Telefonun artık sana ait olmamak üzere.
2027*'den itibaren, Google kullanıcıya sormadan göndereceği sessiz bir güncelleme ile, Google'a kayıtlı olmayan, sözleşmeyi imzalamayan, ücreti ödemeyen ve resmi kimliğini vermeyen geliştiricilerin tüm Android uygulamalarını engelleyecek.
İstisnasız: dünyadaki tüm cihazlar ve tüm uygulamalar.
↓Google ne yapıyor?
Google, Ağustos 2025'te yeni planını duyurdu: 2027'den itibaren her Android uygulama geliştiricisi, yaptığı uygulama herhangi bir cihaza kurulmadan önce Google'a kayıt olmak zorunda. Yalnızca Play Store uygulamaları değil, tüm uygulamalar. Buna arkadaşlar arasında paylaşılan uygulamalar, F-Droid üzerinden dağıtılanlar ve hobi amaçlı kişisel projeler de dahil. Bağımsız geliştiriciler, kilise ve topluluk grupları, hobiciler... hepsi uygulama geliştirme ve dağıtım sürecinin dışına itilecek.
Kayıt için gerekenler:
- Google'a ücret ödemek
- Google'ın Şartlarını ve Koşullarını kabul etmek
- Devlet tarafından verilmiş kimlik bilgisini vermek
- Özel imzalama anahtarına sahip olduğunu kanıtlamak
- Mevcut ve gelecekteki tüm uygulama kimliklerini listelemek
Eğer bir geliştirici kayıt olmazsa, uygulamaları dünya genelindeki tüm Android cihazlarda sessiz sedasız bir şekilde engellenecek.
Kimleri vuruyor
Seni
Bir Android cihaz satın aldın çünkü Google sana bunun her şeye açık olduğunu söyledi. İstediğin uygulamayı kurabiliyordun; anlaşma da buydu.
Google şimdi bu anlaşmayı değiştiriyor. Hem de bunu geriye dönük bir şekilde ve zaten sana ait olan donanımda yapıyor. Güncelleme geldikten sonra yalnızca Google'ın önceden onayladığı uygulamaları çalıştırabileceksin. Kendi telefonunda, kendi paranla satın aldığın cihazda.
Bağımsız geliştiricileri
Bir gencin ilk uygulaması, bir gönüllünün gizlilik aracı veya bir şirketin gizli dahili beta sürümü... Fark etmez. 2027'de bunların hiçbiri Google onayı olmadan yüklenemeyecek.
Binlerce özgür ve açık kaynak Android uygulamasına ev sahipliği yapan F-Droid, bunu "varlığına karşı" bir tehdit olarak tanımlıyor. Cory Doctorow ise buna "Darth Android" diyor.
Devletleri ve sivil toplumları
Otoriter rejimler, uygulama kaldırılmasını istediğinde Google'ın buna uyduğuna dair sabıkalı bir geçmişi var. Bu programla birlikte, ülkenin kurumlarında çalışan uygulamalar hesap vermeyen tek bir yabancı şirketin insafına kalacak.
EFF, uygulama kapıcılığını "internet sansürüne açılan giderek büyüyen bir yol" olarak tanımlıyor.
Google'ın "kaçış yolu" aslında bir tuzak kapısı
Google, doğrulanmamış uygulamaları "ileri düzey kullanıcıların" hâlâ "yükleyebileceğini" söylüyor. İşte size bunun gerçekte nasıl göründüğü:
- Sistem Ayarlarına girip Geliştirici Seçeneklerini bul
- Geliştirici Modunu açmak için derleme numarasına yedi kez dokun
- Korkutma amaçlı uyarı ekranlarını geç
- PIN kodunu gir
- Cihazı yeniden başlat
- 24 saat bekle
- Geri dönüp daha fazla korkutma amaçlı şeyleri geç
- "geçici olarak izin ver" (7 gün) ya da "süresiz izin ver" seçeneklerinden birini seç
- "riskleri" anladığını bir kez daha onayla
Dokuz adım. Zorunlu 24 saat bekleme. Hem de sahibi olduğun bir cihaza yazılım kurmak için.
Daha da kötüsü: bu akış Android işletim sisteminin içinde olan bir şey değil, tamamen Google Play Hizmetlerinin içinden çalışan bir şey. Yani Google bunu istediği an değiştirebilir, zorlaştırabilir ya da tamamen kaldırabilir; üstelik işletim sistemi güncellemesi ve kullanıcı onayı da gerekmez.
Bu, Android'den daha büyük bir mevzu
Google açık platform diye satılmış milyarlarca cihazı sonradan kilitleyebiliyorsa, dünyadaki tüm donanım üreticileri bunu izliyor demektir.
Beklenen durum şöyle: Cihazını üreten şirket, sen onu satın aldıktan sonra bile hangi yazılımı çalıştırabileceğine karar verecek. Yazılım dünyasında buna "rug pull" deniyor; eskiden en azından rakip bir yazılım kurma şansın olurdu. Donanımda ise bu, seni iradenden eden ve hiç hesap vermeyen kapı bekçisi ile hüküm giymiş bir tekelin keyfine bırakan bir fait accompli.
Android'in açık oluşu hiçbir zaman sadece bir özellik değildi. Onu iPhone'dan ayıran asıl söz buydu. Milyonlarca insan Android'i tam da bu yüzden seçti. Google şimdi bu sözü tek taraflı olarak geri çekiyor; hem de insanların cebindeki mevcut cihazlarda, çünkü piyasa gücü ve düzenleyici etki açısından bunu yapabilecek kadar güçlü olduğunu düşünüyor.
Ars Technica: "Google'ın Apple'a özenmesi, Android'in açık mirasını dağıtma tehdidi yaratıyor."
Bekle biraz...
"...bu sadece güvenlik için değil mi?"
Güvenlik gerekçesi bir sis perdesi. Google Play Protect, geliştirici kimliğinden bağımsız olarak kötü amaçlı yazılımları zaten tarıyor. Devlet kimliği istemek kodu daha güvenli yapmaz. Sadece geliştiricileri tespit edilebilir ve kontrol edilebilir hale getirir. Zararlı yazılım geliştirenler de kayıt olabilir. Bağımsız geliştiriciler ve muhalifler çoğu zaman kayıt olmazlar. EFF bunu açıkça söylüyor: kimlik temelli kapıcılık güvenlik aracı değil, sansür aracıdır.
"...ileri düzeyde ilerleyerek sideloading yapabilirsin."
Dokuz adım, 24 saat bekleme süresi, Geliştirici Seçeneklerinin içine gömülü bir yol ve Google'ın istediğinde iptal edebileceği kapalı bir servis... Bu yandan yükleme (sideloading) değil. Bu, neredeyse kimsenin tamamlayamaması için tasarlanmış bir caydırma mekanizması. Üstelik işletim sistemide değil de Play Hizmetleri üzerinden çalıştığı için Google bunu sessizce daha da zorlaştırabilir ya da tamamen kapatabilir.
"...bu sadece saklayacak bir şeyin varsa sorun olur, değil mi?"
Otoriter yönetimlerdeki ihbarcılar, gazeteciler ve aktivistler bu durumda ilk kurbanlar olacak. Aile içi şiddet durumunda olan insanlar da hemen ardından gelecek. Bu grupların hepsinin, yasal kimliklerini Google veritabanına koymadan yazılım dağıtmak veya kullanmak için meşru nedenleri var. Anonim açık kaynak katkısı, Google'dan çok daha eski bir gelenek. Bu politika Android'de bu geleneği bitiriyor.
"...bu Apple'ın yaptığıyla aynı şey değil mi?"
Apple en başından beri duvarlarla çevrili bir bahçeydi. İnsanlar Android'i farklı olduğu için seçti. "Apple da yapıyor" demek dibe doğru yarışmak ve zayıf bir tu quoque argümanı. Ayrıca Apple bile düzenleyici baskılar altında (AB Dijital Pazarlar Yasası gibi), açılmaya zorlanıyor. Google ise ters yöne gidiyor: kapı bekçiliği konumunu daha da pekiştirmeye çalışıyor.
"...bu, altı üstü 25 dolar ve biraz evrak, değil mi?"
Belki, eğer ABD'de kredi kartı ve ehliyeti olan bir geliştiriciysen öyledir. Ama Sahraaltı Afrika'da bir öğrenci olmayı, Myanmar'da bir muhalif olmayı ya da topluluk sağlığı uygulaması sürdüren bir gönüllü olmayı düşün. Maliyet sadece para değil: devlet kimliğini ve imzalama anahtarlarına dair kanıtları, hükümetlerin uygulama kaldırma ve geliştirici ifşa taleplerine uymayı âdet edinmiş bir şirkete teslim ediyorsun.
Harekete geç
Herkes
- F-Droid'i kurun. Sahip olduğunuz her Android cihaza kurun. Alternatif mağazalar ancak insanlar gerçekten kullanırsa ayakta kalır.
- Düzenleyici kurumlarla iletişime geçin. Dünyanın dört bir yanındaki düzenleyiciler, tekelleşme ve teknoloji sektöründe gücün merkezileşmesi konusunda ciddi şekilde endişeli. Etkilenen insanlardan doğrudan geri bildirim duymak istiyorlar.
- Bu sayfayı paylaşın. Her yerde keepandroidopen.org bağlantısını paylaşın.
- Sahte gündem oluşturanlara karşı çıkın. "Ama aslında..." tayfası ortalıkta cirit atıyorlar. Gündemi onların belirlemesine izin vermeyin.
- change.org dilekçesini imzalayın ve sesini duyuran 100.000'den fazla kişiye katılın.
- Açık mektubumuzu okuyun ve paylaşın
- Google'a bu konuda ne düşündüğünüzü söyleyin. Kendi geliştirici doğrulama anketleri üzerinden düşüncelerinizi iletebilirsiniz (artık ne kadar işe yararsa tabi).
Geliştiriciler
Kayıt olmayın. Android Developer Console'a kaydolup geri alınamaz Şartları ve Koşulları kabul ederek bu programa katılmayın. Kimliğinizi doğrulamayın. Tezgâha gelmeyin.
Google'ın planı ancak geliştiriciler buna uyarlarsa çalışır. Uymayın.
- Diğer geliştiricileri ve kuruluşları da kayıt olmamaya ikna edin.
- Kullanıcıları uyarmak için uygulamalarına FreeDroidWarn kütüphanesini ekleyin.
- Bir siteniz mi var? Geri sayım banner'ını ekle.
Google çalışanları
Programın teknik uygulaması veya şirket içi gerekçeleri hakkında bildiğiniz bir şey varsa, iş dışı bir cihazdan ve Gmail olmayan bir hesaptan tips@keepandroidopen.org adresine yazın. Gizliliğiniz kesin olarak korunur.
Karşı çıkanların tamamı...
23 ülkeden 71 kuruluş açık mektubu
The Chaos Computer Club (CCC) ccc.de 
Data Rights datarights.ngo 
Vivaldi Technologies AS vivaldi.com 
Proton AG proton.me 
microG microg.org 
XMPP Standards Foundation xmpp.org 
UnifiedPush unifiedpush.org 
Aurora Store auroraoss.com 
The Digital Rights Foundation digitalrightsfoundation.pk 
Ghostery ghostery.com 
FULU Foundation fulu.org 
OW2 ow2.org 
Cryptee crypt.ee 
Technopolice Bruxelles technopolice.be 
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) beuc.eu 
Tuta Mail tuta.com 
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) fsfe.org 
Fundación Karisma karisma.org.co 
Associação Nacional para o Software Livre (ANSOL) ansol.org 
LineageOS lineageos.org 
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) eff.org 
GNU/Linux València gnulinuxvalencia.org 
ARTICLE 19 article19.org 
The Calyx Institute calyx.org 
F-Droid f-droid.org 
The Tor Project torproject.org 
/e/ Foundation e.foundation 
Italian Linux Society ils.org 
April april.org 
Digital Rights Watch digitalrightswatch.org.au 
The Center for Digital Progress (D64) d-64.org 
VideoLAN videolan.org 
Rocky Linux rockylinux.org 
Codeberg e.V. codeberg.org 
KDE e.V. kde.org 
Fastmail fastmail.com 
GNOME Foundation gnome.org 
Forbrukerrådet forbrukerradet.no 
iodé iode.tech 
FUTO futo.org 
Molly molly.im 
GitHub Store github-store.org 
Rossmann Group rossmanngroup.com 
Techlore techlore.tech 
Privacy Guides privacyguides.org 
Digitale Gesellschaft digitale-gesellschaft.ch 
The OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF) osmfoundation.org 
Nextcloud nextcloud.com 
Obtainium obtainium.imranr.dev 
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) fsf.org 
La Quadrature du Net laquadrature.net 
GrapheneOS Foundation grapheneos.org 
AdGuard adguard.com 
OpenMedia openmedia.org 
The App Fair Project appfair.org 
MetaBrainz Foundation metabrainz.org 
Fedimedia fedimedia.it 
Brave brave.com 
Software Freedom Conservancy sfconservancy.org 
JMP.chat jmp.chat 
IzzyOnDroid izzyondroid.org 
FACiL facil.qc.ca 
Software Liberty Association of Taiwan slat.org.tw 
The Guardian Project guardianproject.info 
Open Web Advocacy open-web-advocacy.org 
Osservatorio Nessuno OdV osservatorionessuno.org 
Open Rights Group (ORG) openrightsgroup.org 
epicenter.works – for digital rights epicenter.works 
European Digital Rights (EDRi) edri.org 
FOSDEM fosdem.org 
CryptPad cryptpad.org Kim ne diyor
Teknoloji basını
"Google plans to block side-loading like Apple, declaring war on Android freedom"
Tuta Blog
"Android's sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet"
MakeUseOf
"F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules"
Bleeping Computer
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
How-To Geek
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
Android Headlines
"Google's new ID requirements could destroy independent app stores"
TechSpot
"Google's developer registration 'decree' means the end for alternative app stores"
Cybernews
"It effectively makes the Play Store a monopoly without actually mandating that it is a monopoly."
I-Programmer
"Google's Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android's open legacy"
Ars Technica
"Open letter warns mandatory registration 'threatens innovation, competition, privacy and user freedom'"
Infosecurity Magazine
"Android app store provider Aptoide hits Google with fresh lawsuit alleging monopoly and anticompetitive chokehold"
Benzinga
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
How-To Geek
"Open-Source Android Apps at Risk Under Google's New Decree"
TechRepublic
"Keep Android Open"
Linux Magazine
"We all know that's a load of bullshit. Adding a goddamn 24-hour waiting period is batshit insanity."
Thom Holwerda, OSnews
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
Android Headlines
"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
"Over 67 groups urge the company to drop ID checks for apps distributed outside Play"
The Register
"F-Droid says Google's new sideloading restrictions will kill the project"
Ars Technica
"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"
Internet Freedom Foundation (India)
"Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register"
The Register
"Google will make you wait 24 hours to sideload Android apps"
How-To Geek
"Google will require developer verification to install Android apps, including sideloading"
9to5Google
"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 ID Rule Could Harm F-Droid"
Reclaim The Net
"Google's new developer rules could threaten sideloading and F-Droid's future"
Gizmochina
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
How-To Geek
"This will wipe out Android as an actual alternative to Apple's mobile OS offerings."
Hackaday
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
Tom's Guide
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
How-To Geek
"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"
The New Stack
"Google is restricting one of Android's most important features, and users are outraged"
SlashGear
"Resistance to Google's Android verification grows among developers"
Techzine EU
"Sideloading is dead for all intents and purposes. The Android you know and love is slowly disappearing."
Android Police
"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"
InfoWorld
"'Keep Android Open' Movement Challenges Google's Developer Verification Rule"
Open Source For U
"Google will verify Android developers distributing apps outside the Play store"
The Verge
"F-Droid Slams Google for Misleading Users About Android's App Verification"
Android Headlines
"Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy"
It's FOSS News
"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's dev registration plan 'will end the F-Droid project'"
The Register
"Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store"
TechCrunch
"Keep Android Open – Abwehr gegen Verbot anonymer Apps von Google"
heise online
"Google says it's making Android sideloading 'high-friction' to better warn users about potential risks"
XDA Developers
Editoryal yazılar ve analizler
"Android wasn't supposed to be 'safe.' It was supposed to be free."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"Google's move is not credibly about 'security,' but actually about consolidating power and tightening control over a formerly open ecosystem."
Techdirt
"Once there is no such thing as 'sideloading', there's virtually no difference between iOS and Android. I see no reason to buy Android over iOS at this point."
Thom Holwerda, OSnews
"Google isn't certifying apps, they're certifying developers. This implies that the company can somehow predict whether a developer will do something malicious in the future."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"Google has announced that they are altering the deal. And telling us that we should pray that they don't alter it further. Block this policy change now before they wrap their cold metal hands around our necks."
Jesse Wilson, PublicObject.com
"There is also the very real possibility that Google will leak your identity with the result that any apps with political implications could result in persecution and worse."
I-Programmer
"What student is going to upload their passport to a trillion-dollar surveillance corporation just to share their weekend project?"
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"Destroying F-Droid isn't some 'oops.' It's the mission. It's Google finally cutting the last remaining escape route and locking every single user inside their store."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours. Google decides which apps are allowed to be loaded on Android and which are not."
Tuta Blog
"Although Google's claim is that this is for 'security', it does not prevent the regular practice of scammers buying up existing verified developer accounts."
Maya Posch, Hackaday
"This is not about protecting users. This is about control. This is about Google cutting out the last remaining artery of independence in Android."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"Android is not open anymore. It's not an alternative. It's not even trying. It's iOS with ads and spyware bolted on."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"The $25 isn't the real cost. The chilling effect is. Submitting government ID to Google is a non-starter for pseudonymous contributors and privacy researchers."
Arafat Alim, DEV Community
"Android does not just warn anymore. It enforces."
Youssef Mabrouk, Ostorlab
"Developers from sanctioned countries or those without Google Play access cannot verify themselves. This creates systemic discrimination against developers based on birthplace rather than conduct."
agnostic-apollo (Termux developer), GitHub
"Freedom of choice is being reframed as a 'security risk.'"
Newsfangled
"Sideloading, a longstanding pillar of Android's openness, is now being marginalized, placing the Android platform closer to the walled-garden approach of Apple's iOS."
Purism
"Centralizing the registration of all applications worldwide gives Google newfound powers to completely disable any app it wants."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"The requirement extends Google's gatekeeping authority from its own Play Store to every alternative distribution channel on Android."
LLM Advocates
"Every additional bureaucratic hurdle reduces diversity in the software ecosystem and concentrates power in large established players."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"This could turn Google into the effective gatekeeper for all apps on certified Android devices."
It's FOSS News
"This is a form of malicious compliance with the court orders stemming from its losses to Epic Games."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"One US corporation is placing itself between every Android developer and every Android user on earth."
PixelUnion
"Google is turning sideloading from a right into a permission slip, and the open-source community has until September to convince it otherwise."
Reclaim The Net
"Android is no longer the scrappy rebel. It's just another empire tightening the drawbridge."
Newsfangled
"The proposed Android Developer Verification program isn't a security update; it's a kill switch for the open ecosystem."
Hillary Keverenge, Tech-ish Kenya
"Google's story that this move is motivated by security is obviously bullshit. The idea that Google can improve Android's safety by certifying developers, rather than code, is obvious bullshit."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"Google has not removed Android's openness, but it is turning openness from a default right into a conditional, attributable, and tiered capability."
MerchMindAI
"Google has announced what can only be described as a death blow to the open ecosystem that made Android. Under the guise of 'security,' Google is implementing draconian developer verification requirements."
AndroidSage
"Google's attempts to make Android 'more secure' are, in fact, increasing the risk for Android users. The more friction you introduce in the name of security, the more likely users will attempt to bypass security completely."
Ken Buckler, Enterprise Management Associates
"This policy represents a dramatic departure from Android's decades-old tradition of openness, in which developers could build and share apps freely without first submitting to a centralized authority."
Biometric Update
"This is not a developer account sign-up. This is comprehensive surveillance of the software development ecosystem."
PixelUnion
"Innovation may be the biggest casualty in all of this. This new rule erodes your right to make informed decisions about your own devices."
MakeUseOf
Kuruluşlar ve açık mektuplar
"Google is turning Android into a walled garden monopoly. We must prevent it."
Osservatorio Nessuno
"Independent software distribution on Android will now require Google's explicit permission."
AdGuard
"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
"Developers who build privacy-first browsers, encrypted messaging apps, VPNs, Tor-based software or tools for journalists and activists would be required to upload government ID to Google. These developers are unlikely to trust Google and might stop developing for Android."
Brave
"Google Play itself has repeatedly hosted malware, proving that corporate gatekeeping doesn't guarantee user protection."
F-Droid
"We unequivocally advise against signing up for this program, now or ever."
F-Droid Open Letter
"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
"While Android used to be praised for its freedom and independence, it will become a closed shop just like Apple."
Tuta
"Your Smartphone, Their Rules: How App Stores Enable Corporate-Government Censorship."
ACLU
"Ultimately, Google's plan will stop you from owning your Android phone."
Tuta
"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
"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
"Verification just confirms who's behind the app, it doesn't guarantee clean code or rule out malicious behavior."
AdGuard
"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
"Unilaterally consolidating power to approve software into the hands of a single unaccountable corporation is a threat to digital sovereignty everywhere."
Nextcloud
"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
"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
"Android's biggest strength has always been its openness. That's what attracted developers and users in the first place."
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'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
"Nearly 50 organizations published an open letter opposing what they characterize as a 'kill switch for the open ecosystem.'"
Tech-ish Kenya
"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
"We are running out of time until Google becomes the gate-keeper of all users devices."
F-Droid
"MEP Christel Schaldemose formally questioned whether Google's mandatory central registration is compatible with the Digital Markets Act."
European Parliament
"The European Pirate Party called for proportionate and transparent measures that ensure security without restricting innovation, limiting anonymity, or distorting competition."
European Pirate Party
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
YouTuber'lar ve içerik üreticileri
"Google decides what's safe for you, and you don't get a say."
fireborn – Blog
"Your device, their rules. The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours."
Tuta Blog – Blog
"Google is removing the one key advantage Android has over iOS."
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
"When you download applications, you've simply installed an application. I don't want to use words like 'sideload.'"
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
"This represents the last real safe place for free and open-source software in the entire mobile ecosystem. Once it's gone, it's gone. And we're going to spend the next decade trying to claw it back."
Techlore – YouTube
"Google 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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"If I'm going to be trapped in a walled garden anyway, I'll take the one that's built properly."
fireborn – Blog
"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 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
"The fact of the matter is, this is my device. I paid a lot of money for it. I should be able to do with it what I want."
Switched to Linux – YouTube
"Google is doing to Android what Microsoft once tried to do to the web. Embrace, extend, extinguish. Just wrapped in a shinier open-source package."
ChiefGyk3D – YouTube
"Android has become what they set out to destroy."
Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube
"The widely-circulated narrative that Google already backed down from this is false. They didn't, and that misunderstanding may be the most dangerous part of the story right now."
Techlore – YouTube
"Google isn't testing this in the US or Europe first. They're starting in countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Why? Because these are massive growth markets where regulation is weaker. By the time regulators catch up, the damage will already be done."
ChiefGyk3D – YouTube
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Developers of privacy-focused tools and emulators will have to dox themselves, making them vulnerable to government agencies or legal action."
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
Geliştiriciler ve topluluk
"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 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
"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
"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
"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
"It took them 17 years to finally pull the cage all the way shut."
Apocryphon, Hacker News
"Signal, VPNs -- they'll have a list of everyone opting out of government-mandated backdoors."
Max-P, Lemmy
"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
"We are talking about something categorically worse than vendor lock-in: Collective vendor lock-in."
anordal, Lobsters
"You are essentially a child to them. The difference is society has decided not to step in to protect you from your abusive parents."
globular-toast, Hacker News
"Google seems to actively hate people who develop for their platforms."
hbn, 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
"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
"Some time in the future, we will look back to this era and ask ourselves what went wrong."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"We need to start treating phones differently. We're entering a world where we can't choose what we run on them. Their primary purpose is to gather data on us and serve us advertising, they're engineered for addiction, yet engaging in the world is immensely difficult without one."
specproc, Hacker News
"Android is for everyone, provided they submit to Google exclusively."
gumby271, 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
"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
"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."
masterofn001, Lemmy
"Android was never actually open and now they are abandoning even the thin pretense."
Tiraon, Tildes
"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
"All the banking and payment apps in India refuse to open if you have developer mode on."
nibbleyou (developer in India), Hacker News
"They have stolen a free product and are now actively locking out the people who built it."
TheTearMiser, Lemmy
"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
"Once deployed, there's a near 100% chance of such a mechanism being used for evil."
Zak, Lemmy
"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
"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
"The war on General Purpose Computing is the death of innovation and a direct attack on digital freedom."
layfellow, 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 now has a flag on my phone they can control remotely to keep me from accessing the apps I want."
vala, 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
"Twice I have had to deal with Google silently disabling my drone app to the point I had to buy an older phone to perform work. When I purchase a device that works with another device, under no circumstances should I be at the mercy of any updates they make."
cbrophoto (drone professional), Reddit
"Anyone else thinking this looks like a precursor to banning Signal and similar? 1) Put Google in control of what you can install. 2) Get Google to block it."
harry8, Hacker News
"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
"Social engineering is destroyed with education, not with restriction and control. Trading freedom for safety eliminates both."
survirtual, Hacker News
"Google wants the authority of a gatekeeper without the overhead of human accountability."
afferi300rina, Hacker News
"Brazil government app refuses to operate with developer mode on."
flykespice (developer in Brazil), Hacker News
"For 'security' -- always security with these assholes. They're just building the walls of the walled garden higher."
lynxy, Tildes
"Play store is full of scam apps, F-Droid isn't, but Play Store is considered secure. It's all theatre."
gcupc, Lobsters
"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
"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
"It's not cyclic. It's a ratchet and it gets tighter and tighter."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"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
"Modern life practically forces you to put all your eggs into a phone controlled by one of two profit-seeking companies."
koala, Lobsters
"They're boiling the frog -- slowly removing features until all choice is gone."
hn92726819, Hacker News
"If I go down this path, I will stop all development on Android. I implore all other developers to resist this. This will completely lock down the platform forever, there will be no going back."
BatteryMountain, Hacker News
"Software gatekeeping is a threat to human rights. Just recently an app to track ICE was banned from the iOS app store even though this should clearly be protected first amendment speech."
gthing, Reddit
"I want to deploy apps on my device. They are my apps, it's my device, and I should not be required to ask for permission to do so."
fsniper, Hacker News
"The open Android I knew and loved is long gone."
girvo, Hacker News
"The phrase 'sideload' is psychological propaganda we are all best off rejecting."
WaffleMonster, Slashdot
"'Sideload' is like 'jaywalking'; seeks to stigmatize humans being human."
tejtm, Hacker News
"Any time someone puts a lock on something that belongs to you, and won't give you a key, they're not doing it for your benefit."
vord (quoting Cory Doctorow), Tildes
"Google'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
"Google's plan to require developer verification would give Google and governments the ability to ban any app."
Zak, Hacker News
"There's an entire genre of scamming where the scammers spend months building rapport with their victims before cashing out. One day is nothing."
free_bip (on the 24-hour wait defeating scammers), Hacker News
"You have no right telling me what I can and cannot run on my own devices."
MrZander, 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
"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
"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
Dilekçeden sesler
"Only reason I've always used android is because it's pretty open to apps I make for myself. If that is taken away, there's no reason not to go to Apple. "
Bill, change.org
"Apple's censorship of the App Store is why I have an Android phone. This is not the way to freedom. "
Cameron, change.org
"The openness of the platform is one of the determining factors when choosing in favor of Android. "
Pavel, change.org
"Don't make daddy Torvalds mad what you did with his kernel "
Silas, change.org
"The internet should be free for all "
Ev, change.org
"People use Android to have more freedom, if you restrict it as much as possible, what is the point in using it? If it gets too bad, I'll look into alternatives and will swich if there is anything else good enough. "
Ross, change.org
"I got an Android tablet for the freedom it offered over an ios device such as ipads and iphones. If Google's going to lock the system down anyway, I might as well buy a touchscreen for a Raspberry Pi and repurpose it instead of using Android in the future. "
Timothy, change.org
"make android good again "
Samuel, change.org
"Keep android app development open! "
Samuel, change.org
"Nobody asked for this. Unrestricted sideloading is the only reason I bought an Android phone. I need to upgrade to a new phone soon, but I will never in a million years consider buying another Android phone unless this decision is reversed. I'm now genuinely tempted to switch careers and devote my life to building sophisticated adblockers just to annoy Sundar. "
Jacob, change.org
"Hold Google accountable to the original vision of Android. Stop Google from limiting APK file usage. "
Jeff, change.org
"I find it frankly baffling how Google is trying to erase one of the selling points of their products because of their need to control Android even further. "
Theo, change.org
"Android is dying but we shall together to save Android. "
Elmer, change.org
"We need to live free with our freedom, Apk files is the only reason that I use Android device. "
Laurent, change.org
"Why did I even buy an android phone?? They think I went iOS to android for no reason? WE WANT IT OPEN! "
David, change.org
"What software I choose to create or install on my computing devices, no matter whether they fit in a pocket, is my choice alone. Google, Microsoft, Apple, et al. have zero business trying to arbitrate how I use the hardware that I own. Android is quickly becoming the very thing it swore to destroy--an opaque, locked-down, walled garden where the very concept of ownership is drawn into question--and I am already taking steps to distance myself from it should the worst come to pass. "
James, change.org
"If I wanted to use a locked garden ecosystem, I'd just buy an iPhone. Keep Android open, Google. It is also for your best commercial interest. "
Oscar, change.org
"I personally knew Android because of it's open nature. Seeing this made me heartbroken. I am all about rooting so sideloading is a crucial part in some rooting operations I do on my device. Now I can't have any more cool mods on my device anymore. Thanks Google. "
chau, change.org
"As a hobbyist and tinkerer I rely on sideloaded apps to manage my smart devices, maintain privacy and access key items on other devices. Many of these services that I have set up would be unavailable if this goes forward. What's more there is no foreseeable reason why one shouldn't be able to modify, edit and change their own devices as they see fit. Every other computer works in this manner and Android has been no different. Maintaining this freedom is a must going forward and has one of the primary draws to the ecosystem. Google's choice to stop sideloading is not fooling anyone, it's a method of control and siloing. I left Apple because of this, don't think I won't leave Android too. "
Matthew, change.org
"The entire selling point of Android was the open ecosystem. Locking down on APKs will alienate millions of users. "
G, change.org
"I've received pornographic viruses from puzzle games from the Google Play store. Google should remember why people go Android; Apple has locked down their systems to make them unbearable. Android gave freedom. If they lock it down, we'll use something else. I'm looking forward to a dumb phone and a physical camera...no annoying social media there. Or Google holding your money for you. Google offers nothing I need to use except an email, and last I checked, anyone offers those. The programs I love can be accessed on both Android AND PC...guess which I'll be shifting to! "
Kay, change.org
"Android has always been about freedom. I've always loved side loading an app made by a line developer to complete a niche task/feature. My music player and compass app were side loaded from F Droid and I think it's super cool to be able to install custom versions of stock phone apps. I've side loaded a modded version of my camera app that brought Google Pixel's photosphere to my phone. How else would I have been able to do this without side loading?? There's no reason Android has to go this direction, it may just as well be called mock iOS if all the reasons I chose Android are taken away. May customization, freedom of how I use my phone, and innovation reign once again in the heart of Google's Android! PLEASE 🙏 "
YAIR RAFAEL, change.org
"i have apple, but it'll be so desperate if the people who use android to have to hand android your private and personal id, and even if i have android i am NOT handing android my private and personal id. over my dead body. "
Navell, change.org
"The only reason I've stuck with Android all these years has been its open ecosystem. If that's removed, I'd switch to Apple in a heartbeat. "
Anjali, change.org
"Sounds good on paper but will only make things way, way worse. They say the main reason they're doing this is for security since you're reportedly more likely to get a virus outside of Google Play than inside, but honestly, that'll only happen if you're irresponsible enough (you're even warned that it's at your own risk and responsibility if you decide to download something outside of GP). Again, sounds good on paper, problem is, by doing this, you'll be unable to download lots of other, virus-free software that are good or can be useful (e.g. gaming emulators or delisted apps), all because it doesn't come from an "approved developer", which would be a huge pain in the ass for millions of people, including me. In my opinion, L update. "
Mario, change.org
"This won't stop until we put an end to monopolies! "
daniel, change.org
"This petition is important because as an open source developer and long-time Android enthusiast, the freedom of installing software on a device I own is mandatory. Android is fun and customizable, let's ensure that both developers and users can continue to enjoy their devices without restrictions. "
Benjamin, change.org
"Its is unfair and against the law of freedom and privacy. "
Muhammad Asif, change.org
"This is despicable behavior on Googles part. I own my device, therefore I get to decide what I want to install to it. Period. End of story. Some corporate suite halfway across the country shouldn't be allowed to decide what I can install on my device. We need to stand up to this kind of abuse of power. "
Devin, change.org
"I do not like doing this to Google but if I have to I will format my phone and I will switch it over to Kiley "
Jonathan, change.org
"I don't want to be forced change brands or worse build my own (device), just to install programs I make / want to use, I feel like I will have to hack my phones and replace the OS with something that I can't verify how safe it is (I know android has its problems but still) "
tom, change.org
"It doesn't surprise me to hear that GOOGLE is going to do this. It's not about creating something that could possibly be of benefit anymore. The all mighty dollar has to raise it's ugly head now days or it's just not worth doing. "
Ralph, change.org
"I've been using Apk Apps since I was 6. 6! I'm 18 now. If you do this, your removing something that's a Part of My Life and also maybe some people too. This Is what makes Android Unique, This Is the Gift and the Power of Android! If you take It away, you're also taking away the freedom people believed this system to have, this freedom allows users to truly own their devices! And your only just taking It away like nothing, like this system hasn't existed since the launch of Android! Like Seth mentioned, Android started as an open operating system, you have simply turned It Into a reskinned Apple OS. You're better then this. The stop button Is right there, Just click It... ❤️🩹 "
Jonah, change.org
"I have been with Android since the Motorola Droid on Android 2.0 and been with Android all the way till now. The reason I went with Android is because of the openness and freedom I can do with my device that I bought. Throughout the years, I have installed really amazing apps outside the Play Store. I should have the ability to install any app I want and App developers should be able to create any app they want without having to give their information away. Google, please don't become like Apple and lock everything down. "
Rafael, change.org
"Having the ability to own your phone and use it as you wish is the ONLY reason I have used Android over Iphone for years "
Matthew, change.org
"I paid for the computer, its mine, I should be able to put whatever I want on it. I hate google, I will be removing every google associated anything from my life because of their continued abuse. "
Brenden, change.org
"You are BETRAYING the loyal users who went against the social hype crowd and went with Android over Apple because of your damn promises of keeping Android as an open platform!! I never purchased an iPhone because of the locked OS and refused to purchase the first iPhone when it was released and instead went for the G Droid!! DO YOU A**HOLES REALIZE HOW MUCH WE WERE LAUGHED AT, LOOKED DOWN ON, CUT OUT OF GROUP CHATS WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY, BEING THE BUTT OF THE GREEN BUBBLE JOKES, BEING TOLD "EWWW GREEN BUBBLES!!" "ARE YOU POOR? NO WHY? YOU HAVE THE GREEN BUBBLES AND THAT MEANS YOU CAN'T AFFORD AN IPHONE" AND WE THOUGHT IT WOULD END AS WE BECAME ADULTS BUT NO IT STILL HAPPENED TO US!!! AFTER ALL OUR LOYAL SUPPORT OVER DECADES THE THANKS WE GET IS YOU UNGRATEFUL A**HOLES TURNING ON US WITH THIS GARBAGE? AS IF WE'RE TOO STUPID TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO KEEP SAFE WHILE USING OUR ANDROID DEVICES? I PRAY THOSE ANTITRUST LAWSUITS SPLIT YOUR COMPANY INTO PIECES!! IF IT HAPPENS TO GO THROUGH THERE IS LITERALLY NO MORE REASON TO STAY ON ANDROID AND I WILL HAPPILY GO TO APPLE AT LEAST THEY DON'T LIE AND YOU KNOW THEY'RE OS IS LOCKED!! "
Armen, change.org
"When I'm bored, I don't look through the play store - it's full of ads and mind-numbing time wasters. Instead, I look through f-droid, which is full of solo developer apps designed to actually be useful and solve a problem. Maybe a problem unique to that one developer, but it's always interesting to look at. We flock to Android because apple doesn't let us side-load. Why take away something that is core to many users experience and has only limited security problems? We all know this isn't about security, it's about control. It's my phone, let me do what I want with it. (And don't even get me started about Android's rollback "protection" >:( ) "
Spencer, change.org
"I dislike all the changes that have undergone Android, but this one takes the cake for the worst one i could have ever imagined. "
Pye, change.org
"google, queremos continuar livres! "
Vitor, 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
"This is a step towards global disaster... Letting Google and Apple control any and all functionality you have on your handheld computer is absolutely absurd. The right android phone can be tuned to a perfect workhorse and sidekick, this new Android Developer Verification Requirement would kill any hope of having personalized and properly functional phones whilst letting Google choose exactly what Developers get to provide tools, collect your data, and offer in-app purchases. I think we all know Google has ruined almost every program on these devices already: accessing local files on the device requires that you use their "google files app" which is ridiculous and clearly them trying to take control where they shouldnt; photos is now "google photos"; wallet? google.; calendar? google; want to have a phone without some BS ai or something hard baked into it? well too bad! assistant cant be turned off; these little briefings with ads that pop up when you unlock your phone?; the adds in the weather app?; how about when you want to go to the nearest restaurant, just trust google to take you there i guess. Here's a very important part of all this: notice that Google replaces all of your PRIVATE apps! My files, which are private, are no longer private since by default the files app is a Google app now. My photos, which are private, owned by Google. My super secure offline location which holds my bank cards, very private, now online and stored somewhere by Google, the company that paid millions to cover up a data breach of 53 million users from 2015 to 2018 (if you were wondering why your info shows up on so many dark websites, thanks incognito!). Pretty much in short: Google is trying to own and control society and this pretty much is a huge leap for them to get there. Don't get me started on Apple. "
Kaden, change.org
"Google shouldn’t have the power to take away choice from users and developers "
Job, change.org
"the whole point of android is it's not apple, atp I'll just put linux on my phone "
a, change.org
"Android should be free; it was supposed to be the hero of free or open-source applications. "
Alan, 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. However if Google clean up the play store they could implement a feature to ask the user at device setup and changeable in settings to manage how strict or lax they what the security to be, or just help support the graphene os project to have a secure android operating system and fix play integrity for Google pay, tap to pay to work. "
Cristian, change.org
"I really don't want this to happen because downloading external applications is what makes this operating system special: it allows you to be free to do whatever you want with your phone. I don't want it to become an iPhone 2.0. Please don't do it. "
Dark, change.org
"Delusional to think this wouldn't shrink the number of users. "
Les, change.org
"As an ex user of legacy iOS devices, I felt so frustrated by the base system that I always had to try overcome limitations through jailbreak. What a fresh breeze it was when I finally switched to android more than a decade ago! The openness and flexibility of the system was, even from a simple user POV, a liberation. Fast forward, we're at an era where being an indie dev is accessible. And when this era is flourishing, you tell me Google wants to lock up all machines relying on its system? This is terrible. We don't want a locked ecosystem. There are plenty already. We want flexibility and keep power in our decisions. Simple. So I'm signing this petition. "
Christopher-Harold, change.org
"Remember, "DON'T BE EVIL." These are still worthy and wise words to live by. Don't be a competition crushing monopoly, driven by the love of money and power which, is the root of much evil. With wisdom and awareness, operate according to the principles of enlightened self-interest, acting in the world with peace and virtue in order to more readily manifest Heaven on Earth, Our Earth in Heaven. Let us be good for our own sake if not for goodness sake. "
Mark, change.org
"independenceeeeeeee "
Spam, change.org
"this would complete googles monopoly "
Alessandro, change.org
"APK or go away "
Joshua, change.org
"The whole point of Android was it was an os that gave you the freedom to use your phone the way you wanted unlike apple this ruins it's whole purpose "
Cem, change.org
"Someone alert the attorney's on the ongoing case with Epic Games that Google found a way to try and skirt court orders. I'm sure the judge will be extremely pleased to have been ignored, as they make this change and claim it's somehow not the opposite of what they were told to do. "
Nicholas, change.org
"Ive used both IPhone and Android, and the biggest reason I stayed with android is the ability to download any app I want. While Google is allowing legit malware and scam apps onto their platform, they are attacking indie developers who are just making useful apps. This is completely against user freedom and is essentially going to just send a lot of us Apple, what is the point? This needs to stop! "
Gina, change.org
"For Freedom! "
Ömer Can Devrim, change.org
"I have the right to download apps made from developers I trust. You do not make that decision for me. Hands off! "
Danielle, change.org
"I’m not sure how Google arrived at this decision. Android’s openness is the very foundation of its existence. If Android is no longer open, I think I would choose iOS for its more cohesive ecosystem. In reality, the Play Protect mechanism has very limited ability to guard against malicious software and does not improve the user experience. On the contrary, it would exacerbate the monopoly of the software ecosystem, add to the burden on individual developers and small gaming companies, and could be devastating to the entire ecosystem. I often download games from itch.io and useful tools from GitHub, and if this policy is implemented, these activities will no longer be convenient. Perhaps this is a fine example of Google’s contribution to a global anti-addiction mechanism for smartphones. "
Yi, change.org
"The idea that you don't get to decide what software runs on your computer is so toxic and terrible. I don't want google to have the ability to limit what I can do with my devices, nor do I want them to censor developers that don't meet their requirements. It's my device, I want to decide who I trust to write my software. "
Bruce, change.org
"The end for digital freedom is already nearing, with all the new social media and age verification laws. The whole point of a computer is to store and process data, allowing you to do various tasks. You should be able to use a device without having to verify 50 million things and give up your identity, it's all just an excuse for the government to track you, create more censorship, and for the companies to sell more of your data. Android is an open mobile operating system, and it should stay that way. One of the main reasons I strongly prefer Android over iOS is how open Android is. This action Google is doing will not protect anything or anyone, it will just cause more drama. "
Angus, change.org
"The only reason I use android is for the freedoms that it brought, allowing for FOSS apps is literally they only thing that separates you from apple!! "
Joseph, change.org
"Android has always been the superior product because it has allowed it's users the ability to customize their phones and download what they want. To take that away would make you no better than Apple "
Mike, change.org
"I really liked android phones cause of the freedom they use to have, but with this... they are the same as Apple so.... there's any reason for me to like Android anymore "
Fabián Jhovany, 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
"Android, since it's existence, has always been about the user. Removing access to apps that millions of people use every day will shatter that foundation and make android indifferent to its competitors. "
Jack, change.org
"Being open sourced and allowing users to have control over their own devices is what makes android beautiful. If you continue with this then you'll be no better than Apple. Allow devs, techies, power users and curious kids and adults to write their own programs and use them. Our phones! Our choice! You're going to damage yourself because it'll just let operating systems like Graphene explode and become more than what they are now "
Sean, change.org
"Google doesn't realise that for many Android users, the ability to install .apk files from unverified developers is the sole reason we don't flock to IOS or another mobile OS. Let's make sure they know. "
Marshall, change.org
"this change would remove the main reason i even purchase these phones, stop it google "
andrew, change.org
"I am not a dev, I am a Linux user who loves the openness of android. If Android becomes locked down, and the play store is the only option, my sovereignty and freedom is gone. GOOGLE, PLEASE DO NOT CONTINUE YOUR CURRENT COURSE. "
Gabriel, change.org
"I WANT MY RIGHTS I BOUGHT THE SMARTPHONE! you can add like a warning but dont block. We want older versions of software. #ourtechourrights So many old games i used to play all gone! So many outfit7 games, old minecraft versions, shopkins, angry birds they are at risk even cut the rope "
Edu, change.org
"This is bad for the consumer "
Swargin, change.org
"One of the only reasons I use Android today is because of the openness of the operating system. Without it there is no reason why I would pick an Android phone over an iPhone. Most of the apps I use are not found on the playstore because I like to tinker a lot. I also like to make small applications for myself, my co-workers, and friends. Requiring a fee would completely shut down my ability to create niche apps that I already wouldn't be profiting on. "
LANDON, 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
"Android was always marketed as an operating system where you could create applications freely and without problems; seeing the shift to a closed operating system is discouraging for small developers and an attack on user freedom. "
Enzo, change.org
"This is the only reason I've bought android phones all my life, if this passes then I'll either install custom software to avoid it or I'll find an alternative device and stop supporting android at all. If i'm not free to do what I want with my phone, then I don't own it and I don't want it. "
brandon, change.org
"I believe increasingly closed ecosystems lend not only to the monopolization of tech but are a threat to the digital sovereignty of individuals worldwide making them susceptible to government and corporate surveillance. "
Adrian, change.org
"keeping android open enables far more indie studios to continue to operate on android, and thats what i love, i love finding the most random game, and not having to worry about if its on one store or the other, i can just download it keep it open, please "
Evan, change.org
"Google can't do whatever it wants with Android. I paid for Android precisely for the freedom. If I wanted to stay in a closed system, I would have bought an iPhone. '-' "
Sandro, change.org
"Let's be real, this isn't about security, it's about forcing people to use Google playstore, and trying to get peoples info just like what Youtube is doing right now. "
Draven, change.org
"Android is betraying it's one purpose, the "don't be evil" "
M, change.org
"At the very least let there be one platform that can stay open, don't close it down like everything else. Let us have this. "
Juno, change.org
"Android phones letting me control my apps in my way is why I love and stick with Android. I can't support upstart developers without our current APK framework. A future without one of the lead reasons I own an Android phone, is a future where I just stop owning a phone. "
Kyle, change.org
"My property. My rules. "
Steven, change.org
"The Only reason I have an Android cell phone is because I can install Linux to it Take away my ability to use My cell the way I want then there is no longer any reason for me to own any cell phone This type of Dictatorship and greed for money and it power needs to stop I install LineageOS to my cell to stop the constant nag from Google to push this button pop ups. And to try to curb all the spyware I use No social apps, "I hate social spyware" My cell phone is a "Phone" Google has proven to me my dislike for all things Google was correct I will be looking online for a True Open Source Hardware / Software cell phone cost last time I checked was approx $2,000.00 USD "
chris, change.org
"Bro this is the only thing keeping android over iOS don't take it "
Alejandro, change.org
"You will bury yourselves. "
William, change.org
"I don't develop any apps, I do believe in freedom. Freedom to put whatever kind of gas I want in my vehicle(sorry EV's!). Freedom to make make some cash on the side whenever I decide to clean out my storage and have a garage sale. Freedom to choose what apps I can install on a device, running android os which I have rightly paid for. There are other options available Google if helping to keep people safe from running buggy apps on their devices is what you really care about. No need to try and be the app gatekeepers for the future. I pray someone snaps back to reality there before your company proceeds to far down this dark path. "
John, change.org
"i have been a user of fdroid for a few years and really like the apps that aren't on the play store or aren't google approved. please stop google doing this!! "
Justin, change.org
"Google's claim is that this is for trust and security, but this is a move to gain profit from and power over its users, nothing more and most certainly nothing less. I am not willing to give Google the decision as to what kind of app or what kind of information is and is not allowed to exist on *my* personal device, and I do not want to live in a world where tens if not hundreds of millions have their entire worldview curated by Google. Remember when your motto was, "Don't be evil"? Try going back to that philosophy. "
Sean, change.org
"I first switched over to a Samsung phone because of Android being a open OS. I love being able to make small apps for myself as a developer, and as a user I like that I can find small dev groups on places like GitHub making really cool and useful apps that you would never be able to find on the play store. "
Connor, change.org
"APPLE wAS GONE LONG AGO NOW WHERE WILL WE GO? "
henry, change.org
"Google, side loading is one of the few things that made android unique. Bring it back. "
Grayson, change.org
"Android has always been known as the more freedom option on the market. With this move by Google will shatter that belief and create distrust completely. Keep Android free and always will! "
Phuong, change.org
"I want to be able to load any arbitrary APK onto my own phone. I should not be limited or made so suffer in any way because some bad actors take advantage of naive people who act irresponsibly. It is my choice to install my own software or F-Droid or anything. Taking that choice away means Android has no value to me as a product. "
Seamus, change.org
"Android has always been a symbol of freedom, a system that allowed us to use our devices our own way, without chains or limitations imposed by corporations. Now Google wants to take that away from Android users, to control every detail as if we weren’t capable of deciding what’s best for ourselves. I don’t agree, and I will never agree, with this absurd, authoritarian, and completely insane decision. They are killing the very essence of Android, the open spirit that made millions of people choose this platform. We, users and developers, have always stood for the power of choice. If Google thinks it can simply impose restrictions and hide behind a false narrative of security, it’s deeply mistaken. Android wasn’t born to be a digital prison. It was born to be free. And if Google keeps going down this path, make no mistake: the community will not stay silent. Freedom will always find a way to fight back. "
Ronaldo, change.org
"Not only are open platforms important in general, but this effort specifically is an anticompetitive and a fraudulent attempt by Google to begin walling the garden after profiting off of the work of devs in the community and the consumers who bought their products FOR the open nature of the software and devices. The goal here is not to secure the platform, its to kill open source and privacy conscious competition to Google's corporate surveillance complex. "
Shelden, 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
"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
"Esse monopólio é injusto! "
Gabriel, change.org