Tvoj telefón sa čoskoro prestane správať ako tvoj.

82 dní do obmedzenia

Od roku 2027* začne Google prostredníctvom tichej aktualizácie, bez súhlasu používateľa, blokovať všetky Android aplikácie, ktorých vývojár nie je registrovaný, neodsúhlasil podmienky, nezaplatil poplatok a neidentifikoval sa oficiálnymi dokladmi.

Každá aplikácia a každé zariadenie, globálne, bez možnosti odmietnuť.

↓

Čo Google pripravuje

V auguste 2025 Google oznámil novú požiadavku: od roku 2027 bude musieť byť každý vývojár Android aplikácií centrálne registrovaný u Googlu, aby bolo možné jeho softvér nainštalovať na zariadenie. Netýka sa to len aplikácií v Play Store, ale všetkých aplikácií. Vrátane aplikácií zdieľaných medzi známymi, distribuovaných cez F-Droid alebo vytvorených pre vlastné použitie. Nezávislí vývojári, komunitné projekty aj hobby tvorcovia tak môžu stratiť možnosť svoje aplikácie šíriť.

Registrácia zahŕňa:

Ak vývojár tieto požiadavky nesplní, jeho aplikácie budú automaticky blokované na všetkých Android zariadeniach.

Koho sa to dotkne

Teba

Android si si kúpil aj preto, že bol otvorený. Mohol si si inštalovať aplikácie podľa vlastného výberu.

Google teraz tieto podmienky spätne mení, aj pre zariadenia, ktoré už vlastníš. Po zavedení zmien bude možné spúšťať len softvér, ktorý Google schváli — na zariadení, ktoré je tvojím majetkom.

Nezávislí vývojári

Prvá aplikácia študenta, komunitný nástroj na ochranu súkromia alebo interná firemná aplikácia. V roku 2027 nebude možné tieto aplikácie nainštalovať bez schválenia Googlu.

F-Droid, ktorý združuje tisíce open-source aplikácií, označil tento krok za "existenciálnu hrozbu". Cory Doctorow ho nazýva "Darth Android".

Štáty a občianska spoločnosť

Google má zdokumentovanú históriu vyhovovania požiadavkám vlád na odstránenie aplikácií. Tento model znamená, že softvér používaný aj vo verejnom sektore môže byť závislý od rozhodnutí jednej súkromnej spoločnosti.

EFF upozorňuje, že kontrola aplikácií predstavuje "rozširujúcu sa cestu k internetovej cenzúre."

"Alternatívny postup" podľa Google je výrazným obmedzením

Google uvádza, že "pokročilí používatelia" si budú môcť "naďalej inštalovať" neoverené aplikácie. V praxi to znamená:

  1. Otvoriť systémové nastavenia a nájsť možnosti pre vývojárov
  2. Klepnutím na číslo zostavy sedemkrát aktivovať režim vývojára
  3. Potvrdiť varovania
  4. Zadať PIN
  5. Reštartovať zariadenie
  6. Počkať 24 hodín
  7. Znovu potvrdiť varovania
  8. Vybrať možnosť "povoliť dočasne" (7 dní) alebo "povoliť trvalo"
  9. Znovu potvrdiť porozumenie "rizikám"

Deväť krokov a povinné 24-hodinové čakanie — pre inštaláciu aplikácie na zariadení, ktoré vlastníš.

A čo je horšie, celý proces prebieha cez Google Play Services, nie priamo cez Android. Google ho môže kedykoľvek zmeniť alebo zrušiť bez aktualizácie systému a bez súhlasu používateľa.

Dopady presahujú Android

Ak Google môže spätne obmedziť miliardy zariadení predávaných ako otvorené, vytvára to precedens pre celý trh.

Vzniká princíp: výrobca zariadenia rozhoduje aj po jeho kúpe, aký softvér môžeš používať. Pri softvéri sa tento jav označuje ako "rug pull" — náhla zmena pravidiel v neprospech používateľa; stále však môžeš použiť alternatívny softvér. V prípade hardvéru ide o hotovú vec (fait accompli), ktorá používateľovi berie kontrolu a ponecháva ju v rukách spoločnosti bez efektívnej kontroly s monopolným postavením.

Otvorenosť Androidu bola kľúčovým dôvodom jeho výberu. Bol to práve tento prísľub, ktorý Android odlišoval od iPhonu. Milióny ľudí si ho vybrali práve z tohto dôvodu. Google teraz tento prísľub jednostranne ruší, a to aj na zariadeniach, ktoré už majú používatelia vo svojich rukách, pretože vychádza z toho, že jeho trhové postavenie a vplyv na reguláciu mu to umožnia bez zásadných dôsledkov.

Ars Technica: "Snaha Googlu priblížiť sa Apple môže oslabiť otvorený charakter Androidu."

Časté otázky

"...ide len o bezpečnosť?"

Argument bezpečnosti je sporný. Google Play Protect už dnes kontroluje aplikácie nezávisle od identity vývojára. Požiadavka na predloženie dokladu totožnosti nevytvára bezpečnejší kód. Umožňuje však identifikovať a kontrolovať vývojárov. Autori škodlivého softvéru sa zaregistrovať môžu, nezávislí vývojári či disidenti často nie. Organizácia EFF to pomenúva priamo: kontrola prístupu založená na identite je nástroj cenzúry, nie bezpečnosti.

"...nemôžeš použiť sideloading (inštalácia aplikácií mimo Google Play)?"

Deväť krokov, 24-hodinové čakanie, všetko skryté v možnostiach pre vývojárov a realizované cez uzavretú službu, ktorú môže Google kedykoľvek zmeniť alebo zrušiť. To nie je sideloading. Je to mechanizmus odrádzania, navrhnutý tak, aby ho dokončil len málokto. A keďže funguje cez Play Services, nie priamo cez operačný systém, Google ho môže nenápadne sprísniť alebo úplne zrušiť.

"...je to problém len ak máš čo skrývať?"

Oznamovatelia nekalých praktík, novinári a aktivisti v autoritárskych režimoch budú medzi prvými obeťami. Nasledujú ľudia ohrození domácim násilím. Všetky tieto skupiny majú legitímne dôvody distribuovať alebo používať softvér bez toho, aby museli svoju právnu identitu ukladať do databázy Googlu. Anonymné prispievanie do open-source projektov je tradícia staršia než samotný Google. Táto politika ju na Androide ukončuje.

"...robí to aj Apple?"

Apple bol vždy uzavretý ekosystém. Android si používatelia vyberali pretože bol iný. "Apple to robí tiež" je súťaž o prerazenie dna a slabý argument typu tu quoque (a ty tiež). A pod regulačným tlakom (napríklad v dôsledku Digital Markets Act v EÚ) je aj Apple nútený viac sa otvárať. Google sa uberá opačným smerom: snaží sa ešte viac upevniť svoje postavenie "ochrancu".

"...ide len o malý 25$ poplatok?"

Možno, ak si americký developer s kreditkou a vodičákom. Skús byť africkým študentom, disidentom v Mjanmarsku, alebo dobrovoľníkom spravujúcim komunitnú appku. Poplatok je len časť problému. Vývojári musia poskytnúť identifikačné údaje a ďalšie citlivé informácie firme, ktorá bežne plní požiadavky štátov na odstránenie aplikácií a odovzdáva im údaje vývojárov.

Čo môžeš urobiť?

Používatelia

Vývojári

Nezapájaj sa do programu. Neregistruj sa do Android Developer Console. Neodovzdávaj im svoje dáta. Nehraj túto hru.

Program funguje len ak sa vývojári zapoja. Ty sa nezapájaj.

Zamestnanci Googlu

Ak máš informácie o technickej implementácii alebo pozadí tejto zmeny, kontaktuj nás cez tips@keepandroidopen.org bezpečne z iného ako pracovného zariadenia cez iný nie-Gmail účet. Garantujeme anonymitu.

Všetci čo sú proti…

71 organizácií z 23 krajín podpísalo otvorený list

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

Prečítaj si otvorený list a poďakuj signatárom →

Čo na to vravia

Technologickí novinári

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

Hackaday

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

The Verge

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

How-To Geek

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

XDA Developers

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

The Register

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

Benzinga

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

Open Source For U

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

Gizmochina

"Keep Android Open"

Linux Magazine

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

How-To Geek

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

It's FOSS News

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

TechRepublic

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

TechCrunch

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

Slashdot

"Google's New Developer Rules Threaten to End the F-Droid Open-Source App Store"

How-To Geek

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

The Register

"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

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

Android Headlines

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

The Register

"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"

Internet Freedom Foundation (India)

"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"

The New Stack

"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"

InfoWorld

"It effectively makes the Play Store a monopoly without actually mandating that it is a monopoly."

I-Programmer

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

SlashGear

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

Ars Technica

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

How-To Geek

"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

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

Cybernews

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

Thom Holwerda, OSnews

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

Tuta Blog

"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 ID requirements could destroy independent app stores"

TechSpot

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

Android Headlines

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

Ars Technica

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

How-To Geek

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

heise online

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

Techzine EU

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

Datamation

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

Techdirt

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

9to5Google

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

Infosecurity Magazine

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

Android Police

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

How-To Geek

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

MakeUseOf

Editoriály a analýzy

Organizácie a otvorené listy

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

Tech-ish Kenya

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

Osservatorio Nessuno

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

F-Droid

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

Tuta

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

F-Droid Open Letter

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

Software Freedom Conservancy

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

European Parliament

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

AdGuard

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

Brave

"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

"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

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

ACLU

"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

"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

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

Tuta

"Centralised, intransparent security architectures certainly help secure monetization and the market by locking out competitors."

Nextcloud

"While Android used to be praised for its freedom and independence, it will become a closed shop just like Apple."

Tuta

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

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

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

F-Droid

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

Infosecurity Magazine

"A policy that forces every Android developer to hand their identity to Google, regardless of whether they use Google's services, makes Android a less-open and less-private platform."

Brave

"Developers who 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'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

"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

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

Nextcloud

"For developers building tools specifically designed to protect user privacy, being forced to surrender their own personal data as a precondition for distribution is deeply contradictory."

AdGuard

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

European Pirate Party

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

AdGuard

"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

"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

YouTuberi a iní tvorcovia

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

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube

"F-Droid is basically saying that the new Google developer registration process will likely kill the open-source app store entirely."

The Linux Experiment – YouTube

"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

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

"This means you can't sideload an app from an unofficial source. But it could also be used to lock the ecosystem so we're forced to install only Google apps on approved Google OS versions."

Rob Braxman Tech – Locals

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

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

"Follow the money. Google makes money when apps are downloaded from its store. Google has completely forgotten about its earlier company motto: Don't be evil."

Tuta Blog – Blog

"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

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

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

"I'm not using the word 'phone.' I'm using the word 'computer.' This has over 8 GB of RAM, a terabyte of storage. It's a computer. And I'm also not going to be using words like 'sideload.' When you download an exe file onto your Windows computer, you've installed an application. You haven't 'sideloaded' something."

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

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

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube

"Google 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

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

fireborn – Blog

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – 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 decides what's safe for you, and you don't get a say."

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

"Google isn't testing this in the US or Europe first. They're starting in countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Why? Because these are massive growth markets where regulation is weaker. By the time regulators catch up, the damage will already be done."

ChiefGyk3D – YouTube

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

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

"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

"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

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

ChiefGyk3D – 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

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

Tuta Blog – Blog

"A world where two tech companies from the same city that dominate all of our mobile devices both require centralized developer registration is a world with one more lever for surveillance, one more checkpoint for censorship."

Techlore – YouTube

Vývojari a komunita

"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

"It is a disgrace how Google has managed this situation. The promised 'advanced flow' hasn't appeared in any Android 16 or 17 betas. Google is quietly proceeding with the original lockdown."

fermigier, Hacker News

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

Zak, Hacker News

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

MrZander, 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

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

Max-P, 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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"If I go down this path, I will stop all development on Android. I implore all other developers to resist this. This will completely lock down the platform forever, there will be no going back."

BatteryMountain, Hacker News

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

Zak, Lemmy

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

hbn, 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

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

flykespice (developer in Brazil), Hacker News

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

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

"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

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

gcupc, Lobsters

"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

"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

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

survirtual, 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

"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

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

anordal, Lobsters

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

hn92726819, Hacker News

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

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

"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

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

koala, Lobsters

"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

"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."

masterofn001, Lemmy

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

tejtm, Hacker News

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

afferi300rina, Hacker News

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

TheTearMiser, Lemmy

"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

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

lynxy, Tildes

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

girvo, Hacker News

"This is a war on users that want to keep control of their phones and when it's done, you will not be able to escape the enshittification."

ikidd, Lemmy

"If the likes of Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and others have their way, you will not own your computer; those companies will effectively own your computers."

RUs1729, Slashdot

"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

"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 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

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

Apocryphon, 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 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

"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

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

nibbleyou (developer in India), Hacker News

"The fundamental problem is that we are relying on the good graces of Google to keep Android open, despite the fact that it often runs contrary to their goals as a $4T for-profit behemoth. The 'don't be evil' days are very far behind us."

paxys, Hacker News

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

Tiraon, Tildes

"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

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

WaffleMonster, Slashdot

"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

Ohlasy petície

"We shouldn't accept the platform being closed and controlled this way, reach out to the anti-monopoly institutions in your respective countries! "

Cristian Nicolas, change.org

"Please call your Reps and Sens to vote NO on legislation that would mandate online age-verification systems, digital ID requirements, or repeal or weaken Section 230. Including proposals like the KIDS Act package and KOSA, the SCREEN Act, Section 230 sunset bills, and COPPA 2.0 if it is used to expand surveillance-style age checks "

Evan, change.org

"This is like Linux changing into Windows "

A., change.org

"I use multiple open-source side loaded apps. 60% or more of my time on my phone is using these side-loaded apps. I rather get rid of google than get rid of these apps. "

Yuntin, change.org

"Might as well be an iPhone at this point. The whole point of Android was customization, and this kills that. Do better Google. "

William, change.org

"I have a bunch of applications that are not on the Google Play Store that I would lose access to if this feature were to be removed. Security Concerns are not a reason to screw over your customers, and just like you and me, we're all people too. People have the right for freedom, and you're revoking that freedom from the devices that we bought and paid for with our own money. This is extremely monopolistic and anti-competitive. There is now essentially no competition between iOS and Android Devices if this feature gets removed. You are doing a disservice to the entire existence of Android by removing this feature. This hurts more than it helps. "

C., change.org

"This change would defeat the core purpose at the heart of what the Android platform is. Remember when Google used to use the slogan "Don't be Evil"? Well this is about as evil as it gets. "

Justin, change.org

"I didn't think I could dislike Google any less than I do already for their anti freedom posture, but, yeah they've fallen even further. Google is the enemy of freedom no matter where you live. "

Daniel, change.org

"We've all feared a day like this might come but it was always on the back burner if you will. My how times have changed. I am even more than just concerned ,so much so that I'm giving 30 a month to GNU. I am a limited income individual but I enjoy the advancement de-googling my life very much. F-droid is where I got my feet wet and I am eternally grateful. I told everyone about FOSS ..... Spread the word spread the word spread the word. L.....!!! It is not something you can consider doing any longer. You should already be doing it... Civil war isn't going to be between the rich and the poor, it will be the tech and the non-tech. Film at 11:00.... It sounds to me like they could actually put a huge dent in anything we call normal life. Don't let this happen to us. "

Gregory, change.org

"The best part of android is the freedom to do what we want, downloading fan made apps and such is the freedom we like its kinda only reason people buy androids "

Andrew, change.org

"Apple would be the only entity to benefit from this change. The ability to side load apps and to support (and greatly benefit from) the FOSS community are the only meaningful reasons that anyone would choose to have an Android phone. "

Jake, change.org

"Keep Andriod open! "

Andre, change.org

"Computers and modern technology was built and advanced by hobbyists who could freely develop for and modify their devices. By limiting APKs and off store software installs we are killing the innovation that built this industry. I stand with FOSS, I stand with hobbyists. "

Paul, change.org

"Open Source change my life, and it's really awesome, not just for the Android ecosystem, for the tech industry in general "

abel, change.org

"Apk's are the best part of Google so � "

Nick, change.org

"Google get out of MY phone! "

Mauro, change.org

"Stop making anti-consumer decisions, the consistent downward trend of freedom from Android is distressing and ultimately it will bite back. I will be petitioning my congressional representation as well, Google is only uniting everyone against them. "

Josh, change.org

"I have been using Android since the HTC G1, and I've never been so disappointed with the whole thing as I am now. I recognise that Google is doing it's best to keep malware and malicious software out of its app store, but for people who are capable of installing F-Droid, NeoStore or one of the other alternative stores, this is a disaster. Many applications I use are only available here, and with this plan from Google, I'll be unable to access tools, applications and services I use on a daily basis. "

Jon, change.org

"If wee do not stop this then our computers are next. We will end up the same as other countries who put out the same message to their people to condition them. Our freedom of speech and the right to privacy under the privacy act will be taken away. You do not want this!!! "

Keith, change.org

"The core idea of Android and OSS is threatened. Android will no longer hold the offer of a unique opportunity of freedom for those feeling locked out of their own lives. It will join the likes of other mediocre technologies being force-fed to an unwilling population. This is not the way. "

Joy, change.org

"Google is pushing for literally the antithesis of what android alaways promised to be and actually was. This is extremely concerning, it involves and affects ALL people, not just devs. If Google don't back down and the lock down actually happens, who knows how much would it take for them to also start deciding which apps you're ALLOWED to install on YOUR phone. This is the beginning of the path to total user control. WE HAVE TO ACT NOW. "

Raymundo Iván, change.org

"I can't wrap my head around the idea that Google gets to decide what I can or cannot install on my own phone. "

Luís, change.org

"I use apk's for work don't ban apk "

Binyomin, change.org

"The openness of the Android is its unique selling point. Keep Android open to keep Android Android. "

John, change.org

"One of the reasons I use android is so I can do what I want unlike an iPhone. Locking it down will make it no different from the competition "

Jonathan, change.org

"Android has always been defined as the more open platform. What gets people to move away from Apple is to get away from the closed ecosystem from having direct control over their own devices. This runs contrary to Androids original mission statement and what the platform stands for. This is not what I want for my device nor my family wishes for this either. "

Logan, change.org

"Liberdade ao Android! "

Guilherme, change.org

"I don't know what words will reach the ones that need to hear them. I'll just say I'm willing to switch, drop, or do what I think works for me. "

Daniel, change.org

"With Google aiming to lockdown Android, what makes it any different than Apple? The only reason I and many others opt for Android is because it's openness! "

Christian, change.org

"If I wanted a phone that decided what I can and can't do I would have bought an iPhone. "

Tom, change.org

"Android is the operating system for those who want freedom, and to take away our ability to install what we wish, is the start of Google trying to take further control over us. The internet is already falling apart with attempts to "protect" people, but in reality, the internet isn't a place for big companies to try and protect people against their will. "

Dino, change.org

"I really like the ability to "sideload" apps on android. Android's customization capabilities is one of it's most likable features. APK files are cool. They are the reason why my phone looks so pretty. Please continue to allow this option as I think it will be beneficial to Google, instead of forcing 3rd party developers from abandoning the platform to monotonous hegemony like that of the Apple iPhone OS store. Google building upon the open source code designed by Linus is cool and allows for input from various individuals which help inevitably make the google play store more beautiful and lively. Customization is cool. Please continue to allow APK file usage. "

Paul, change.org

"The restriction of an end-user's ability to control what they can and cannot do with their device that they legally own is inherently malicious and should be illegal. Google is pushing and overreaching in a way that is invasive and threatening to users' privacy and freedom. "

Weston, change.org

"The freedom on Android is the best and that is exactly why we choose android. Please do not close off our experience on this platform. "

yer, change.org

"Apple is one of the lamest companies in the world. You have no control on an iPhone. That's always been one of the selling points about Android is that you have basically total control over your device. There's literally no reason to change being able to download independent and open source apps from trusted developers. There are higher chances of getting a sketchy app through the play store. Don't break what isn't broken and then say you fixed something. We already lost our SD card slots. If you see this and you haven't signed the petition, please sign it. Also for more info, go here: https://keepandroidopen.org/ "

Dakota, change.org

"Google wants to become IOS but with this petition we can have a chance for Google not to block apks and it has to work so we all have to vote "

Super, change.org

"Open source has always been foundational to everything Google and Android have accomplished. But locking off local installation will hurt open source development on the Android platform. I personally have apps I won't be able to use anymore. Please don't do this to us, we don't want to have to change platforms yet again. "

David, change.org

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

Flora, change.org

"Please keep android open!!! That's why I have an android phone in the first place. "

Michael, change.org

"Keep Android an open platform, avoid a massive class action lawsuit. I along many others bought an android phone precisely because of the open ecosystem, you change that, you get sued and lose customers "

Joseph, change.org

"One of the main benefits of owning an Android device is having the freedom of installing any repositories and apps you wish, including those that are open source. If Google goes through with this power grab and monopolizes the Android software, then there will be no benefit compared to owning an iPhone. "

Richard, change.org

"The market benefits when there are choices. The choice to lock down Android is the wrong one. When I buy an android phone I buy the right to have control over the system and what happens in that system. Locking down Android phones is anti consumer. "

Jimben, 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

"Android has always been known for side loading. Android has always been better than IOS because it has side loading. Now, if Google keeps with this plan, our side loading rights will be gone. We can NOT let this happen. I have side loaded apps for years now, getting indie games and apps, getting modded apps, and so much more. I love to emulate, and there are many emulation apps that are approved on the play store. However, apps like Winlator and GameNative are not, and I would be revoked of using these apps. These apps have provided so many hours of fun to me, and without them, I wouldn't even be able to play PC games. Sign this petition to keep the freedom of Android that we should always have. "

Blake, change.org

"The only way for android to compete with Apple is to allow side loading apps. If you remove this what is the selling point of ANDROID! "

Kendall, 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

"I wanted to switch to android because I liked the ability to still have acess to older apps and software when it no longer works. I currently have an Iphone and can no longer use older versions due to the age of my phone. Hearing this news will definitely lead me to proabably buy an Iphone over android. I will no longer have the right to download cool apps like emulators or download apps that no longer work properly on the version of the phone and software I have. I believe Google needs to reverse it decision on banning sideloading. It is a free ecosystem and users understand the risks if they do it. It is unfair for all android phones to be affected because most phones use Android and I belive this monopoly on technology needs to stop. "

Kalista, 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

"This is ridiculous the fact that google is causing this will effect everybody it's gonna make it way harder for developers to post there apps to specific users. "

Daisuke, change.org

"We are so used to it by now, but not having root access to your own device is insane. This would never fly in the PC space. I just want a computer in my pocket, but instead we have locked down appliances that we are not free to use as we wish. Side-loading apps made not having root access palatable since I could still do most things I would want to do anyway. Without it, I will be looking to move away from Android going forward. "

Brandon, change.org

"This is a tragedy, it won't stop bad intentions, it will only put our data at risk, and many apps will become lost media. "

Jessé, change.org

"Why would anyone use an Android period outside of being able to install applications not “approved” by some walled-garden. Side loading is a dumb term "

Stephen, change.org

"If android isn't open source then it's straight up just a worse iOS literally the only reason we use it is the fact that it's open source 💀 "

Natalia, change.org

"I bought the whole phone, i'll use the whole phone, whatever way I want. Openness of Android is the only reason I choose android, if I wanted a "Locked Down" phone, i'll just go with Apple at that point. Make these censorship at least optional to block, LET ME DECIDE, but dont force it onto blocking of APK installs all together FOR EVERYONE, let the user decide for themselves. I don't want Google to decide what I can or cannot do with the phone I BOUGHT. If I bought a phone, with the expectation and the capacity of doing X,Y,Z with it, don't take away the Z AFTER I BOUGHT IT. I'll just refuse to update my phone if it get's pushed that way. There's more malware on the ADS you promote, rather than anywhere else, im sure. "

Bryan, change.org

"Users don't deserve the Google jail cell to shrink and encroach "

Ben, change.org

"If this goes in effect there's literally no reason for me to stay on android. Would likely either go graphene but that feels up in the air for long term support so I guess that leaves apple. And I already hate walled gardens. Especially when the play store is basically just a malware repository. I'm so tired of corps eroding our freedoms. Why must everything be enshitified this day an age. "

Coleman, change.org

"Android you are not our parents, stop acting like sanctioned company guardians. Nobody asked for this. It must be your goal to make yourself another worse option for operating devices. "

Eva, change.org

"This feels like bait and switch. Android has been the open alternative to iOS and that's a primary reason why I've chosen to support Android over the years. We don't have a viable truly free alternative like on the desktop, but Android is the best we've got. "

Sol, change.org

"We need to live free with our freedom, Apk files is the only reason that I use Android device. "

Laurent, change.org

"google, queremos continuar livres! "

Vitor, change.org

"I've been using Android for 10+ years instead of iOS sorely because of how open it is. I can customize a lot of my phone for convenience, looks, accessibility; I can download programs from F-Droid or games from Itch.io. Removing that or making it significantly harder is a deal breaker for me. "

Lucas A, change.org

"Dear Google. You have paid games. Players are trying to get the modded apk. You slap them with an "unsafe" warning. Not all modded apks can be unsafe, some are. If you want free robux, steal some. Sincerely, Yaoi Ulshade "

Yaoi, change.org

"I bought an android phone specifically so I wouldn't be chained to the play store like on iOS. If there's no choice in the matter, I might as well get an iPhone again. "

Audrey, change.org

"I object to being forced to use Google "approved" bloatware and non-open source software on my devices. "

Kinene, change.org

"It's like Google looked at the Microsoft debacle (hello! Linux!) that's currently going on and said wait..hold my beer... Not as easy to change from Google Android like Windows to Linux but it can be done! Already have proton emails so the ball is rolling! If this goes thru I will definitely find alternatives. And instead of using a mix of Google Play store apps and gmail and FOSS as of now, I'll just stick to FOSS and stick with proton email as the primary and go the way of degoogled or possibly apple. Or even go with a cheap flip phone and just forget about using any apps at all! see your already helping me curb the addiction you created by these smart phones and with the physical media resurgence this could kind of go with the whole theme so to speak. Thanks for the ideas Google! I've gotten into the habit of changing and finding alternatives in the last ten plus years to everything. This would not be any different. Know your place and keep your promises Google. Or to quote a couple of your slogans. "Don't be evil" and "Do the right thing" "

Marvin, change.org

"I have been using Android since Eclair, after using Windows Mobile 6 and iOS. I have been seriously considering iOS again lately, and this would absolutely convince me to jump ship. "

Jon, change.org

"Google is essentially deciding to kill their own identity with this move. Side loading apps is a for of freedom that is the core reason people use android. Without this it's just a worse version of iOS... And no one wants that. This move if not corrected will start a movement they don't want and will grow the development of a true Linux based is for phones. This is a greed move. A power move they want full control and to lock developers into their own store front. It's sad really... A pathetic move that will hurt then in the end. I hope they change their mind.. if not I guess I will be going custom firmware on this pixel and strip Google from the device entirely. "

Adam, change.org

"I sent info and link to large group of IT guys on WhatsApp and also on my Facebook: Google, being in a dominant position, wants to block the ability to install applications on Android phones from independent developers - enthusiasts. "

Zibi, change.org

"#DOWNWITHGOOGLE "

Monty, change.org

"I choose android for freedom of customisation. I know the risks, I'm not silly. People will jailbreak this but I want Google to understand that it's users are intelligent "

Michael, change.org

"The differentiating factor with Android was always freedom. Apple had a locked down market and their own thing over there, meanwhile Android was open. I don't want to give up my tech sovereignty so a corrupt multinational conglomerate can harvest my data and shove more useless bloatware onto hardware I own, all while forcing mass surveillance. "

Michael, change.org

"There should be a clear flow for users to install any software they want. And there needs to be a strict policy in place so that google wont just make change in future to reverse there actions "

Amrinder, 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

"Boydan girmek lazım "

Said, change.org

"The only reason that I chose to switch to android and off of apple was due to the abillity to sideload apps. Without this feature, I will probably be switching back to apple because of its ecosystem. "

David, change.org

"They literally block sideloading with this and always using "security" as an excuse, they never will accept all dev, and also who give they the right to get ID of dev. Put in you place, you are a company in a democratic country, we give you power The solution for this is stop using google services, give they a prove of power, they depend of us because we give them money, stop using google service, and fight against this injustice Google is evil, and right now they are shown they craws "

Juan, change.org

"Keep the Android system free, that's what made me buy an Android phone in the first place, if Google goes through with this it means we're not going to be allowed to install whatever app we as consumers have the right to install. "

Lautaro, change.org

"Keep android open the main reason I got android is because it's open sourced do not close off android "

Patrick, change.org

"The entire reason I used to use Android was because of how open it was. I used to be a staunch supporter of Android and even encouraged others to give it a shot. By restricting third-party app installations, it will be similar to iOS, but without any of it's closed environment benefits. Furthermore, this may further encourage users to explore other OS's such as LineageOS or GrapheneOS, rendering any supposed benefits moot. I am personally looking to switch my Android OS to GrapheneOS once this update becomes live. Android was always the best choice in freedom and ownership. This will be a serious mistake on Google's part, similar to Microsoft forcing Copilot on users. "

Areeb, change.org

"What a spit in the face from Google. I switched from iOS to Android for the freedom, and this is what they do to me? Google gave me yet another reason to migrate away from their technocratic oligarchy & seek independence from profit-seeking corporations. Frankly, I don't expect Google to care about its customers anymore. But I'm still going to raise my voice. "

Samuel, change.org

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

G, change.org

"As someone who has started making my own apps for fun, the prospect of not being able to test them on my device or share them with friends is ridiculous. If this goes through my next phone upgrade will not have anything to do with google. "

Al, 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

"As a developer, I will NEVER give Google my ID or personal identity. They are already known to post developers home addresses on their app store publicly, which is a huge safety violation. I do not trust google and will not give them any of my personal data. "

Skye, change.org

"As a FOSS android developer, that has developed two educational projects both free and licensed open source for android, and quite frankly developed a lot of my programming skills on this platform, I am DISGUSTED with the decision to cut off FOSS developers like this. "

Vincent, 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

"I only somewhat recently found open source apps and some of my favorite apps to use for certain services have easily become my favorite ones to use above googles or the play stores apps, and I trust apps from F-droid and other sources more than I would trust apps from the play store or even baked in apps with some that would actually make doing things less easy and enjoyable if suddenly I was unable to use them "

Robert, change.org

"hopefully this does not become one more avenue for freedom and expression that gets restricted by corprate over greed and government overreach. "

manz, change.org

"Android making this is just bullshit, the developer thing is just to make more easy to sue devs, and indie games creators that don't want to get near to google greedy ass. It is better they cease and desist "

Michel, change.org

"The promise was an open and free OS "

Daniel, change.org

"Ces é paia mano "

Solalalule, change.org

"Don't trust billionare companies, they want to take away our choice! "

Hugo, change.org

"I switched to Android OS because apple's OS is closed. There will be no upsides to Android once it is closed. I will switch back to iPhones in a heartbeat so I can be on the same system as the rest of my family. "

devin, change.org

"We want digital sovereignty for democracy! "

Kelly, change.org

"People originally went to Android way back in 2008 because of the open source nature of Android. It's what still attracts so many people to use Android. It's what keeps people on Android. Google owes so much to the open source community, from app developers to OS developers like the CyanogenMod/LineageOS teams, the CalyxOS team, and the DivestOS team among others all the way to the people who have used XDA's forums since the days of the HTC Dream. I realize Google wants to go into the 3rd stage of "Embrace, Enhance, Extinguish" but that will drive more people to Linux phones. "

Draken, change.org

"The war on freedom is beginning. Let's keep fighting back. "

Rafael, change.org

"Take that away and you've destroyed Android. Google's trustworthiness is depths of hell low, and now you want even more control. Disgusting. The last bastion for Android was it's open freedoms compared to Apple, explicitly the ability to install apps without the store without verification. Allowing me to build and install my own creations. You must envision everyone in the entire world as some consumer archetype that just has feeding tubes of corporate sludge go into the consumers digestive tract. You can't imagine anyone innovating for fun not profit, making art and exploring science without corporate approvals. Your world is disgusting and I hate it. "

Aiden, 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

"As a life long android user who is also part of open source communities, I have to speak my voice on how this goes against everything about why the people love Android. I've always shared how amazing Android is specifically being able to sideload apps outside of Google Play unlike Apple. I love being able to use my device the way I please in comparison of it being "locked down." The whole sole purpose of Android is for it to have an it open source approach for developers and consumers. I am not a developer, but as a open/close source consumer I cannot express enough how much I truly appreciate have open source applications as an option besides Google Play store. I really hope Google can find a way that we can all be one big happy family and continue what is already great. LET US KEEP OUR ANDROID FREEDOM! "

Justin, change.org

"This is one of the starting points/gates to mass surveillance. If we don't act now it will be too late when there's already multiple structures put in place enabling the next following steps intheir hold on control. "

Dhariuz, change.org

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