Ваш тэлефон хутка перастане быць вашым.
Пачынаючы з 2027* года, a silent update, nonconsensually pushed by Google, будзе блакіраваць кожную праграму Android распрацоўшчык якой не зарэгістрыраваўся ў Google, не падпісаў кантракт, не заплаціў Google і не прадставіў свае дакументы
Кожная праграма і прылада, па ўсяму свету, без магчымасці адмовіцца.
↓Што робіць Google
У жніўні 2025, Google анасаваў нвоае патрабаванне: пачынаючы з 2027 года, кожны распрацоўшчык праграм Android павінен рэгістрыравацца ў Google перад тым, як ягоны софт зможа быць усталяваны. Не толькі праграмы Play Store: усе. Гэта ўключае праграмы, распаўсюджаныя паміж сябрамі, распаўсюджаныя з дапамогай F-Droid, створаныя для асобнага карыстання. Незалежныя распрацоўшчыкі, цэрквы, супольнасці і энтузіясты, верагодна, страцяць магчымасць распрацоўваць свае праграмы.
Рэгістрацыя патрабуе:
- Заплаціць унёсак Google
- Пагадзіцца на Умовы і Палітыкі Google
- Прадастаўленне дакументаў дзяржанага прыклада
- Прадстаўленне доказаў уладання прыватным ключом распрацоўшчыка
- Пералічэнне ўсіх дзейных і будучых ідэнтыфікатараў праграмы
А калі распрацоўшчык не пагадзіцца, іх праграма будзе сусветна ціха заблакіравана на кожнай прыладзе Android.
Каму гэта шкодзіць?
Вам
Вы купілі тэлефон на Android, бо Google казаў, што ён адкрыты. Вы павінны устанаўліваць што хаціце і такой была здзелка.
Google цяпер перапісвае яе на зябеспячэнні, што ўжо ў вас ёсць. Пасля прымянення абнаўлення, вы зможаце запускаць праграмы, якія зацвердзіў Google. На вашым тэлефоне: ваша маёмасць, за якую вы заплацілі
Незалежным распрацоўшчыкам
Першая праграма падлетка, інструмент для прыватнасці для актывіста ці унутраная бэта вялікай кампаніі. Гэта не мае значэння. У 2027 годзе, нічога з гэтага не зможа быць усталявана без дазволу Google.
F-Droid, дом для тысяч бясплатных і адкрытых праграм Android ужо назваў гэта "пагрозай выжывання". Коры Дактароў назваў гэта "Darth Android".
Урадам і цывілізаванай супольнасці
Google мае задакументаваныя выпадкі падчынення аўтарытарным рэжымам і выда��ення праграм. Такім чынам, праграмы інстытутаў у вашай краіне будуць існаваць па дазволу адной некантралюемай замежнай карпарацыі.
EFF назваў такія меры "сцежкай да пашырэння інтэрнэт-цэнзуры."
Кампраміс Google - гэта пастка
Google кажа, што "вопытныя карыстальнікі" могуць "па-ранейшаму ўсталёўваць" неправераныя праграмы. Вось як гэта будзе выглядаць
- Паглыбіцеся ў налады сістэмы, знайдзіце параметры распрацоўшчыка
- Націсніце нумар зборкі сем разоў, каб уключыць рэжым распрацоўшчыка
- Адхільце палохаючыя экраны аб прымусовасці
- Увядзіце PIN-код
- Перазапусціце прыладу
- Пачакайце 24 гадзіны
- Вярніцеся, адключыце больш экранаў палохання
- Выберыце "дазволіць часова" (7 дзён) або "дазволіць на нявызначаны час"
- Яшчэ раз пацвердзіце, што вы разумееце "рызыкі"
Дзевяць крокаў. Абавязковы 24-гадзінны перыяд астуджэння. Для ўсталявання праграмнага забеспячэння на прыладу, якой вы валодаеце.
Што яшчэ горш: гэты паток цалкам праходзіць праз Сэрвісы Google Play, а не праз АС Android. Google можа змяніць яго, зрабіць больш жорсткім або спыніць яго ў любы час, без неабходнасці абнаўлення АС і згоды...
Гэта больш чым Android
Калі Google можа адным днём заблакіраваць мільярды прылад, што прадаваліся як свабодныя плафтормы, кожны вырабнік прылад возьме прыклад.
Задаецца прынцып: кампанія, якая зрабіла вашу прыладу, вырашае пасля таго, як вы яе набылі, якое праграмнае забеспячэнне вам дазволена запускаць. У праграмным забеспячэнні гэта называецца “выцягванне дывана”; але, па меншай меры, вы заўсёды можаце ўсталяваць канкуруючае праграмнае забеспячэнне. Што датычыцца апаратнага забеспячэння, гэта здзейснены факт, які пазбаўляе вас паўнамоцтваў і робіць вас бяссільнымі перад капрызамі аднаго непадсправаздачнага брамніка і асуджанага манапаліста.
Адкрытасць Android ніколі не была проста функцыяй. Гэта абяцанне, якое адрознівала яго ад iPhone. Мільёны выбралі Android менавіта па гэтай прычыне. Цяпер Google адклікае гэтае абяцанне ў аднабаковым парадку на прыладах, якія ўжо знаходзяцца ў кішэнях людзей, таму што яны вырашылі, што ў іх дастаткова дамінавання на рынку і нарматыўнага захопу, каб сысці з рук.
Ars Technica: *"Зайздросць Google Apple пагражае знічышць адкрытую спадчыну Android."
Пачакайце, а гэта ...
"...проста пра бяспеку?"
Абгрунтаванне бяспекі - дымавая заслона. Google Play Protect ужо шукае шкодныя праграмы незалежна ад асобы распрацоўшчыка. Патрабаванне дзяржаўнага пасведчання асобы не робіць код больш бяспечным. Гэта робіць распрацоўшчыкаў ідэнтыфікаванымі і кантраляванымі. Аўтары шкоднасных праграм могуць зарэгістравацца. Незалежныя распрацоўшчыкі і дысідэнты часта не могуць. EFF кажа: абмежаванне на аснове ідэнтыфікацыйных дадзеных з'яўляецца інструментам цэнзуры, а не інструментам бяспекі.
"...усё яшчэ загрузка пабочных праграм у экспертным рэжыме, хіба не?"
Дзевяць крокаў, 24-гадзіннае чаканне, схаваныя ў Параметрах распрацоўшчыка, дастаўленыя праз прапрыетарны сэрвіс, які Google можа адклікаць, калі захоча. Гэта не загрузка пабочных праграм. Гэта механізм стрымлівання, створаны для таго, каб амаль ніхто яго не завяршыў. І паколькі ён працуе праз Play Services, а не праз АС, Google можа зрабіць яго ціхім або забіць.
"...праблема для тых, хто нічога не хавае?"
Першымі ахвярамі стануць інфарматары, журналісты і актывісты пры аўтарытарных урадах. На наступным месцы людзі, якія трапілі ў сямейны гвалт. Усе гэтыя групы маюць законныя падставы распаўсюджваць або выкарыстоўваць праграмнае забеспячэнне без размяшчэння сваёй юрыдычнай асобы ў базе дадзеных Google. Ананімны ўклад з адкрытым зыходным кодам - гэта традыцыя, старэйшая за сам Google. Гэта палітыка спыняе гэта на Android.
"...не тое ж самае, што робіць Apple?"
Apple з першага дня была агароджаным садам. Людзі выбіралі Android, таму што ён быў іншым. “Apple таксама робіць гэта” - гэта гонка на дно �� слабы аргумент tu quoque. І пад нарматыўным ціскам (Закон ЕС аб лічбавых рынках) нават Apple вымушана адкрыцца. Google рухаецца ў адваротным кірунку: спрабуе яшчэ больш умацаваць свой статус гейткіпера.
"...проста $25 і крыху працы з паперамі?"
Магчыма, калі вы распрацоўшчык у ЗША з крэдытнай карткай і вадзіцельскімі правамі. Паспрабуйце быць студэнтам у Афрыцы на поўдзень ад Сахары, або дысідэнтам у М'янме, або добраахвотнікам, які падтрымлівае праграму для аховы здароўя супольнасці. Кошт не толькі фінансавы: вы перадаеце дзяржаўнае пасведчанне асобы і доказы вашых ключоў подпісу кампаніі, якая рэгулярна выконвае патрабаванні ўрада выдаляць праграмы і раскрываць распрацоўшчыкаў.
Змагайцеся ў адказ
Усе
- Пачынайце карыстацца F-Droid на кожнай вашай Android прыладзе. Альтэрнатыўныя крамы выжывуць ,калі імі карыстацца.
- Звяжыцеся з мясцовымі рэгулятарамі. Рэгулятары па ўсяму свету хвалюцца з-за манаполій і цэнтралізацыі ўлады у руках тэхнічных кампаній і хацяць пачуць індывідуальныя выпадкі ад тых, каго гэта датычыцца.
- Падзяляйцеся гэтай старонкай. Пакідайце спасылку на keepandroidopen.org усюды.
- Змагайцеся з астратурфінгам. Выразы "Ну вось, ведаеце..." выдзяляюцца з патоку. Не дайце ім задаць наратыў.
- Падпішыце петыцыю на change.org and join the over 100,000 signatories who ...
- Чытайце і пашрайце наш адкрыты ліст
- Кажыце Google, што вы думаеце пра гэта з дапамогай іх Android developer verification requirements survey (хаця б штосьці карыснае).
Распрацоўчшыкі
Не рэгістрыруйцеся. Не далучайцеся да праграмы, прахадзя рэгістрацыю у Android Developer Console, пагаждаючыся на Умовы і Пагадненні. Не пацвярджайце сваю асобу. Не гуляйце ў іх гульню.
План Google спрацуе, калі распрацоўшчыкі пагадзяцца. Не рабіце гэтага.
- Кажыце іншым распрацоўшчыкам і арганізўацыям не рэгістрыравацца.
- Дадайце бібліятэку FreeDroidWarn у вашу праграму, каб папярэджваць карыстальнікаў.
- У вас ёсць сайт? Дадайце банер з таймерам.
Працаўнікі Google
If you know something about the program's technical implementation or internal rationale, contact tips@keepandroidopen.org from a non-work m...
Усе яны супраць…
71 арганізацый з 23 краін ужо падпісалі адкрыты ліст
Software Liberty Association of Taiwan slat.org.tw
The Center for Digital Progress (D64) d-64.org
Digitale Gesellschaft digitale-gesellschaft.ch
CryptPad cryptpad.org
April april.org
FUTO futo.org
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) beuc.eu
European Digital Rights (EDRi) edri.org
FACiL facil.qc.ca
FOSDEM fosdem.org
Technopolice Bruxelles technopolice.be
ARTICLE 19 article19.org
GNU/Linux València gnulinuxvalencia.org
epicenter.works – for digital rights epicenter.works
Cryptee crypt.ee
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) fsfe.org
The Digital Rights Foundation digitalrightsfoundation.pk
The Chaos Computer Club (CCC) ccc.de
Fundación Karisma karisma.org.co
Digital Rights Watch digitalrightswatch.org.au
FULU Foundation fulu.org
Forbrukerrådet forbrukerradet.no
UnifiedPush unifiedpush.org
Software Freedom Conservancy sfconservancy.org
Rossmann Group rossmanngroup.com
Techlore techlore.tech
/e/ Foundation e.foundation
MetaBrainz Foundation metabrainz.org
GitHub Store github-store.org
OpenMedia openmedia.org
Fedimedia fedimedia.it
Proton AG proton.me
Italian Linux Society ils.org
The Calyx Institute calyx.org
GNOME Foundation gnome.org
Brave brave.com
Data Rights datarights.ngo
Rocky Linux rockylinux.org
Nextcloud nextcloud.com
iodé iode.tech
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) eff.org
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) fsf.org
Open Rights Group (ORG) openrightsgroup.org
F-Droid f-droid.org
La Quadrature du Net laquadrature.net
Associação Nacional para o Software Livre (ANSOL) ansol.org
Vivaldi Technologies AS vivaldi.com Вось што кажуць
Тэхнічныя выданні
"It effectively makes the Play Store a monopoly without actually mandating that it is a monopoly."
I-Programmer
"Google will require developer verification to install Android apps, including sideloading"
9to5Google
"Android's sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet"
MakeUseOf
"Google plans to block side-loading like Apple, declaring war on Android freedom"
Tuta Blog
"Google's Requirement For All Android Developers To Register And Be Verified Threatens To Close Down Open Source App Store F-Droid"
Techdirt
"Google's New Developer Rules Threaten to End the F-Droid Open-Source App Store"
How-To Geek
"Android app store provider Aptoide hits Google with fresh lawsuit alleging monopoly and anticompetitive chokehold"
Benzinga
"F-Droid says Google's new sideloading restrictions will kill the project"
Ars Technica
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
How-To Geek
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
How-To Geek
"Keep Android Open"
Linux Magazine
"Keep Android Open – Abwehr gegen Verbot anonymer Apps von Google"
heise online
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
How-To Geek
"Google is restricting one of Android's most important features, and users are outraged"
SlashGear
"Android, Epic, and What's Really Behind Google's 'Existential' Threat to F-Droid"
Slashdot
"Google's new ID requirements could destroy independent app stores"
TechSpot
"Google says it's making Android sideloading 'high-friction' to better warn users about potential risks"
XDA Developers
"Google will make you wait 24 hours to sideload Android apps"
How-To Geek
"Google's developer registration 'decree' means the end for alternative app stores"
Cybernews
"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"
Internet Freedom Foundation (India)
"Open-Source Android Apps at Risk Under Google's New Decree"
TechRepublic
"Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register"
The Register
"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
"F-Droid Slams Google for Misleading Users About Android's App Verification"
Android Headlines
"Google's new developer rules could threaten sideloading and F-Droid's future"
Gizmochina
"We all know that's a load of bullshit. Adding a goddamn 24-hour waiting period is batshit insanity."
Thom Holwerda, OSnews
"'Keep Android Open' Movement Challenges Google's Developer Verification Rule"
Open Source For U
"Google's New Developer ID Rule Could Harm F-Droid"
Reclaim The Net
"Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store"
TechCrunch
"Open-Source Android Apps Threatened by Google's New Policy"
Datamation
"F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules"
Bleeping Computer
"Google will verify Android developers distributing apps outside the Play store"
The Verge
"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
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
Tom's Guide
"Google's dev registration plan 'will end the F-Droid project'"
The Register
"Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy"
It's FOSS News
"This will wipe out Android as an actual alternative to Apple's mobile OS offerings."
Hackaday
"Over 67 groups urge the company to drop ID checks for apps distributed outside Play"
The Register
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
Android Headlines
"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"
InfoWorld
"Open letter warns mandatory registration 'threatens innovation, competition, privacy and user freedom'"
Infosecurity Magazine
"Google's Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android's open legacy"
Ars Technica
"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"
The New Stack
"Resistance to Google's Android verification grows among developers"
Techzine EU
Рэдактарскія і аналітыкі
"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
"One US corporation is placing itself between every Android developer and every Android user on earth."
PixelUnion
"What student is going to upload their passport to a trillion-dollar surveillance corporation just to share their weekend project?"
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"Every additional bureaucratic hurdle reduces diversity in the software ecosystem and concentrates power in large established players."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"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
"Centralizing the registration of all applications worldwide gives Google newfound powers to completely disable any app it wants."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"Android is no longer the scrappy rebel. It's just another empire tightening the drawbridge."
Newsfangled
"Android does not just warn anymore. It enforces."
Youssef Mabrouk, Ostorlab
"Freedom of choice is being reframed as a 'security risk.'"
Newsfangled
"Google's attempts to make Android 'more secure' are, in fact, increasing the risk for Android users. The more friction you introduce in the name of security, the more likely users will attempt to bypass security completely."
Ken Buckler, Enterprise Management Associates
"Android 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
"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
"Android wasn't supposed to be 'safe.' It was supposed to be free."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"Although Google's claim is that this is for 'security', it does not prevent the regular practice of scammers buying up existing verified developer accounts."
Maya Posch, Hackaday
"This could turn Google into the effective gatekeeper for all apps on certified Android devices."
It's FOSS News
"Once there is no such thing as 'sideloading', there's virtually no difference between iOS and Android. I see no reason to buy Android over iOS at this point."
Thom Holwerda, OSnews
"The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours. Google decides which apps are allowed to be loaded on Android and which are not."
Tuta Blog
"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
"The requirement extends Google's gatekeeping authority from its own Play Store to every alternative distribution channel on Android."
LLM Advocates
"This is not a developer account sign-up. This is comprehensive surveillance of the software development ecosystem."
PixelUnion
"Google has not removed Android's openness, but it is turning openness from a default right into a conditional, attributable, and tiered capability."
MerchMindAI
"Google's move is not credibly about 'security,' but actually about consolidating power and tightening control over a formerly open ecosystem."
Techdirt
"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
"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
"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
"This is a form of malicious compliance with the court orders stemming from its losses to Epic Games."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"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
"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
"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
"Destroying F-Droid isn't some 'oops.' It's the mission. It's Google finally cutting the last remaining escape route and locking every single user inside their store."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"Google is turning sideloading from a right into a permission slip, and the open-source community has until September to convince it otherwise."
Reclaim The Net
"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
Арганізацыі і адкрытыя лісты
"Unilaterally consolidating power to approve software into the hands of a single unaccountable corporation is a threat to digital sovereignty everywhere."
Nextcloud
"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
"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
"Android's biggest strength has always been its openness. That's what attracted developers and users in the first place."
AdGuard
"Centralised, intransparent security architectures certainly help secure monetization and the market by locking out competitors."
Nextcloud
"MEP Christel Schaldemose formally questioned whether Google's mandatory central registration is compatible with the Digital Markets Act."
European Parliament
"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
"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
"Independent software distribution on Android will now require Google's explicit permission."
AdGuard
"We unequivocally advise against signing up for this program, now or ever."
F-Droid Open Letter
"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
"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
"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
"The European Pirate Party called for proportionate and transparent measures that ensure security without restricting innovation, limiting anonymity, or distorting competition."
European Pirate Party
"This invasion of privacy of developers is not just an overreach of Google's authority over Android, but also jeopardizes developer safety."
Software Freedom Conservancy
"Google'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
"We are running out of time until Google becomes the gate-keeper of all users devices."
F-Droid
"When you set up a gate, you invite authorities to use it to block things they don't like. And when you build a database, you invite governments to try to get access."
Electronic Frontier Foundation
"Ultimately, Google's plan will stop you from owning your Android phone."
Tuta
"Google Play itself has repeatedly hosted malware, proving that corporate gatekeeping doesn't guarantee user protection."
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
"While Android used to be praised for its freedom and independence, it will become a closed shop just like Apple."
Tuta
"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
"Forcing software creators into a centralized registration scheme is as egregious as forcing writers and artists to register with a central authority."
F-Droid
"Remember: It's your phone, your data, your freedom. Don't let Google take it away."
Tuta
"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
"Developers who choose not to use Google's services should not be forced to register with, and submit to the judgement of, Google."
Open letter, over 67 signatory organizations
"Google's 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
"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
"Your Smartphone, Their Rules: How App Stores Enable Corporate-Government Censorship."
ACLU
Ютуберы і стваральнікі кантэнту
"If I'm going to be trapped in a walled garden anyway, I'll take the one that's built properly."
fireborn – Blog
"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 is removing the one key advantage Android has over iOS."
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
"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
"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 keeps getting in as much trouble as Apple when Google is half evil and Apple is full evil. So there are probably people inside Google saying, 'Why not just go full evil?'"
Louis Rossmann – YouTube
"That's not openness. That is control."
ChiefGyk3D – YouTube
"Follow the money. Google makes money when apps are downloaded from its store. Google has completely forgotten about its earlier company motto: Don't be evil."
Tuta Blog – Blog
"When you download applications, you've simply installed an application. I don't want to use words like 'sideload.'"
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
"Android has become what they set out to destroy."
Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube
"Google isn't testing this in the US or Europe first. They're starting in countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Why? Because these are massive growth markets where regulation is weaker. By the time regulators catch up, the damage will already be done."
ChiefGyk3D – YouTube
"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
"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
"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
"Your device, their rules. The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours."
Tuta Blog – Blog
"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
"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 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
"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
"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
"Imagine Dell told you that you could no longer install any operating system other than Windows on your laptop. That's what Google is doing to your phone."
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube
"Google 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
Распрацоўшчыкі і супольнасці
"Android is for everyone, provided they submit to Google exclusively."
gumby271, Hacker News
"It's not cyclic. It's a ratchet and it gets tighter and tighter."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"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
"The open Android I knew and loved is long gone."
girvo, Hacker News
"I want to deploy apps on my device. They are my apps, it's my device, and I should not be required to ask for permission to do so."
fsniper, Hacker News
"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
"Google wants the authority of a gatekeeper without the overhead of human accountability."
afferi300rina, Hacker News
"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
"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
"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
"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
"The phrase 'sideload' is psychological propaganda we are all best off rejecting."
WaffleMonster, Slashdot
"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."
masterofn001, Lemmy
"Play store is full of scam apps, F-Droid isn't, but Play Store is considered secure. It's all theatre."
gcupc, Lobsters
"Brazil government app refuses to operate with developer mode on."
flykespice (developer in Brazil), 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
"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
"Signal, VPNs -- they'll have a list of everyone opting out of government-mandated backdoors."
Max-P, Lemmy
"Whatever Google is doing kind of scares me. We have a big DIY community of diabetics in Germany running tools like AndroidAPS that cannot ever be distributed through official channels."
pimeys (Type 1 diabetic, DIY medical software), Lobsters
"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
"'Sideload' is like 'jaywalking'; seeks to stigmatize humans being human."
tejtm, 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
"Google's plan to require developer verification would give Google and governments the ability to ban any app."
Zak, Hacker News
"It took them 17 years to finally pull the cage all the way shut."
Apocryphon, Hacker News
"Making it harder makes it harder to treat ourselves. Software like AndroidAPS is unique. It's hard to find or very expensive and inferior in the proprietary market."
pimeys (diabetic user on life-critical medical software), Lobsters
"They have stolen a free product and are now actively locking out the people who built it."
TheTearMiser, Lemmy
"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
"Social engineering is destroyed with education, not with restriction and control. Trading freedom for safety eliminates both."
survirtual, Hacker News
"They're boiling the frog -- slowly removing features until all choice is gone."
hn92726819, Hacker News
"Don't beg. Don't get in a position that freedoms depend on the whims of a corporation or willingness of a government to regulate them. Build."
jzb, Lobsters
"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
"The war on General Purpose Computing is the death of innovation and a direct attack on digital freedom."
layfellow, 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
"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
"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
"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
"Once deployed, there's a near 100% chance of such a mechanism being used for evil."
Zak, Lemmy
"Android was never actually open and now they are abandoning even the thin pretense."
Tiraon, Tildes
"You have no right telling me what I can and cannot run on my own devices."
MrZander, Hacker News
"You are essentially a child to them. The difference is society has decided not to step in to protect you from your abusive parents."
globular-toast, Hacker News
"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
"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
"If the likes of Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and others have their way, you will not own your computer; those companies will effectively own your computers."
RUs1729, Slashdot
"All the banking and payment apps in India refuse to open if you have developer mode on."
nibbleyou (developer in India), Hacker News
"For 'security' -- always security with these assholes. They're just building the walls of the walled garden higher."
lynxy, Tildes
"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
"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 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
"Some time in the future, we will look back to this era and ask ourselves what went wrong."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"Google's own Play Store had over 600 million malware downloads. They keep talking about 'security' but their own store is crawling with fake apps and straight up malware while actual useful stuff gets buried or rejected."
Historical-Employ129 (324 upvotes), Reddit
"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 seems to actively hate people who develop for their platforms."
hbn, Hacker News
"Twice I have had to deal with Google silently disabling my drone app to the point I had to buy an older phone to perform work. When I purchase a device that works with another device, under no circumstances should I be at the mercy of any updates they make."
cbrophoto (drone professional), Reddit
"Google now has a flag on my phone they can control remotely to keep me from accessing the apps I want."
vala, Lemmy
"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
"We are talking about something categorically worse than vendor lock-in: Collective vendor lock-in."
anordal, Lobsters
"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
"Modern life practically forces you to put all your eggs into a phone controlled by one of two profit-seeking companies."
koala, Lobsters
Галасы з петыцыі
"We have the right to choose what apps we want to use or not to use leave it alone "
DENNIS, change.org
"WE WANT CHOICES! "
Cindy, change.org
"I've been on android for as long as I can remember. The freedom to develop and most importantly do what I want with my own device is wonderful. To have that taken away from us all would be terrible, especially since the whole reason I love Android is how it is now. "
Angelo, change.org
"I've always installed software from whatever source I chose. I don't think locking things down on Android any more than they already are helps anyone. It just adds fuel to suspicions we already have about Google vision due the Android ecosystem. "
Jason, change.org
"This decision breaks the promise of Android. By forcing verification, Google puts barriers to entry, and more importantly, introduces conflicts of interests in the app installation process. There must be an option to opt out of this. Every open source app would need to establish a legal entity to be installed on Android. Developers would be blocked for circumventing limitations that eat into Google's revenue but which aren't inherently illegal or against the ToS (i.e. personal archiving of YouTube videos). This could spell not only the end of Android but also personal computing under our own control. "
Kevin, change.org
"One reason people buy android devices is for the freedom it offers. As it stands, should I buy a phone in the future, I'll probably just pick a Linux phone instead to avoid Google. "
Timothy, change.org
"The actions of Google are asinine, and the fact the company is trying to do this is appalling. "
Grace, change.org
"Removing Android's freedom of sideloading is bad. People use Android because they have freedom, no matter the brand—Samsung, Google, etc. But now they want to get rid of our freedom; that is horrible. People who are developers who don't want to pay to publish their app on the store could, but with this going through, changes EVERYTHING. Sign this petition, Android can't go down like this. "
Elias, change.org
"Anyone from brazil here? "
Luis, change.org
"Google is about to further close down Android, which isn't good at all. If anything, it's going to hurt everyone, and furthermore, what if others start to copy them and lock down their ecosystems in a similar manner? For example, what if Microsoft starts locking down Windows app dev like Google is locking down Android app dev, and starts restricting sideloading exes? "
Joshua, change.org
"Android ain’t doing this if we can help it. They CEO types always getting greedy. Let’s keep Android as Android "
Nathanael, change.org
"We need to stop the monopolies and surveillance of big tech corporations "
Tyler, change.org
"we pay for these devices and maintain them. we should be able to do anything we want with them. Locking us out is just greed. Like buying a car. then having to pay ever month to use the heated seats that are already in the car. if anything, let us put a different system on the phone. "
David, change.org
"I support Signature verification for security, but centralised verification is harmful for open Android ecosystem. "
Wenyi, change.org
"The freedom Android offers for young inquisitive minds is the entery way to Dev-Land. Certainly they are aware of how many of their employees started from this basic idea and how many they may loose by taking it away. Not only that do they really believe we won't migrate to something better? But as a consumer we need to try and understand what the future will look like, why this is the decision not just for Android but for Windows and more. "
Joseph, change.org
"This is absurd and down right offensive that Google ever thought the thought that contradicts the core ideals for the Android OS! An android device that's no longer open might as well be Apple 2.0. In saying that, it will turn away not only the tech savy users in completion by 100% of them looking for another OS but in turn having the user who wants to express themselves in their Android device... If we wanted a closed source environment we'd conform with the rest of the world who knows nothing else but how to have the "hive mind" think for them and buy an apple. They do it, have done it and will continue to do it the best. Which, tbh, is ok!! Let them have their space in that of the most boring OS, app store, etc... If Google follows suit and actually closes up Android, clearly it will not kill the giant that Google purchased but it will turn away hundreds of millions of users to that "boring side" as in comparison, it makes NO SENSE for one to keep an Android over an iPhone when iPhone already has side loading and other exploitations to help us at the very least feel like we have some sort of control while going with the leading IP of closed OSs.... Android and closed should never be in the same sentence and I can guarantee when it happens Google will see lows they've never experienced in recent years nor could have predicted. However if the corporate overlords didn't think a backlash would occur when Google, likely the most predatory tech company in terms of their business practices who already enables the largest black market empire in that of call centers and scammers across the world to operate by selling our data to them and pushing their ads to the top of its results for the right amount of money. Who tf you think is gonna want to use a phone backed by said company when it's closing it's OS and changing it's TOS to basically "we can see and use everything on your screen for whatever purposes we please?? Literally the largest data broker in THE UNIVERSE???? YEA RIGHT, WE'RE NOT FOOL GOOGLE, WE'RE THE PHONE USERS WHO ACTUALLY KNOW HOW TO THINK FOR OURSELVES, Y'ALL FORGET THIS POINT?? "
Steven, change.org
"I own the hardware and will choose the software to suit my needs. not the needs of big tech. "
stuart, change.org
"Literally the best part of android devices is sideloading APKs "
Michael, 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
"This will be removing the rights of citizens and adding authoritarian restraint via our private communication devices whilst calling it a feature. I do not use Google. I use Android. Soon I will be forced to use neither. "
Ryan, change.org
""do no evil," my eye! this maga-adjacent, corpo-fascist overreach must be opposed, halted buried under copious amounts of binding democratic rules of fundanental software development freedoms & rights. no to paying tolls to genocide enabling skuoogle. no to overt subjugation of independent sw developers. if skruoogle had a consciencec... oh, but skruoogle has no conscience - it's not human. "
whiskey, change.org
"This is a violation of free speech and freedom of choice. We are not apple! "
Gearrard, change.org
"Inaceitável "
Daniel, change.org
"KEEP ANDROID OPEN SOURCE "
Tomica, 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
"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
"Sideloading? I call it installing! We own these phones, not you! The reason we buy Android is not simply the 'AI Features', but because it isn't as dystopian as iOS. Android has been about giving the user the choice on what apps they personally want, and to customize what they prefer. Google has been slowly taking it away from us, and they can't do this anymore! This is the final straw! "
William, change.org
"Sideloading is what keeps Android as a different thing compared to iOS. Taking that away is like making it the same. Worst, decision, ever. "
Marcos Eloy, change.org
"Android is dying but we shall together to save Android. "
Elmer, change.org
"Android has always been a platform for freedom of choice and exploration. This restrictions from Google go against the core element that made users stick with Android for all these years. If I bought something with my own money I should be free to use it as I please. "
Eric, change.org
"This is an attempt to stifle free and open development because that development has created avenues that subvert Google's bottom line. People are becoming tired of being the product and have the right to their privacy- but Google belives they have a right to force people to become said product by limiting where and how they use their devices. Buzz-words like "a more secure ecosystem" are used to hide their true initiative: their bottom line. Ironically, this corse of action may become the driving force that pushes Linux phones into full maturity, thus amputating the open-source-development community as revenue. I don't subsidize my mobile device purchases so that I may have full control over what I can do with them. Upon this move, I will gladly suffer the inconvenience of a less-mature operating system or less-developed device over a walled garden built by greed mascurading under the guise of "This is what will be best for everyone." "
Jake, change.org
"I am from Brazil, and having an android closed here makes it impossible for Brazilians, who in our situation, most people cannot have an economic situation that can have video games, PCs to enjoy the culture, with emulators, we can have access to this, even with simpler cell phones, because here even the simplest cell phone, it costs almost 1 minimum wage, I wanted to leave my support so that we can change this bad future "
Icaro, change.org
"We will not let Google apply the closed ecosystem to apks. I just want an open system and freedom of apks on Android. An open ecosystem for us to download apks whenever we want. I want Google to get screwed and there will be a rain of lawsuits against this greedy monopoly company called "Google"😠🤬🗡🛡 "
rhyansamuel, change.org
"I've said this before on a similar petition, but I sideload apps all the time, and it's a very important feature to me because I can download older versions of apps that I know function better with ease. Just like everybody else is saying, we use Android instead of iOS because we enjoy having this freedom. It won't benefit us: only Google is going to benefit. "
Daniel, 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
"SKYNET HAS INITIATED WWIII :( "
Daniel Alberto, change.org
"Keep android app development open! "
Samuel, change.org
"It wasn’t enough to allow malicious apps on the Playstore, now they want to remove the one thing that makes someone want to use Android? And I haven’t even commented yet on the fact that they prevent users from exploring their own files freely (date, obb), and applications with security flaws that cannot be uninstalled. the situation does not seem to be good... But there is still hope "
Adonis, change.org
"It's been sad to see the steady decline the OS has experienced with increasingly restrictive updates implemented by Google. But this is the final straw. This update effectively forces all users to only install apps through the play store AND can shut down FOSS Android forks like Lineage, GrapheneOS, etc. So many people (including myself) rely on the amazing work the FOSS community does in the Android space. This update will force you to install the apps Google wants you to install, stop receiving OS updates when Google says so, require all Android developers to hand over their ID to Google, etc. Given Google's track record, I wouldn't trust them with all of that. :) "
Kawika, change.org
"We need android to stay open "
Mark, change.org
"You either die being choice free and open for the people, or live long enough to change your values and become like Apple. Don't be disgusting. "
Daniel, change.org
"I didn't sideload an app on my phone. I installed software on my handheld computer (phone). I own my device, not Google. This overreach of only being able to install Apple, Google, or Microsoft apps and nothing else is likely to spread to our personal computers if it is not stopped now with our phones. Google Play already protects from malware on the phone no matter where an app was installed from. This is NOT about security and lowering risk. "
Amber, change.org
"Android has always been a great thing for side loading and having control over YOUR device and removing it like this is terrible. And should be stopped!!! "
John, change.org
"In a time when a few big companies are controlling everything, having access to open source alternatives is more important than ever. We don't need more restrictions and less access. Right now you can come up with a great idea, create said idea, then share it with other android users. The only barriers are your own willingness to learn. But google is trying to destroy what makes android great! Don't let it happen. Sign the petition, make noise on social media, boycott if it comes to it. Don't let the people at the top continue taking away and restricting things we love and need. It can feel like they're untouchable. But they rely on us for that power and control. If enough people resist they will revert the planned changes. Because in the end we're the consumer and all they care about is "the numbers go up". They need us for that. "
Anthony, change.org
"Seriously, this can harm game devs/ports (legally) plus every APK is checked if this decision is accepted. "
Leonardo, change.org
"I want to have the option of what to download and how to download it because if I wanted something restricted I would use Apple "
Sergio, change.org
"My name is Lawrence Wider Jr. I am a huge fan of Android. The ability flawlessly download the individuals files (APKs) of smartphone apps on my smartphone is the reason why I decided to choose Android as my first ever smartphone OS to use over iOS a couple of decades ago. In short, it was Freedom Of Choice that caused me to choose Android over IOS decades ago. If Google decides to go through with their plan to limit APK usage this September, then I will no longer have that awesome choice and I will no longer be able to choose the awesome smartphone OS known as Android as my smartphone os. The ability to flawlessly download the individuals files (APKs) of smartphone apps on my smartphone had also caused Android to be a fun smartphone OS for me to use. Another advantage of the ability for me to download individual files (APKs) of APKs on my Android smartphone has given me is the ability for it to be easier for me to use Android. If Google decides to limit APK file usage this September, then it would cause me to no longer choose Android as my smartphone is to use. Thank you. "
Lawrence, change.org
"Your going to lose customers to apple to make a quick buck. A lot of android users are android users because you can use the phone how you please. Stop being dumb. "
Christopher, change.org
"Keep Android Open "
Timothy, change.org
"Android without open means NOTHING "
Lang, change.org
"Side loading is the way I have made my phone run better, my privacy has been better maintained and it gives me freedom that Google and Apple don't. By blocking side loading apps Google is essentially turning into another Apple. It is no wonder why Motorola is looking at returning GraphineOS as well as other manufacturers are using Linux based phone OS's. People need that freedom that android has given us. "
Daniel, change.org
"This policy would put developers at risk. This isn't safety, it's censorship. "
Teagan, change.org
"This errodes competition by giving Google more control over what content is easily allowed. Fundamentally, this is anti-competition and a way for Google to cement their ability as the "taste maker" for Android devices. "
David, change.org
"Literary the biggest reason why I choose android over apple. If android wants to copy apple this way then there's no reason to stay with android anymore. "
Kytt, 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
"I've always chosen to use Android because I want to have control of how I use my phone. I know installing something might cause problems, but after all it's my decision and my phone too! If I wanted to be "more safe" I'd buy a phone with iOS. Let the users decide how they want to use their phones at their own risk. "
Nicky, change.org
"This won't make Android surpass Apple - it'll just speed up its demise "
ching, change.org
"Without users being able yo choose where they get their apps from, smartphones will be a completely locked down means of computing. It does not protect the average user's data, it just makes it so that only the people that Google says can harvest and sell are doing it. They aren't going to vet those people, they're just going to collect their entry fee. "
Nick, change.org
"The whole reason I love android is due to openness and freedom, Google taking this away makes me mad because that's a staple point for Android gone. As a regular user, I use the F-Droid store, as well as finding apps directly on GitHub. "
Micheal, change.org
"I'm repulsed by enshittification and the tightening grip of corporate oligarchs who bring nothing of worth to the table and therefore can only increase shareholder value by continuing to worsen their products "
Nicholas, change.org
"Android made it possible for free, open source software to be widely used between everyday consumers instead of locking them into subscriptions or high one time payments, and by restricting APK sideloading, this strips people away from being able to use software that more poeple are able to use. This is downright wrong. "
Michael, change.org
"I keep memories of my life in open free apps. I can't lose all of that. Android needs to be as it has been until now. "
Javier, change.org
"The open source nature of Android and the AOSP community has made it easier than ever to delve into the world of Linux development at ones own pace, which is an extremely useful skill in the IT space. Especially for those without the local community, resourcee, and funds to pursue a formal/traditional education. "
Aidan, change.org
"One of the reasons why many people including myself chose Android over iOS is its openness. Android used to treat people like it should - users, who know what they are doing if they decided to enable sideloading (AKA "install unknown apps") or go into developer settings. If the new restrictions will get put in place, Android will lose this benefit, and while some people will not even notice the difference, others will switch to iOS, a custom ROM, or might start a development effort on an entirely new mobile operating system. Google will end up losing a decent chunk of its userbase. In addition, if we look at iOS again, they were putting all of tgose "safeguards" (aka restrictions) for a long time, and people were jailbraking their iPhones. Now think about it, if the new restrictions were to be put on "sideloadong", some developers will stop publishing on Google Play, and those users who were using those no longer available apps (especially the inexperienced ones) will start looking for ways to "fix" the problem. This will give rise to shady repair services (especially in developing countries), who will promice to get those apps back onto the users phone (mainly via ADB, as that method will continue to work), but will also end up putting some malware (such as crypto miners) on user devices at the same time. So, with that in mind, would this "developer verification" change really make Android more secure? "
Lev, change.org
"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
"Keep the Android Open Source Project... Open Source "
Raymond, change.org
"If I purchase a device, such as a smartphone, and I am not under a contract, I should be able to alter it how I want. It is MY device. There are certain features I want to disable, certain ways I want my phone to operate. With a "walled garden" such as an Apple device, I cannot do that! That is the reason I have used Android since my first Android phone, Dell Streak 5. If Google locks things down, I'll just switch to APPLE. What's the point of keeping Android? "
Rusty, change.org
"Android gives users choice and that is literally the reason why I use Android. For people in places like Iran, China, Russia, and others who want to use apps that can get them unbias news media, but cannot install western news media apps from the Google Play Store how do you think they get their apps. If Google really cared about the security of their users they would actually fix stock Android's issues with permissions management and lack of zero trust architecture. Instead of fighting the symptoms (third part apps) Google should be finding the cure which is fixing the first lines of user's defense browers and OS. Google isn't coming for third party browser extentions, but they are coming for our apps. This makes no sense. It is clearly a ploy to give Google more Apple like control of OUR devices and wants to stop users who do not want to go as far as installing a more secure Android ROM (*cough* *cough* install GrapheneOS *cough*), but who still want a DeGoogled phone. "
Jannet, change.org
"This level of control over a phone i own is unacceptable if i own it i should be allowed to put what ever i want on it whenever i want without googles permission "
Frank, change.org
"The entire reason I switched to Android in the first place was the freedom that it allowed compared to Apple products. I felt stifled and restricted by Apple software and moved to Android with the hope that I would have more freedoms, despite some other downsides that existed at the time compared to Apple, such as camera quality. Without the freedom to install what I want when I want, what's the point in even continuing with Android? The core reason I switched would be taken away, and there would be no reason at all for me to continue using Android products. Being able to sideload apps and have more control over how I use my device has been incredible, and I do not want to lose that. And my god I do not want to have to switch to a new device brand because of this, but I will if this is pushed through. "
Cortney, change.org
"We need liberty, the end of the APKs is a extremely bad decision to be honest. "
Anonymous, 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
"If I wanted my phone to be a prisoner in a fascist dictatorship I'd have an iPhone. I've been thinking about degoogling my life, maybe now is the time to do it. "
Karl, change.org
"I am tired of massive corporations limiting us. I love using android because it is a modified linux kernal and I love using linux. I want android to stay open, android has not right to call itself linux if it will not stay open. "
Charlotte, change.org
"Android for a long as I remember was the free option for downloading apps, games, and anything thats not supported anymore through alturnative app stores, unlike apple where everything is lockdown and MUST gobe downloaded through them. by using android and other app stores I can play games or get apps that arent supported/ dont show up on the current play store, but would still work on my phone just fine by downloading it on a 3rd party app store. By google locking down android (in other words becoming a Apple wanna'be) to downloadimg apps through THEIR playstore, they kill off any way for me to use older apps or games because they either cant run in 64bit and are stuck as 32bit apps, or because people dont want to give out their personal information to release their app on the playstore. by google having YOU, the developer, give up your personal info to publish apps on the playstore opens up MANY security vulnrabilities that can lead to the developers personal lnformation being leakedd/doxes/put on the dark web/or sold off to sketchy 3rd party conpanys without their consent. ANDROID has always been OPEN-SOURCED and should remain that way. "
Mathew, change.org
"Ceasing to monopolize everything under the guise of "user security" only harms millions of independent developers and the users who consume their apps "
Angeles, change.org
"Device freedom shluld not be limted and the whole appel of android is device freedom taking that away defeats the whole point terrible change hope this doesn't go through "
Logan, change.org
"F droid is my primary way of installing apps. Blocking sideloading will fundamentally change how I use my phone, and make it impossible for me to use my phone in the way that I have for years. "
T, change.org
"By implementing mandatory developer registration in September 2026, Google is fundamentally betraying the core promise of Android as an open ecosystem. This shift towards a restrictive, gatekeeper model breaks user trust, kills anonymous innovation, and signals that Android is no longer about user freedom, but rather total corporate control. This is the end of the open platform I chose to support. I urge Google to reverse course it is not too late. The path we are heading on is a very dark one . If you carr only about money you should consider how much money you will lose from this.. I will be leaving Googles ecosystem entirely from chrome, to gemini, to android . I Have been with Google since the beta invites of Gmail but this direction I cannot support and WILL not. Apple would be smart to take advantage of this and capture a gigantic portion of your marketshare. I know I will be using my iphone instead of my s25 ultra. "Don't be evil" - Google But even step you have taken is from greed and control. Which is evil. You have betrayed the very people who made you who you are. "
Michael, change.org
"This angers me a lot. The things that I would say would only be suppressed, and I do not mean profanity. "
John, 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
"For Freedom! "
Ömer Can Devrim, change.org
"Security is important, but it's not the same as control. They close doors to developers and users. I personally use Android precisely because of the free installation of APKs. For this, I prefer to use iOS. "
Dilan Giovanny, change.org
"android needs to be free and google has to stop controlling what users can do with their phones and devices. they are NOT our parents. we can do what the heck we want!!! "
Carlos, change.org
"google, it is not your job to parent any user on what they wish to do with the items they purchase. No one wants your control and no one asked. "
Kyi, change.org
"Stop trying to lock down Android, you bozos! "
Rares, change.org
"I choose to use Android as it gives me the ability to freely use my mobile phone the way I intend to. I would like to continue developing apps as a hobby without needing to be an "approved developer" and sharing my government issued identity with Google. "
Christian, 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
"This ridiculous, anti consumer move from google is going to make me completely stop using their products. it will essentially make android the same as ios, and i specifically bought android phones to have more freedom. i might as well get an iphone now. "
Lewis, change.org
"Android shines in giving the user freedom to use their devices however they choose to. If Google closes down on this freedom, in my use case as a power user I will be unable to install apps any except from the play store which is a platform that is littered with bad app that are useless and sometimes they cost money making it unnecessarily difficult for Indy devs working on apps whether it for job or weekend project "
Cristian, change.org
"Google is already a monolithic company, now they are shutting out any developers and apps that don't conform to whatever arbitrary requirements they decide. Allow people the right to choose their own apps "
Jensen, change.org
"Remember when google was cool? "
Andrew, change.org
"Open source exploration is too important to add any additional barriers to entrance. I expect it's bad for all of us, including alphabet and Google, the aosp... a new open model may rise from a push such as this. Really though, don't be evil, please "
Eric, change.org
"There's been a LOT of privacy conscious people out there, that don't want to be tracked everywhere they go, especially when doing personal stuff at the privacy in their own home. Open source apps are also good alternatives, when big tech can censor you or even flag you, for something that ISN'T illegal nor harmful in any way. So what Google is doing is making users more vulnerable and harmful that even violates the 4th Amendment! "
Dan, change.org
"I always chose to use android because of its freedom to do whatever I want woth my smartphone. Now they want to become Apple. What is wrong with them? We can't let this happen. "
kelvin, change.org
"This decision makes you seem even more authoritarian and greedy than usual. Regardless, since we all know you care about your profit margins more than anything else I'd like to point out that you're depriving yourselves of potential profits. The small developers that are honing their skills developing apps that; for whatever reason; they can't or don't want to publish through you, they may create the next viral app as a result of their efforts. If you take away their ability to develop without you being in complete control you are killing potential profits. "
Caleb, change.org
"I'm a new Android game developer but unfortunately what Google did is unacceptable! We need to stop this stupid idea before it becomes a reality!! "
Guilherme, change.org
"Asking an ID for everything is not different from China's ID Citizen Score This is clearly made with the intention to manipulate what people do and learn about "
Verónica, change.org
"The whole reason i chose android over apple so many years ago was for the freedom choice in how and what my phone does and doesnt do. Now google is attempting to take that away that freedom. Im honestly so frustrated with googles invasive practices that i've deleted all my google accounts, and moved on to better, more privacy focused alternatives. Sadly google wants to kill that off. "
cae, 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