Телефоныңыз жақында сіздікі болмай қалуы ықтимал.

83 блокқа дейін күн

2026 жылдың қыркүйегінен бастап Google өз еркімен жіберетін үнсіз жаңарту Google-ге тіркелмеген, шартқа қол қоймаған, ақы төлемеген және мемлекеттік куәлігін бермеген әзірлеушілердің барлық Android қосымшасын бұғаттайды.

Бас тарту мүмкіндігінсіз — дүниежүзіндегі барлық қосымша, барлық құрылғы.

Google не істеп жатыр

2025 жылдың тамызында Google жаңа талап жариялады: 2026 жылдың қыркүйегінен бастап әрбір Android қосымша әзірлеушісі кез келген құрылғыға бағдарламасы орнатылар алдында Google-де орталықтан тіркелуі тиіс. Бұл тек Play Store қосымшаларына емес — барлық қосымшаларға қатысты. Достарға таратылған, F-Droid арқылы берілген немесе жеке пайдалану үшін жасалған қосымшалар да осыған кіреді. Тәуелсіз әзірлеушілер, шіркеу мен қоғамдастық топтары, хоббишілер — бәрі де өз бағдарламаларын жасау мен тарата алмайтын болады.

Тіркелу үшін қажет:

Егер әзірлеуші талаптарды орындамаса, оның қосымшалары дүниежүзіндегі барлық Android құрылғыларда үндемей бұғатталады.

Бұл кімге зиян тигізеді

Сіз

Сіз Android телефон сатып алдыңыз, өйткені Google оның ашық екенін айтты. Қалаған нәрсеңізді орнатуға болады — шарт осылай болды.

Енді Google сол уәдеден бас тартып жатыр — сіз жеке сатып алған құрылғыда. Жаңарту орналғаннан кейін тек Google алдын ала рұқсат берген бағдарламаларды ғана іске қоса аласыз. Өз телефоныңызда: сіздің меншігіңізде, сіз ақша төлеген нәрседе.

Тәуелсіз әзірлеушілер

Жасөспірімнің алғашқы қосымшасы, еріктінің құпиялылық құралы немесе компанияның жабық ішкі бета нұсқасы. Маңызы жоқ. 2026 жылдың қыркүйегінен кейін Google рұқсатынсыз ештеңені орнатуға болмайды.

F-Droid — мыңдаған тегін ашық бастапқы кодты Android қосымшаларының ордасы — мұны «тіршілікке қауіп» деп атады. Кори Доктороу оны «Дарт Android» деп атайды.

Үкіметтер мен азаматтық қоғам

Google-дің авторитарлық режимдер қосымша жою талап еткенде орындайтынын дәлелдейтін тарихы бар. Бұл бағдарламамен бірге сіздің еліңіздің мекемелерін басқаратын бағдарлама есеп бермейтін бір шет елдік корпорацияның еркіне бағынады.

EFF қосымша кіріс бақылауын «интернет цензурасына үздіксіз кеңейетін жол» деп атайды.

Google-дің «шығу жолы» — тұзақ

Google «озық пайдаланушылар» тексерілмеген қосымшаларды «әлі де орната алады» дейді. Ал бұл шын мәнінде қалай көрінеді:

  1. Жүйе параметрлеріне кіріп, Әзірлеуші параметрлерін табу
  2. Әзірлеуші режимін қосу үшін нұсқа нөмірін жеті рет басу
  3. Мәжбүрлеу туралы қорқыту экрандарын жабу
  4. PIN-кодты енгізу
  5. Құрылғыны қайта іске қосу
  6. 24 сағат күту
  7. Оралып, тағы да қорқыту экрандарын жабу
  8. «Уақытша рұқсат ету» (7 күн) немесе «Шексіз рұқсат ету» таңдау
  9. «Тәуекелдерді» түсінетіндігіңізді қайта растау

Тоғыз қадам. Міндетті 24 сағаттық тыным. Өз иелігіңіздегі құрылғыға бағдарлама орнату үшін.

Одан да жаманы: бұл процесс Android жүйесі арқылы емес, толығымен Google Play Services арқылы жүреді. Google оны кез келген уақытта жүйе жаңартуынсыз және келісімсіз өзгерте, қатайта немесе жоя алады. Бүгінгі күні ол ешбір бета, алдын ала немесе canary нұсқасында шықпаған. Тек блог жазбасы мен макет ретінде ғана бар.

Бұл Android-тан үлкен мәселе

Егер Google ашық платформа ретінде сатылған миллиардтаған құрылғыларды кері бұғаттай алса, планетадағы әрбір аппараттық өндіруші мұны бақылап отыр.

Қалыптасып жатқан принцип: құрылғыңызды жасаған компания оны сатып алғаннан кейін қандай бағдарламаны іске қосуға болатынын шешеді. Бағдарламалық жасақтамада мұны «rug pull» деп атайды; бірақ кем дегенде бәсекелес бағдарламаларды орнатуға болатын. Аппараттық жасақтамада бұл сіздің дербестігіңізді жойып, есеп бермейтін жалғыз бақылаушы — сотталған монополистің еркіне бағынуды білдіреді.

Android-тың ашықтығы ешқашан тек бір мүмкіндік болған жоқ. Бұл оны iPhone-нан ерекшелендіретін уәде болды. Миллиондар дәл сол себептен Android таңдады. Google енді сол уәдеден бір жақты бас тартып жатыр — халықтың қалтасындағы бар құрылғыларда, өйткені нарықтық үстемдіктері реттеу жүйесін бағындыруға жетті деп санады.

Ars Technica: «Google-дің Apple-ге деген қызғанышы Android-тың ашық мұрасын жоюға қауіп төндіруде.»

Бірақ бұл...

«...тек қауіпсіздік үшін ғана?»

Қауіпсіздік уәжі — көзбояушылық. Google Play Protect зиянды бағдарламаларды әзірлеуші жеке басынан тәуелсіз қазірдің өзінде тексереді. Мемлекеттік куәлік талабы кодты қауіпсіз етпейді — ол әзірлеушілерді анықтауға және бақылауға мүмкіндік береді. Зиянды бағдарлама авторлары тіркеле алады. Тәуелсіз әзірлеушілер мен диссиденттер — жиі жоқ. EFF тура айтады: жеке сәйкестікке негізделген кіріс бақылауы — цензура құралы, қауіпсіздік құралы емес.

«...кеңейтілген процесті пайдалансаңыз, sideloading мүмкін?»

Тоғыз қадам, 24 сағаттық күту, Әзірлеуші параметрлеріне жасырылған, Google қашан болса да өшіре алатын меншікті қызмет арқылы жеткізіледі. Бұл sideloading емес. Бұл — ешкім аяқтамауын қамтамасыз ету үшін жасалған тосқауыл механизмі. Ол OS арқылы емес, Play Services арқылы жұмыс істейтіндіктен Google оны үндемей қатайта немесе жоя алады.

«...жасырар нәрсеңіз болса ғана мәселе?»

Авторитарлық үкіметтер астындағы ақпарат жариялаушылар, журналистер мен белсенділер бірінші жәбірленушілер болады. Үй ішілік зорлық-зомбылық жағдайындағылар одан кейін. Бұл топтардың барлығының өз заңи жеке басын Google дерекқорына енгізбестен бағдарлама тарату немесе пайдалану үшін заңды себептері бар. Анонимді ашық бастапқы код үлесі Google-дің өзінен де ескі дәстүр. Бұл саясат оны Android-та аяқтайды.

«...Apple жасайтынмен бірдей?»

Apple бастан аяқ жабық бақша болды. Адамдар Android-ты ол өзгеше болғандықтан таңдады. «Apple да солай жасайды» — ең нашарға бәсеке және нашар tu quoque дәлелі. Сонымен қатар реттеу қысымы (ЕО-ның Цифрлық нарықтар туралы заңы) тіпті Apple-ді ашылуға мәжбүр етуде. Google керісінше бағытта: кіріс бақылаушы мәртебесін одан сайын нығайтуға тырысуда.

«...тек 25 доллар және бірнеше құжат?»

Мүмкін, егер сіз кредит картасы мен жүргізуші куәлігі бар АҚШ-тағы әзірлеуші болсаңыз. Сахараның оңтүстігіндегі студент, Мьянмадағы диссидент немесе қоғамдық денсаулық қосымшасын қолдаушы ерікті болып көріңізші. Шығын тек қаржылық емес: сіз мемлекеттік куәлігіңіз бен қол қою кілттерінің дәлелін үкімет талаптарын үнемі орындайтын компанияға тапсыруыңыз керек болады.

Қарсы тұр

Барлығына

  • Иелігіңіздегі барлық Android құрылғыға F-Droid орнатыңыз. Баламалы дүкендер тек адамдар шынымен пайдаланса ғана өмір сүреді.
  • Реттеушілеріңізге хабарласыңыз. Дүниежүзі бойынша реттеушілер технологиялық секторда монополиялар мен биліктің орталықтандырылуына шынымен алаңдаулы және зардап шеккен адамдардан тікелей хабар алғысы келеді.
  • Бұл бетті таратыңыз. keepandroidopen.org сілтемесін барлық жерде жіберіңіз.
  • Ақиқатты бұрмалаушыларға жол бермеңіз. «Ал, негізінде...» деп сылтауратып, мәселені кішірейтетіндер желіде толып жүр. Олардың оқиғаны өз пайдасына бұруына мүмкіндік бермеңіз.
  • change.org петициясына қол қойыңыз және өз дауыстарын білдірген 100 000-нан астам қол қоюшыға қосылыңыз.
  • Ашық хатымызды оқып, таратыңыз
  • Бұл туралы не ойлайтыныңызды Google-ге айтыңыз — олардың өз әзірлеушілерді тексеру сауалнамасы арқылы (қанша пайдасы болса да).

Әзірлеушілерге

Тіркелмеңіз. Android Developer Console-ге тіркеліп, олардың қайтарылмайтын пайдалану шарттарымен келісу арқылы бағдарламаға қосылмаңыз. Жеке басыңызды растамаңыз. Олармен ойнамаңыз.

Google-дің жоспары тек әзірлеушілер бағынса жұмыс істейді. Бағынбаңыз.

Google қызметкерлеріне

Бағдарламаның техникалық жүзеге асырылуы немесе ішкі уәждемесі туралы бірдеңе білсеңіз, жұмыстық емес компьютерден және Gmail емес есептік жазбадан tips@keepandroidopen.org мекенжайына хабарласыңыз. Толық құпиялылық кепілдендіріледі.

Барлық қарсыластар…

23 елден 71 ұйым қол қойды ашық хатқа

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

Толық ашық хатты оқып, қол қоюшыларға алғыс білдіріңіз →

Олар не дейді

Технологиялық баспасөз

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

Ars Technica

"Google's dev registration plan 'will end the F-Droid project'"

The Register

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

How-To Geek

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

TechCrunch

"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

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

Infosecurity Magazine

"Keep Android Open"

Linux Magazine

"F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules"

Bleeping Computer

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

The Register

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

How-To Geek

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

How-To Geek

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

Benzinga

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

Techdirt

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

SlashGear

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

Cybernews

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

TechSpot

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

Android Headlines

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

Datamation

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

Open Source For U

"Keep Android Open – Abwehr gegen Verbot anonymer Apps von Google"

heise online

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

Android Police

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

9to5Google

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

TechRepublic

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

Android Headlines

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

Gizmochina

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

Slashdot

"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"

InfoWorld

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

Techzine EU

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

Tuta Blog

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

Hackaday

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

Thom Holwerda, OSnews

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

XDA Developers

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

It's FOSS News

"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"

Internet Freedom Foundation (India)

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

How-To Geek

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

Ars Technica

"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"

The New Stack

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

How-To Geek

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

The Verge

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

Reclaim The Net

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

The Register

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

MakeUseOf

"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"

Tom's Guide

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

Android Headlines

Редакциялық мақалалар мен талдаулар

Ұйымдар мен ашық хаттар

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

F-Droid

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

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

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

AdGuard

"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

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

AdGuard

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

AdGuard

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

F-Droid

"Google will cut off independent developers to Android if they do not register with Google first. This will kill independent platforms like F-Droid and severely impede FLOSS devs from creating apps for Android."

KDE

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

European Parliament

"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

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

Tech-ish Kenya

"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

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

F-Droid Open Letter

"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

"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

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

Osservatorio Nessuno

"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

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

F-Droid

"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

"Developers who choose not to use Google's services should not be forced to register with, and submit to the judgement of, Google."

Open letter, over 67 signatory organizations

"Google's developer verification policy creates a centralized database, controlled by a single corporation, containing the real-world identity of every person who writes software for Android."

Brave

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

Nextcloud

"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

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

Tuta

"This invasion of privacy of developers is not just an overreach of Google's authority over Android, but also jeopardizes developer safety."

Software Freedom Conservancy

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

European Pirate Party

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

ACLU

"Changes would impose barriers to entry for individual developers, small teams and volunteer projects by imposing fees, identity checks and terms that may not align with the principles of an open ecosystem."

Infosecurity Magazine

YouTube авторлары мен контент жасаушылар

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

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – 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

"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

"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

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

ChiefGyk3D – YouTube

"This is an iPhone now. I didn't want to buy an iPhone. I use Android because it gives me freedom. If you are not going to give me freedom with my computer, then why would I buy your stuff anymore?"

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

"Google keeps getting in as much trouble as Apple when Google is half evil and Apple is full evil. So there are probably people inside Google saying, 'Why not just go full evil?'"

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – 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

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

"Google is doing to Android what Microsoft once tried to do to the web. Embrace, extend, extinguish. Just wrapped in a shinier open-source package."

ChiefGyk3D – YouTube

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

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – 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

"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

"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

"Imagine Dell told you that you could no longer install any operating system other than Windows on your laptop. That's what Google is doing to your phone."

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

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

fireborn – Blog

"The fact of the matter is, this is my device. I paid a lot of money for it. I should be able to do with it what I want."

Switched to Linux – YouTube

"I have really no more strong reason to not recommend you all get iPhones, because this just is pretty much an iPhone with a Google logo on it at this point."

Techlore – YouTube

"Every single time a company takes away your ability to do what you want with what you bought and paid for, every single time they twist a knife, we have to point it out."

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

"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

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

Tuta Blog – Blog

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

fireborn – Blog

"This 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

"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

Әзірлеушілер мен қоғамдастық

"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

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

tejtm, Hacker News

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

flykespice (developer in Brazil), Hacker News

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

WaffleMonster, Slashdot

"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

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

Zak, Lemmy

"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

"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

"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

"You are essentially a child to them. The difference is society has decided not to step in to protect you from your abusive parents."

globular-toast, Hacker News

"I teach digital literacy and 99% of unsavory software I encounter on people's phones come from the Play Store or App Store. I will believe they're serious about protecting users when I see them do something about the crap ton of borderline scam apps infesting their stores."

1995ToyotaCorolla, Lemmy

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

anordal, Lobsters

"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

"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

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

MrZander, Hacker News

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

girvo, 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

"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

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

Apocryphon, 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

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

afferi300rina, 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

"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

"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

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

survirtual, Hacker News

"Anyone else thinking this looks like a precursor to banning Signal and similar? 1) Put Google in control of what you can install. 2) Get Google to block it."

harry8, Hacker News

"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

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

koala, Lobsters

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

TheTearMiser, Lemmy

"Google's own Play Store had over 600 million malware downloads. They keep talking about 'security' but their own store is crawling with fake apps and straight up malware while actual useful stuff gets buried or rejected."

Historical-Employ129 (324 upvotes), Reddit

"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

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

layfellow, 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

"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

"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

"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

"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

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

gcupc, Lobsters

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

hbn, Hacker News

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

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

"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

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

lynxy, Tildes

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

Max-P, Lemmy

"After 15 years of professional development on Android I too am now thinking about switching my focus to something different. And it sucks."

MrDresden, Hacker News

"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."

masterofn001, Lemmy

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

nibbleyou (developer in India), Hacker News

"Some time in the future, we will look back to this era and ask ourselves what went wrong."

BenjaminRi, 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

"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

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

Zak, 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

"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

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

Tiraon, Tildes

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

gumby271, 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

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

hn92726819, Hacker News

Петициядан дауыстар

"The openness of the platform is one of the determining factors when choosing in favor of Android. "

Pavel, change.org

"If I choose to install a piece of software written by someone who "isn't verified" on my device that is my business, not Google's. To Google : Right now, one of the few remaining reasons I would choose an Android device over an iOS device is due to the presence of alternate app stores, like F-Droid that allow me to install open source apps. If I lose that ability, why would I continue to use Android over the competition? Don't be evil. "

Cameron, 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

"my devices are mine and mine only. any argument otherwise is tyrannical "

Dee, change.org

"we pay for these devices and maintain them. we should be able to do anything we want with them. Locking us out is just greed. Like buying a car. then having to pay ever month to use the heated seats that are already in the car. if anything, let us put a different system on the phone. "

David, change.org

"No reason to own a google device if I am limited in what I can do with it. "

Salvatore, change.org

"While thinking walled garden is a way to milk customers even more when you already collecting , selling , sharing the customer's data even tho the customers already paid for the device , services already. You are basically taking away and ignoring the customer's autonomy and disrespecting us all. "

ilayda, change.org

"Android, please do not become like Apple os, doing that, you are changing the best thing you have, thats the user having Freedom to do whatever they want "

Pedro, change.org

"Android has always stood for freedom, openness, and user choice. Blocking APKs goes against the very spirit of what makes Android great. Users should have the right to install the apps they want, from the sources they trust, not just from one store. Limiting APKs doesn’t make Android safer; it only takes control away from users and developers alike. Keep Android open. Keep Android free.Android has always stood for freedom, openness, and user choice. Blocking APKs goes against the very spirit of what makes Android great. Users should have the right to install the apps they want, from the sources they trust, not just from one store. Limiting APKs doesn’t make Android safer; it only takes control away from users and developers alike. Keep Android open. Keep Android free. "

Pedro, change.org

"Google always voiced themselves as the "Open Platform" in direct competition with Apple. With the lockdown happening, there is no more competition. It's either "isolated OS" or "fellow isolated OS". In today's day and age, especially, the people value and are drawn to the ability to make their own choices without the difficulties and frustrations of being restricted and banned from doing something. It's *why* so many people switched to Android/ Google devices, and *why* so many Android/Google users *refuse* to use Apple products. The lockdown is just creating another Apple under a different company. "

Amelia, change.org

"No kings, not even Google. We the people are largely on android instead of IOS because of its open ecosystem. Killing that kills one of your major reasons for existing. Continue and your can bid farewell to massive chunks of users when the decision of what new phone to choose comes around. "

Patrick, change.org

"Android is an open-source system; this restriction will make Android a closed system. I will switch to iPhone if this update is implemented. "

Miguel, change.org

"let's go, ! Keep Android alive! "

jorge, change.org

"This will affect corporate privacy for those that rely on FOSS. Personal and Business privacy will be even more at risk if these changes are applied. From the Conglomerate owner to the DIY hobbyist, we will all be affected only negatively by this. So much of the world relies and depends of FOSS, and with the already dying privacy, many people are going to be literally put at risk of injury or cessation of life because of these changes. No this isn't an overstatement, I'm serious. The amount of NDIS and NDIA workers that use FOSS to protect their clients and their information is staggering. And this will effectively cause them to provide a lower quality service. "

Tobias, change.org

"APKs CANNOT be ripped away from us. "

Twily, change.org

"I was thinking about buying an android before hearing about this. Now, I think I’ll stick to apple until the fix this. "

Keaton, change.org

"We were promised FOSS, keep it that way "

Darius, change.org

"If this goes through I’m going to apple "

Matt, change.org

"Android has always been about freedom and an open option for not only everyday users but developers and artists as well. If Google gets their way this will be a devastating blow to privacy, freedom, independence and how people live their lives. Do not let them get away with this! "

Jonathan, 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

"Android ain’t doing this if we can help it. They CEO types always getting greedy. Let’s keep Android as Android "

Nathanael, change.org

"What guarantee is there that Google will use this data to make money? If only it were used for apk content bar betting houses and violent challenge. "

Waldomiro, change.org

"Control is what made Android different, taking that away would make it no better than Apple and the rest. "

Matthew, change.org

"By implementing mandatory developer registration in September 2026, Google is fundamentally betraying the core promise of Android as an open ecosystem. This shift towards a restrictive, gatekeeper model breaks user trust, kills anonymous innovation, and signals that Android is no longer about user freedom, but rather total corporate control. This is the end of the open platform I chose to support. I urge Google to reverse course it is not too late. The path we are heading on is a very dark one . If you carr only about money you should consider how much money you will lose from this.. I will be leaving Googles ecosystem entirely from chrome, to gemini, to android . I Have been with Google since the beta invites of Gmail but this direction I cannot support and WILL not. Apple would be smart to take advantage of this and capture a gigantic portion of your marketshare. I know I will be using my iphone instead of my s25 ultra. "Don't be evil" - Google But even step you have taken is from greed and control. Which is evil. You have betrayed the very people who made you who you are. "

Michael, change.org

"Google, this is NOT acceptable. You are NOT the gatekeepers of development. You ARE BEING EVIL. "

David, 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

"Android's freedom was one of the reasons it attracted so many users, and now they want to take that freedom away? That's like shitting on your customer's plate, the one who helped you get there where is it. "

Kelwiny, change.org

"Don't tread on us Google! "

Trevor, change.org

"Google has been sued up the butt for monopolizing before, and now they're trying again? And on top of these ridiculous surveillance laws all because a few parents can't watch their children, this is just a stupid decision to make. "

Kamareon, change.org

"I support Signature verification for security, but centralised verification is harmful for open Android ecosystem. "

Wenyi, change.org

"Google should be ashamed of itself and give users the freedom to install any app they want. Why don't they remove those apps from their store where thousands of people suffer from viruses? Bunch of scoundrels! "

Jorge, change.org

"APKs have been very useful to me for getting games I would otherwise have to get overseas with my dad earlier. It allows many more other applications to be downloaded on to my phone too, which would allow me to bypass the need to get the admin code to my computer every time I want to get something. What is this bs that Google is doing? "

Ja, change.org

""do no evil," my eye! this maga-adjacent, corpo-fascist overreach must be opposed, halted buried under copious amounts of binding democratic rules of fundanental software development freedoms & rights. no to paying tolls to genocide enabling skuoogle. no to overt subjugation of independent sw developers. if skruoogle had a consciencec... oh, but skruoogle has no conscience - it's not human. "

whiskey, change.org

"The entire selling point of Android was the open ecosystem. Locking down on APKs will alienate millions of users. "

G, change.org

"How can this be about security when the vast majority of people installing 3rd party apps are accepting that risk. Your anti virus services should be more than enough to prevent malicious applications but babying a population won't go well for you. I for one will get a huawei phone immediately after the change is officialized, privacy be damned, it's less authoritarian than what you're planning on doing. "

D, change.org

"I will dtop uding Android if this is beeing implemented "

Cederick, change.org

"Android used to be all about giving its users freedom over the walled garden approach of iOS. If Google will be following the same path of Apple, they will be losing a major competitive advantage among pro users. "

Freddy, change.org

"Locking down a completely free and open operating system like android only makes the environment more unsafe for the user. Preventing them from having control, and being forced to install service locked bloatware/malware instead of giving the end user control is a pure recipe for disaster. It will be even more prone to incursion, and targeting by malicious entities than if it were left free and open as it has always been. I have always been a massive advocate for 'you buy it, you own it' simply because that's the way it should be, and has always been. If there is no ownership of something in your possession, there's no reason for having it in the first place. "

Chad, change.org

"Im sick of these souless corps squeezing every cent from us they can! "

Marcus, change.org

"I've always chosen to use Android because I want to have control of how I use my phone. I know installing something might cause problems, but after all it's my decision and my phone too! If I wanted to be "more safe" I'd buy a phone with iOS. Let the users decide how they want to use their phones at their own risk. "

Nicky, change.org

"That cannot be allowed, it even attacks the freedom of all users who use Android, for years that has always been the case, therefore, making that change, It would result in a catastrophic situation for many users, including Google itself, with many losses in every sense. "

Javier, 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 signed this petition because Android’s strength has always been openness and user choice. Increasingly strict developer verification requirements risk pushing out independent and open-source developers who don’t operate as traditional businesses. Projects distributed through alternative app marketplaces like F-Droid are often volunteer-run, privacy-respecting, and community-driven. Burdensome verification rules disproportionately affect these small developers while large corporations can easily absorb the compliance costs. Security matters — but it shouldn’t come at the expense of innovation, competition, and open ecosystems. Android users deserve real choice, and independent developers deserve fair, proportionate requirements. I’m signing to support an open Android ecosystem for everyone. "

Luis, change.org

"Nobody asked for this. It's the users choice to install apks on their OWN device that they paid for. Stop doing this google! "

Alexander, change.org

"Google motto used to be "Don't be evil". Today, it doesn't mean anything because they do everything to be evil and greedy. Not many people will follow your restrictions that you like it or not, there is always a way. The Internet is ours, not yours. :) "

Jacob, change.org

"Independent application distribution and creation is incredibly important and is one of the core reasons that I use Android over Apple devices. It's fine to prefer users access apps from a controlled "safe" store, but eliminating the possibility of installing outside applications is definitely not okay. There's no reason for this other than greed both monetary and data Creed. This is not okay for Google to do. "

Brandon, change.org

"As a lifelong Android user and now a beginner developer, I say this is nothing more than an attempt to turn Android into an iPhone 2. You're not protecting anyone, and this seems more like the beginning of an Android monopoly. An open-source system shouldn't have this kind of restriction/censorship, much less force developers to identify themselves and pay fees for beta apps. It shouldn't have a single store. This decision to act against consumers and developers will have very serious negative consequences. After all, when I choose to buy an Android, I choose it for the freedom it gives me and the variety of stores and places where I can download programs that aren't on the Play Store, whether games or development programs. Nobody chooses an Android for its features, much less for the Google system. We choose it because we want the freedom to do what we want with what we buy with our money, taking full responsibility for what we download. Because if I wanted a centralized store with no freedom whatsoever, I would buy an iPhone. "

Sophya, change.org

"I am a lifelong android user who uses 3rd party apps and would lose much of the functionality of how I use my phone if this update goes through. I would likely stop using the app store and use platforms like F-Droid even more. "

Emily, change.org

"The main reason I use Android products at all is for their modability. To require ID verification just invades the privacy of app developers and does absolutely nothing to protect Android users. At this point, what would make Android products any different from Apple? This is completely unacceptable; this will end up hurting more people than it does help. "

Elise, change.org

"Eliminating side loading will remove the main competitive edge that Android has over iOS, remove the open nature that users enjoy and prevent certain use cases. "

Chris, change.org

"Silly choice. A large chunk of Android users will definitely switch to Apple with changes like this. "

Kai, change.org

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

Stark, change.org

"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

"Also consider giving money towards the Graphene OS at grapheneos.org/donate "

Adam, change.org

"It's crucial for Google to recognize that the strength of the Android ecosystem lies in its openness and diversity. Many users are increasingly concerned about privacy and surveillance, which is driving a preference for simpler, "dumb" phones. By maintaining an open ecosystem, Google can cater to this demographic that values freedom and autonomy over constant connectivity and data collection. An open Android ecosystem not only fosters innovation and creativity but also empowers users to choose devices that align with their values. It allows manufacturers to build secure, privacy-centric alternatives without being bogged down by restrictive policies. This encourages a healthier competition, where privacy-focused options can thrive alongside mainstream offerings. Additionally, embracing a more privacy-oriented approach can enhance Google's reputation. Users are now more mindful of where their data goes and how it’s used. By championing user choice and privacy, Google can position itself as a leader in ethical tech, attracting users who wish to escape the surveillance machine. Maintaining an open system isn't just about freedom for developers; it's about respecting the desires and needs of a significant portion of the population that prioritizes privacy. By supporting this diverse landscape, Google can build trust, loyalty, and ultimately, a better future for all users. "

Taylor, change.org

"For longer than I can remember, I have cherished Android's openness, the ability to side-load APKs, access to F-Droid and related means of acquiring open-source and ad-free apps. But now, here we go again with another Big Tech bait-and-switch: Android's appeal has always been it's open nature; Google captures it, promising it will not violate the fundamental openness of Android's operating system; next thing we know, Google announces it will indeed violate everything Android developers, users, and community members hold dear. Google: We are all so tired of paying to have our freedoms restricted on top of being the objects of mass surveillance. We are sick of purchasing over $1000 devices, only to have our fundamental rights to our own bought property be curtailed and our privacy interests betrayed. We will not continue to fund this behavior. Google must make a public, righteous, and inviolable commitment to keep Android devices *at least as open as they are now*. If it does not, it will be Google that feels the pinch of being locked out. "

Brian, change.org

"I bought a andropd because I wanted to have a free open and custom misable experience and now Google is taking that away from us I would rather pay for an iPhone no considering the fact to Google is doing this "

Carter, change.org

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

Francesco, change.org

"Its is unfair and against the law of freedom and privacy. "

Muhammad Asif, change.org

"Are you not greedy enough? "

wesley, change.org

"Using Android has always meant having the freedom to customize your experience to your hearts content, this would be the end of an era. This would also be the end of many small app developers that can't or won't conform to the what one might say 'invasive' requirements to publish an app. You can say goodbye to FOSS and side loading which is a huge part of Android customization. "

sebastian, change.org

"I have been an android user ever since I got my first smartphone over a decade ago. The only reason I still rock an android phone is the ability to customize my phone to my liking and being able to install whatever I want on the machine that I purchased with my money. Taking away the only feature that separates android from iOS is a terrible decision. This will definitely make a good chunk of your fanbase move over to iOS, including myself. "

Luis, change.org

"It's disappointing that Google wants to take away the only good thing about Android. I said it last time and I'll say it again: if they do it, I'm switching to Apple. There won't be any difference anyway. "

Rubén, change.org

"Android shines in giving the user freedom to use their devices however they choose to. If Google closes down on this freedom, in my use case as a power user I will be unable to install apps any except from the play store which is a platform that is littered with bad app that are useless and sometimes they cost money making it unnecessarily difficult for Indy devs working on apps whether it for job or weekend project "

Cristian, change.org

"Without the ability to make my own choices on it I have no reason to use android. I am already tired of and furious about censorship if this goes through I will never use android again. "

Orrin, change.org

"We have the right to have a place to escape the clutches of big corporations. "

Miguel, change.org

"The whole reason I have used Android over iOS is because of the increased freedom to control the device I OWN. My phone is mine and I should be able to use it as I see fit. Companies like Google need to be forced to stop this anti comsumer behavior. "

Mark, change.org

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

Drake, change.org

"As a long-time Android user and small-scale app developer, I'm deeply concerned about the recent moves to restrict app sideloading. Choice has always been the core strength of Android—it's what set it apart as an open operating system. Forcing users to become "approved developers" just to build and install personal apps is impractical and unnecessary; I simply don't have the time or interest in jumping through those hoops. This shift feels like the start of broader censorship and monopolization, transforming Android into little more than a reskinned version of iOS. We chose Android for its freedom, not for anti-consumer restrictions that claim to "protect" us but really just limit our options. Existing tools like Knox and Play Integrity are already intrusive enough—now even downloading from trusted alternatives like F-Droid or other third-party stores might face scrutiny? This erodes the open spirit that defined Android from the beginning. Users deserve the right to create, modify, and install apps without sacrificing anonymity or control. It's our responsibility to educate ourselves on risks, not for big tech like Google (or GAFAM) to dictate terms. Android's appeal has always been its flexibility: I've sideloaded niche apps from lone developers for unique tasks, like custom music players and compass tools from F-Droid. I've even installed modded versions of stock apps, such as a camera tweak that added Google Pixel's Photosphere to my device—something impossible without sideloading. There's no need for Android to head in this restrictive direction; it risks becoming a "mock iOS," stripping away the very reasons people like me chose it. Let's restore customization, user freedom, and innovation to the heart of Android. Please, reconsider this path—it's not protection; it's control. "

Mike, change.org

"Google has painted developer verification as 'security' but the Play Store already hosts malware and Play Protect scans for it already. This is simply another attempt at Google to try and monopolise (see Chrome or the RCS protocol) and no one should be wanting this to happen. This affects anyone who develops outside of the Play Store (including F-Droid or GitHub repos), privacy or anonymous apps, it suffocates our OSS devs, and introduces another way for Google to oversee everything or another vector for data to be leaked. Android has always been about freedom and user control and Google should not have a say in how users use their devices. I have been an Android user since Ice Cream Sandwhich and there are multiple reasons as to why I have never owned an iPhone. I would not be able to have the phone I do today or be able to use it to its full extent without the contributions of FOSS/OSS devs and their community. Shame on you, Google. If this goes through, I'll take my chances with Linux. "

A, change.org

"then why get an android at this point? "

Kyarie, change.org

"I like an open source because we're not stuck to when we might not. It about prefence. I have never used iOS but this might change my mind. I will look for an alternative to android if this takes place. "

Leoncio, change.org

"Google. Seriously. Stop. You're becoming the definition of the "don't be evil" slogan that you've buried. You're making Android even worse than iOS "

Karkan, change.org

"I don't want to have to choose between switching phones and being able to download uncensored apps. Most people simply don't have the time or freedom to switch to Linux, and Google knows it. We are not stupid. We don't need their "protection." We can make our own choices for ourselves. "

Adele, 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

"I have been an Android user since smartphones became mainstream, and the primary reason I chose Android was the freedom it offers. Unlike other platforms, Android allows users to install applications from outside official stores, enabling innovation, experimentation, and personal control over our own devices. Over the years, I have used open-source applications from platforms like GitHub and F-Droid, many created by independent developers who may not have the resources—or the desire—to publish through centralized stores. In some cases, I have even modified open-source code to suit my personal needs and compiled my own versions of apps. This is not just a niche use case—it represents the very spirit of open computing. Requiring developers to submit personal identification and restricting distribution channels will disproportionately impact: Independent and open-source developers Users in region-restricted environments Applications that are no longer available on official stores This change does not just improve security—it introduces control over who is allowed to distribute software, fundamentally shifting Android away from being an open platform. If users are no longer free to install applications of their choice, Android devices risk becoming restricted ecosystems similar to closed platforms—where functionality is determined not by the user, but by a central authority. The ability to sideload apps is not a loophole—it is a defining feature of Android. Removing or weakening it undermines user autonomy, developer freedom, and the very reason many of us chose this platform in the first place. "

Eranga, change.org

"Enough is enough google! I am already swapping back over to iOS for more than a few reasons other than oh i dont know, YOUR OWN PHONES CATCHING FIRE ON MY BEDSIDE TABLE! As a developer, This makes it really hard to want to make an app cross-compatible with your OS! First you flatten the bugdroid, then you make unsafe phones, now this?! Sorry, but even I, a hardcore android fan am taking Apple's stance on this. "

Shibe, change.org

"We choose Android because it's open and free. "

Flora, change.org

"Assuming Google is acting in good faith, they should respect users' intelligence and not lock down APK usage into a heavily regulated part of the internet. "

Noah, change.org

"This is just another tiny step in the journey to control your device. The more they control the more they extract. "

Michael, change.org

"Freedom of application installation on my own device is paramount to democratic computer access. "

John, change.org

"google, it is not your job to parent any user on what they wish to do with the items they purchase. No one wants your control and no one asked. "

Kyi, change.org

"Invasion of privacy in the name of security "

Sadegh, change.org

"Guys, let's join forces and stop Google from putting these restrictions on Android. "

Kettisson, change.org

"Genuinely fr "

Hanifinio, change.org

"The only thing that set Android apart from Apple (and frankly made it objectively better than Apple) is the freedom of control you have over a device you actually own. Removing that ability makes Android no better than Apple, might as well say you don't really own that phone or tablet when you take away such freedoms. "

George, change.org

"The whole reason I use an Android based device is for the freedom that comes with the phone. If I wanted to be governed by my cellphone manufacturer I would use an iPhone. "

Zachary, change.org

"Android needs to remain about choice not a locked down OS like Apple, that's the reason I and so many others choose android "

Sean, 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

"As detailed at https://developer.android.com/developer-verification, Google is planning to impose a requirement that developers of Android applications centrally register their signing keys with Google and pay a fee, enforced by the Google Play Services framework preventing applications from unregistered developers from running on users' devices. Google already lost a case on this issue and was forced to make it easier for users to install applications from third parties (https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/google-proposes-app-store-reforms-settlement-with-fortnite-maker-epic-games-2025-11-05/). The F-Droid project has clearly stated that Google's current behavior threatens its very existence, which is as far as I can tell in direct violation of the intent of that ruling (https://f-droid.org/en/2025/09/29/google-developer-registration-decree.html). I personally use F-Droid as the primary source of software on my device. If Google goes through with this plan, my freedom to use my device as I see fit will be harmed. "

Duncan, change.org

"I use android because its easy to mod and customize. If I own the device, I want complete control of it. That comes with the understanding that my modifications could break it . If we lose sideloading and indie and open source development, we'll just have to stray further from the platform to find it again. In a world where the easy to access services and products are becoming increasingly controlled and locked down to the detriment of the consumer, there's real benefit to be had in being one of the few exceptions. "

Cole, change.org

"It's just because I like piracy and I was born into piracy. "

Simp, change.org

"Having less autonomy over how we use our devices doesn't make us safer, it just makes us more subject to corporate control. I'm not here for that. "

Eleanor, change.org

"Government ID verification inches us even closer to a dystopian survallience future without open rights, without freedom of choice, and with orwellian control over our lives. Fight back against this and talk to your family and friends. "

dev, change.org

"I use android since I was aware of what is tech, nearly since android started as an OS, customizing every aspect of my phone I was capable to, breaking things, some of the things that make android being the sweet spot between being in complete freedom (what can be dangerous) and a kindergarten for cellphone users. In later years still using some good indie apps that the developers can't afford to put on google play, going back in app versions through public apk repos like apkmirror when something went wrong with the current version of an app, and more recently being a software developer. Today this is nothing but one more barrier to do native mobile apps (adding to resource intensive development tools, excessive boilerplate, steep learning curve, hardware and OS fragmentation, play store current policies, and many more) turning testing and feedback into a headache. I as a developer see a potential loss of talent that could enrich the ecosystem, a place where only startups and companies will survive (driven by capitalism) except for a minority of truly dedicated developers. I'm not a native English speaker however today I wanted my voice to be heard, doing it so in their language despite the misspelling I could make. I have hope for open source (especially indie); we mustn't forget that many of today's software foundations, including Android, originate from it. I hope they allow, and above all, facilitate the preservation of open source through the small innovations of more casual developers who improve the ecosystem day by day. "

Alexis, change.org

"As a consumer, i have The right to install applications freely without pressure or retaliation,since ona has The right to choose the applications one needs or uses. Furthermore,Android was designed for free use without restriction and with open source code for allá programmer,developers,and users of The device.This restriction would be illogical and would destroy The esence of Android.I oppose the removal of F-Droid and other third party applications. CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT BE FORCED INTO CHANGES THEY NEITHER WANT NOT SUPOORT;BESIDES BEING PROHIBITED,IT IS ILLEGAL TO DECIDE FOR THE USER.ANDROID IS FANTASTIC BECAUSE EVERY USER CAN PERONALIZE THEIR DEVICE.SOMEONE MIGHT HAVE A SPECIFIC BRAND IN MIND,BUT THEIR DEVICE WILL REFLECT THAT PERSONALIZATION,UNLIKE ¡OS, NO TO BLOCKING THIRD PARTY APPS "

Juan Manuel, change.org

"For Freedom! "

Ömer Can Devrim, change.org

"I have Android phones for just one reason: The freedom they provided so far. Some of my main apps are side-loaded. This move of Google is a huge disappointment. It’s a terrible abuse of monopoly power. "

Andreas, change.org

"Hello, I have been using Android my whole life, and I have always disliked iOS because of how locked down its operating system is. Recently, I have heard that Google may want to lock down Android and restrict third-party creators, and that is very concerning. Android’s openness is one of its biggest strengths. Not everyone can afford the cost and requirements to publish apps on the Google Play Store, and many independent developers rely on the ability to distribute apps outside of it. Android is also the largest operating system worldwide, and many devices such as the Meta Quest depend on Android and their own app stores. Locking down Android could create major problems for these platforms and users. As someone who plans to create and upload Android applications in the near future, this kind of change would be very limiting and would hurt creativity and development. Please keep Android open, and do not turn it into a system like iOS. Thank you for your time. "

charlie, change.org

"The whole point of android was user choice. Remove that and you remove all incentive good luck with sales. "

Jason, change.org

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