use Android. Time to switch. "
Steven, change.org
"I used APK's to play tons of games I loved, like angry birds star wars and I don't wanna see it taken from me. It has always been easier then apple (I know because I sideload all the time) and doesn't help anyone. You're moving customers away. Do better. "
Jane, change.org
"Either way this is going to lead to a massive lawsuit My phone is my device Google doesn't own it nor does it have the power to tell me what I can and can't install on the device that I own Google believes that it rules the world it's censorship completely destroyed YouTube now they plan to destroy Android in the same way but $1,000 says by this time next year Google will cave to the demands of the people "
Isaiah, 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
"Google get out of MY phone! "
Mauro, change.org
"As a long time user of Android who has refused to move on to other mobile devices, and as a developer who builds personal apps for testing, I find the idea of removing sideloading to be more harmful for the android community than it is helpful. I do not want to be "an approved developer" by giving up my personal information and being forced to pay a fee. Android literally started as an open-source operating system, and now it's literally just Apple OS but Google edition. Plus the worry of malware being spread elsewhere is contradictory. Apps on the Google Play Store are NOTORIOUS for containing spyware, malware, and even pornographic ads. I once installed a Genesis emulator on the Google Play Store and the first thing I saw was an ad of a bunch of nude girls, and the ad literally had the Google Ads logo button on it, so I know that wasn't from them but y'all. When I installed a Genesis emulator outside of Google Play, there was not a single ad, and for the other apps I got that did have ads, thet didn't have freaking PORN ads. Going anti-consumer isn't protecting anyone Google, it's just making things worse but in your favor. Please Google, make the choice that would keep your userbase and community instead of one that would destroy it. If you are going to continue with this anti-consumer decision, I might as well switch to Apple because at least they take the time to double-check if their apps have malware and spyware. Don't make me switch. "
Elijah, change.org
"Time to summon Nokia to make Google show some respect bruh "
Rafael, change.org
"Allow Android users to install any APK. Don't require "Identity verification" to publish Apps. "
Eric, change.org
"Boydan girmek lazım "
Said, change.org
"Google already has too much to say on which apps one is allowed to run on their phone. Play Integrity already ruins the Android experience for most custom ROM users and now they're going for side loading, too. This has to stop. "
Alexander, change.org
"Our phone, our rights. Open source is freedom. We will not comply, we will turn to alternatives. "
Foghorne, change.org
"The entire reason I use Android so much and deal with Google's bull is the fact that I can run my own code along with others. Get rid of that, and you get rid of the point of still using Android. "
Aaron, change.org
"My Grandfather never used a phone. After I lost my grandmother we bought him a smartphone. He couldn't use it so I wrote an app for him which made it simpler for him. With these changes, my grandfather won't be able to use my app unless I give Google my data and Google approves me. Who is Google that it should have the right to position itself between me and my grandfather? And no using adb isn't even an option my computer which I use to code and the phone of my grandfather are separate as they don't belong into the same place. As an user I'm also using open source apps on my device which I paid for. Google has no right to decide what I install on my device which I paid for and what I don't install on my device which I paid for. My device does not belong Google. I don't belong Google. I am not the slave of Google. I bought an Android device because it doesn't treat me like a slave. The developers of these apps don't want to give Google their data and I approve that. I don't need approval from Google. I can decide on my own what I install on my pocket computer. Google can make suggestions, but Google doesn't have the right to decide for me. I'm a free person. "
Yunus, 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
"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
"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
"we need to choice. stop google "
Dhlox, change.org
"There are but few remaining bastions of independance left these days. Google, You have taken the cake, the pies, the rest of the desert tray and the full feast before it and left only crumbs in your wake. Are you really about to double back to hoover those up too? Competition is a net gain in any space and promotes growth and vitality! We need places for independents to opperate and users to choose freely what resonates with them and thier own values! Kindly, leave some space! "
m, change.org
"Hasn't Google monopolized enough? Let us have a right to our data, identity security, and development. "
Taylor, change.org
"Android used to be the go to mobile if you wanted quality and freedom from having to buy in to one type of tech (e.g. Apple). Now they're forcing developers and users to buy into their tracking. This just may well be the push I need to give up my mobile all together. Thanks Google! "
Jason, change.org
"Android promised us a choice. We shouldn't let them take it away from users and developers alike just to have more control. "
Cross, change.org
"As a regular user and consumer, I am frightened by this direction. Android has historically differentiated itself by being an open platform that users can customize to their liking - this is THE main reason I continue to purchase Android phones. I am a developer as a hobby, and will occasionally create my own apps to support my unique projects and requirements. I have no interest in becoming an authorized developer - that wouldn't make sense for me. In addition, I benefit STRONGLY from the community of existing open-source apps. I am an avid F-Droid user, and find the apps there to be of equal or better quality than those in the Play Store. If Android is to become as locked-down as iOS, then my next phone purchase will be from Apple to benefit from their increased privacy protections. The main differentiator drawing me.to Android will be gone. "
Patrick, change.org
"I wanted android mainly for its ability to download things in third party app stores, unlike Apple, now that Google is going to be doing this, it makes Google look no better than Apple, Android, infamous for its open sourcability now getting locked down just like iOS. I really hope that this is refuted instead of pushed to Android. "
Joshua, change.org
"If you are or were a student in information engineering, many of you likely took a class on developing applications for Android devices. However, this specification change is something that will shake the foundations of such courses. Things that could previously be done by simply installing apps onto a physical device will now require cumbersome application procedures, an act that significantly lowers student motivation. "
中院, change.org
"This is a violation of free speech and freedom of choice. We are not apple! "
Gearrard, change.org
"The sooner this is allowed the sooner our country is gone for good. State control over personal devices will have gone too far. "
April, change.org
"Compared to iOS, Android always felt less restrictive and easier to work with, both as a user and developer. Now, Google would like to take that competitive niche and throw it in the dumpster. This benefits no users or developers. It is blatantly greedy, controlling, and nonsensical. It adds more red tape for developers, higher potential for censorship at the whim of Google, and it will turn Android into another iOS. Android users chose not to go with iOS when they bought their devices, for several reasons. For me personally, I liked that Android allowed certain kinds of apps that Apple did not allow on iOS. If Android didn't have that advantage, I would've picked iOS. It's a bad move for Google's business, it's a bad move for developers, and it's a bad move for consumers. Terrible idea all around. "
Bill, change.org
"The change to requiring app verification through a wireless, centralized service, instead of a feature of the OS, is a change that is inconvenient at best, and threatens the portable device market as it currently stands at worst. By making this change, Google is further revoking the customization and autonomy (or what is left of it on most carrier phones) that not only drives many users to get Android in the first place, but is a reminder of what makes computers so wonderful, in my opinion; the ability for every one to customize, and hack their own device to be perfectly their own. This wonderful thing is a basic function of any "free" computing platform that should not be revoked, but increasingly, it has. Please, Google, do not take this direction, and shut off the venue of customization that allows people to use their devices the way they want to, and has lit the torch for many future software developers and computer scientists. "
Zacario, change.org
"Google isn't trying to protect us from malware with these policies; it's simply trying to control the platform it owns to profit from its platform and the data it collects. "
Tiburcio, change.org
"Google, go rethink your choices! what is wrong with companies nowadays?!?! "
am, change.org
"Goggle shouldn't limit our freedoms on our own devices for any reason "
Tristin, change.org
"I will dtop uding Android if this is beeing implemented "
Cederick, change.org
"Android has always been about freedom on mobile, unlike iOS, and must remain so permanently. Developer identity verification on Android will not stop fraud and other malicious activities by fraudsters and scammers. They can use the browser, calls, or SMS to continue their malicious activities with impunity. This intrusive developer verification method will push both users and developers to use dangerous workarounds to run their preferred APKs outside the Play Store on Android. Furthermore, it will expose each APK developer's identity to data leaks, facilitate identity theft, and endanger everyone's privacy not to mention that it restricts the freedom of expression of developers. "
Samuel, change.org
"Keep the Android Open Source Project... Open Source "
Raymond, change.org
"Android will no longer be what it was initially pitched to be, a phone OS with the freedom to do virtually anything you wanted. After many years of owning android phones I have had to move to iPhone as I can no longer stand how google operates and what they are doing to restrict the android OS. "
Aiden, change.org
"I use Android because it's free than OS so what will be the difference between iOS and Android if it's not for "site loading".i am simply user not a developer I like to be able to take a software and install it with my device.Don't be evil but that's not true anymore but remember for where you coming from if you forget this your roots you have no future. "
Krasimir, 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
"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
"This is a de facto monopolization strategy and must not be allowed. Censorship and data harvesting are already proliferating, this will make those issues worse. "
Michel, change.org
"As a regular user of Fdroid and other app stores, I want to be able to continue using my devices that I paid good money for to use the apps that I want to use! Stop this locking down of Android immediately! "
Jolene, change.org
"Keep android open "
Charlotte, change.org
"The reason why i use android is because of the freedom but if Google lockdown android then there no point on staying and not switching to other ecosystem "
Joel, change.org
"Google has shown a lack of respect for user privacy their entire existence. You own your device, you spent hundreds of dollars/Euros for it. It was not a loan by Google, it is yours, and you should control what you use it for. People who want to use only Google verified apps are free to do so without having to infringe on the rights of the people knowledgeable enough to make the decision to use apps from outside Google's Play store. Google and others have long criticized Apple for this exact thing, to the point that they're in a lawsuit for it. For Google to try this shows a complete lack of respect for the customer, a lack of integrity, and complete and utter hypocrisy. If I want to make a personal app to control a toy I made and programmed, why should I have to give Google my personal information, jump through extra hoops, give them my code, and PAY them for the privilege of doing my own work? It's ridiculous. It's pure corporate greed. More than that, it's an attempt from Google to control your device. Yet another avenue for censorship, surveillance, and the road towards a world without any freedom, all under the guise of "safety." This is not just an attack on you and your device. This is an attack on your freedom as an individual and your right to your privacy and choice. This shouldn't just be a petition, this needs to be nonnegotiable. "
Paul, change.org
"Freedom to install apps not verified by Google is one the main reasons to choose android over IOS. And claims that it's for security is BS. There are plenty of malicious apps on the playstore anyways, and this is going to lead to people who don't necessarily know what they're doing doing things like rooting their device, unaware of the risks. Besides, why is it any of Google's business what apps I install on a device I purchased? "
Cliff, change.org
"the only reason Android shines is it's customizabe especially app installation. please don't ruin yourself "
John, change.org
"Enough freedoms have been taken away, so leave the tech ALONE!!! "
John, change.org
"Open means Open Google. You are a Liar Google. Pass this and watch the revolt. There are other options than Google, Google. "
Paul, change.org
"Don't let Google shut down Android, let your voice be heard! "
Gustavo, change.org
"SCREW GOOGLE FOR DOING THIS! F-Droid and other 3rf party app stores ARE IMPORTANT and losing them means Google wins and everyone else LOSES. Help support these platforms in any way you can peeps!!! "
Jack, change.org
"Android’s intended purpose has always been to be an open, permissionless operating system. By requiring developer "verification" to install apps, Google is turning a personal device into a corporate-controlled appliance. I oppose this policy because: Ownership: I bought the hardware; I should decide what software runs on it without a "gatekeeper." Privacy: Forcing independent developers to "dox" themselves to Google kills anonymous, pro-privacy innovation. Freedom: Sideloading must remain a right, not a privilege granted by a Google-controlled ID system. Keep Android open. Don't build a walled garden. "
Jordan, change.org
"I choose to use android devices because they provide more freedom and ability to control my own devices and how I use them. I cannot support any measure that limits those freedoms in any way or drives up costs in a world where costs are already increasing due to incompetence and lack of care for the average person. "
Scott, change.org
"The openness of Android is perhaps one of the greatest features of Android. While many people do not sideload apps, many others do for a variety of reasons. Having the ability to use your own devices as you want want to, is crucial for many people around the world. We have seen many times in the past, that "security" measures like this one do very little to increase security, but restrict users heavily. "
Eric, change.org
"Now we cant even test our own projects on android without licking the boots of microslop "
William, 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