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A partir de 2027*, uma atualização silenciosa, imposta sem consentimento pelo Google, bloqueará todo aplicativo Android cujo desenvolvedor não se registrou no Google, não assinou o contrato e não pagou ...

Todos os aplicativos e todos os dispositivos, em todo o mundo, sem opção de não participar.

O que o Google está fazendo

Em agosto de 2025, o Google anunciou um novo requisito: a partir de 2027, todos os desenvolvedores de aplicativos Android deverão se registrar centralmente junto ao Google antes que seu software possa ser instalado em qualquer dispositivo. Não apenas os aplicativos da Play Store: todos os aplicativos. Isso inclui aplicativos compartilhados entre amigos, distribuídos através do F-Droid, criados por amadores para uso pessoal. Desenvolvedores independentes, grupos religiosos e comunitários, assim como amadores, serão impedidos de desenvolver e distribuir seus softwares.

O registro implica em:

Se um desenvolvedor não cumprir as regras, seus aplicativos serão bloqueados automaticamente em todos os dispositivos Android do mundo inteiro.

Quem é prejudicado por isso

Você

Você comprou um celular Android porque o Google disse que era um sistema aberto. Você poderia instalar o que quisesse, e esse era o acordo.

O Google está agora reformulando esse acordo, com efeito retroativo, no hardware que você já possui. Após a atualização, você só poderá executar softwares pré-aprovados pelo Google. No seu próprio celular: seu dispositivo, pelo qual você pagou.

Desenvolvedores independentes

O primeiro aplicativo de um adolescente, uma ferramenta de privacidade criada por um voluntário ou uma versão beta interna confidencial de uma empresa. Não importa. Em 2027, nenhum desses aplicativos poderá ser instalado sem a aprovação do Google.

A F-Droid, que hospeda milhares de aplicativos Android gratuitos e de código aberto, classificou isso como uma ameaça "existencial". Cory Doctorow chama isso de "Darth Android".

Governos & sociedade civil

O Google tem um histórico comprovado de acatar as exigências de regimes autoritários quando estes solicitam a remoção de aplicativos. Com esse programa, o software executado pelas instituições do seu país ficará à mercê de uma única empresa estrangeira que não presta contas a ninguém.

A EFF considera controles de acesso à aplicativos "um caminho cada vez mais fácil para a censura na internet".

A "saída de emergência" do Google é uma armadilha

O Google afirma que os "usuários avançados" podem "ainda instalar" aplicativos não verificados. Veja como isso realmente funciona:

  1. Acesse as Configurações do Sistema e localize as Opções de Desenvolvedor
  2. Toque no número da versão sete vezes para ativar o Modo de Desenvolvedor
  3. Ignore os alertas alarmistas sobre coerção
  4. Digite seu PIN
  5. Reinicie o dispositivo
  6. Aguarde por 24 horas
  7. Volte, feche mais telas de alerta
  8. Escolha entre "permitir temporariamente" (7 dias) ou "permitir indefinidamente"
  9. Confirme, mais uma vez, que compreende "os riscos"

Nove etapas. Um período de espera obrigatório de 24 horas. Para instalar software em um dispositivo de sua propriedade.

Pior ainda: esse fluxo opera inteiramente por meio do Google Play Services, e não do sistema operacional Android. O Google pode alterá-lo, restringir seu acesso ou desativá-lo a qualquer momento, sem a necessidade de atualização do sistema operacional e sem precisar de consentimento. E, até o momento, ele não foi incluído em nenhuma versão beta, preview ou canary. Ele existe apenas como uma publicação no blog e algumas maquetes.

Isso vai além do Android

Se o Google pode bloquear retroativamente bilhões de dispositivos que foram vendidos como plataformas abertas, todos os fabricantes de hardware do mundo estarão de olho nisso.

O precedente que está sendo estabelecido: a empresa que fabricou o seu dispositivo decide, depois que você o comprou, qual software você tem permissão para executar. No mundo do software, isso é chamado de "rug pull"; mas, pelo menos, você sempre podia instalar um software concorrente. No hardware, trata-se de um fato consumado que tira de você o poder de decisão e o deixa à mercê dos caprichos de um único guardião irresponsável e monopolista convicto.

A abertura do Android nunca foi apenas um recurso. Era a promessa que o diferenciava do iPhone. Milhões de pessoas escolheram o Android exatamente por esse motivo. Agora, o Google está revogando essa promessa unilateralmente, em dispositivos que já estão nos bolsos das pessoas, porque decidiu que possui domínio de mercado e influência regulatória suficientes para se safar dessa.

Ars Technica: "A inveja do Google pela Apple ameaça desmantelar o legado aberto do Android."

Mas espere, isso não é...

"...só sobre segurança?"

O argumento da segurança é uma cortina de fumaça. O Google Play Protect já verifica a presença de malware independentemente da identidade do desenvolvedor. Exigir um documento de identidade oficial não torna o código mais seguro. Isso torna os desenvolvedores identificáveis e controláveis. Os autores de malware podem se registrar. Desenvolvedores independentes e dissidentes, muitas vezes, não conseguem. A EFF é direta: o controle de acesso baseado em identidade é uma ferramenta de censura, não de segurança.

"...possível fazer sideloading se você usar o fluxo avançado?"

Nove etapas, espera de 24 horas, escondido nas Opções do Desenvolvedor, disponibilizado por meio de um serviço proprietário que o Google pode revogar quando quiser. Isso não é instalação paralela. É um mecanismo de dissuasão criado para garantir que quase ninguém consiga concluir o processo. E como ele funciona por meio do Play Services, e não do sistema operacional, o Google pode restringir ou desativá-lo discretamente.

"...um problema somente se você tem algo a esconder?"

Informantes, jornalistas e ativistas que vivem sob governos autoritários serão as primeiras vítimas. As pessoas em situações de violência doméstica são as próximas. Todos esses grupos têm motivos legítimos para distribuir ou usar software sem que sua identidade legal seja registrada em um banco de dados do Google. A contribuição anônima para o código aberto é uma tradição mais antiga do que o próprio Google. Essa política põe fim a isso no Android.

"...a mesma coisa que a Apple faz?"

A Apple tem sido um "jardim murado" desde o início. As pessoas escolheram o Android porque ele era diferente. Dizer que "A Apple também faz isso” é aceitar uma corrida para o fundo do poço e um fraco argumento tu quoque. E sob pressão regulatória (a Lei dos Mercados Digitais da UE), até mesmo a Apple está sendo forçada a se abrir. O Google está indo na direção oposta: tentando consolidar ainda mais seu status de centralizador.

"...só $25 e um pouco de burocracia?"

Talvez, se você for um desenvolvedor nos EUA com um cartão de crédito e uma carteira de motorista. Tente ser um estudante na África Subsaariana, ou um dissidente em Mianmar, ou um voluntário que mantém um aplicativo comunitário de saúde. O custo não é apenas financeiro: você está entregando sua identidade oficial e suas chaves de assinatura a uma empresa que atende rotineiramente às exigências do governo para remover aplicativos e expor desenvolvedores.

Reaja

Todos

Desenvolvedores

Não se inscreva. Não participe do programa inscrevendo-se no Android Developer Console e concordando com seus Termos e Condições irrevogáveis. Não verifique sua identidade. Não entre no jogo.

O plano do Google só funciona se os desenvolvedores o seguirem. Não o siga.

Empregados do Google

Se você tiver alguma informação sobre a implementação técnica ou a lógica interna do programa, entre em contato com [email protected] a partir de um computador que não seja do trabalho e de uma conta que não seja do Gmail. Garantimos total confidencialidade.

Todos estes se opõem…

71 oraganizações de 23 países assinaram a carta aberta

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

Leia a carta completa e agradeça aos signatários →

O que estão dizendo

Imprensa especializada em tecnologia

"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"

Internet Freedom Foundation (India)

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

Hackaday

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

TechSpot

"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

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

The Register

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

Gizmochina

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

It's FOSS News

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

heise online

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

The Verge

"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

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

Ars Technica

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

The Register

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

Open Source For U

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

XDA Developers

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

Infosecurity Magazine

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

Cybernews

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

SlashGear

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

Ars Technica

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

TechCrunch

"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"

InfoWorld

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

Thom Holwerda, OSnews

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

How-To Geek

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

Bleeping Computer

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

Android Headlines

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

How-To Geek

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

9to5Google

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

Slashdot

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

Android Headlines

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

How-To Geek

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

How-To Geek

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

Techzine EU

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

Techdirt

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

Reclaim The Net

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

Datamation

"Keep Android Open"

Linux Magazine

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

The Register

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

Android Headlines

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

Tuta Blog

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

Benzinga

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

MakeUseOf

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

TechRepublic

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

I-Programmer

"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"

The New Stack

Editoriais & análises

Organizações & cartas abertas

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

Osservatorio Nessuno

"There are governments who might very much like to know the names of the developers of those applications so that they can go after them."

Electronic Frontier Foundation

"Google'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

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

F-Droid

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

Tech-ish Kenya

"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

"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

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

ACLU

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

AdGuard

"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

"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 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

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

Nextcloud

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

Tuta

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

Tuta

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

Brave

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

F-Droid Open Letter

"This extends Google's gatekeeping authority beyond its own marketplace into distribution channels where it has no legitimate operational role."

Open letter, over 67 signatory organizations

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

F-Droid

"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

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

Nextcloud

"If it were to be put into effect, the developer registration decree will end the F-Droid project and other free/open source app distribution sources as we know them today."

F-Droid

"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

"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

"This is a profound change, one that shatters the entire premise of the Android ecosystem, long regarded as the antithesis of the closed Apple ecosystem."

AdGuard

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

European Pirate Party

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

Tuta

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

AdGuard

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

Brave

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

AdGuard

"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

YouTubers & criadores

"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

"This represents the last real safe place for free and open-source software in the entire mobile ecosystem. Once it's gone, it's gone. And we're going to spend the next decade trying to claw it back."

Techlore – YouTube

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

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

"Google 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

"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 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

"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

"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

"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

"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

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

fireborn – Blog

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

Switched to Linux – YouTube

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

Tuta Blog – Blog

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

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

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

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 already can disable malware that they find on your device. It's already a built-in feature. So what is developer registration actually adding here? Is it security or control? You decide."

Techlore – YouTube

"Google 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

"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

"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

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

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

Desenvolvedores & comunidade

"If Android's sandbox and permission systems actually worked, then the mere act of installing an app from an arbitrary source would be as harmless as visiting an arbitrary website."

mwcampbell, Lobsters

"Google 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

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

anordal, Lobsters

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

Max-P, Lemmy

"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

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

survirtual, 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

"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

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

flykespice (developer in Brazil), Hacker News

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

Historical-Employ129 (324 upvotes), Reddit

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

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

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

nibbleyou (developer in India), 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

"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

"Google now has a flag on my phone they can control remotely to keep me from accessing the apps I want."

vala, Lemmy

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

Zak, Lemmy

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

MrDresden, Hacker News

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

lynxy, Tildes

"'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

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

MrZander, 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

"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."

masterofn001, Lemmy

"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

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

hbn, Hacker News

"Can't come at a worse time. People are just learning to make things through vibe coding, and they're gonna want to put their own apps on their phones. And now Google says no."

Serinus, Lemmy

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

Zak, Hacker News

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

fermigier, Hacker News

"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

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

Tiraon, Tildes

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"Don't beg. Don't get in a position that freedoms depend on the whims of a corporation or willingness of a government to regulate them. Build."

jzb, Lobsters

"We need to start treating phones differently. We're entering a world where we can't choose what we run on them. Their primary purpose is to gather data on us and serve us advertising, they're engineered for addiction, yet engaging in the world is immensely difficult without one."

specproc, Hacker News

"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

"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

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

gcupc, Lobsters

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

TheTearMiser, Lemmy

"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

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

layfellow, 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

"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

"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

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

Apocryphon, Hacker News

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

girvo, 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

"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

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

WaffleMonster, Slashdot

"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

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

koala, Lobsters

"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

"I want to deploy apps on my device. They are my apps, it's my device, and I should not be required to ask for permission to do so."

fsniper, Hacker News

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

afferi300rina, Hacker News

"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

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

hn92726819, Hacker News

Testemunhos da petição

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

Ben, change.org

"This is censorship at its core. Stop trying to destroy the open internet under the guise of safety. "

Dominic, change.org

"Dear Google, As a life-long Android user, the perspective of this program ever coming into place is simply devastating. The Android Project was built with the promise of open-source software, community-driven development and digital freedom at its core. This promise has been a vital part of its success, from its humble beginnings to the widely popular and prolific ecosystem we have today. Any measure that does not fully respect these core values is a direct threat to the Android Project as a whole and a betrayal of its community. I believe the "Android developer verification requirements" program as it stands is such a measure. Therefore, I urge everybody involved at Google to seriously reconsider this program to the benefit of the Android Project and its community. Sincerely- "

Yoann, change.org

"Open Android was a promise to devs and users. Now Google tries to turn Android into a closed shop. That is disapointing. "

Marc, 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

"This is wrong! Taking freedom away from people isn't the same as making them safe! If this happens there will be no reason left to stay on android... "

Arya, 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

"Android is betraying it's one purpose, the "don't be evil" "

M, change.org

"This is a threat to everyone's first amendment rights. Google's tech oligarchy is trting gatekeep creativity for their own greed. This should concern everyone, not just F-Droid developers and users! They won't just stop at F-Droid, their goal is total control! "

AJ, change.org

"We can stand together to save Android and keep downloading what we love on our Android devices! "

Austin, change.org

"I'm only using android for apk's otherwise I would be using IOS/iPhone, Also without apk's there would be no reason to keep updates going for certain developers, we would be losing one of the things that makes android what it is, That is my opinion on this whole idea from google "

JaCureon, change.org

"For Freedom! "

Ömer Can Devrim, change.org

"Monopole kosten,vdas tragen dann wir alle. "

Richard, change.org

"This is going to change android into a half functional game console locked down to anyone who won't kiss the G, a sure sign of drm, not consumer protection. If only google approved apps are allowed, will we only be able to call google approved phone numbers, visit google approved websites, see google approved images, listen to google approved music? We are not google. "

Willem, 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

"this change would remove the main reason i even purchase these phones, stop it google "

andrew, change.org

"Freedom requires the ability for us to harm ourselves if we so choose. We own the devices we buy and should not be required to only go through people Google allows. This is an unacceptable policy when it's my device. "

Matthew, change.org

"Freedom of expression and choice, without filtering. "

Ralph, 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

"Yeah let's remove the one thing keeping people on Android 🤨 "

Bobby, change.org

"Take away the freedom of Android, and you'll lose the majority of your userbase. Seems like a smart move! "

Evan, change.org

"This change has nothing to do with security, it wants to remove the power of choice from the user and screw up many developer by forcing them to use the Play Store. Android is all about freedom and will always be. "

Yuri, change.org

"The only reason why I absolutely love android is because it makes me feel like I actually OWE my device and can do with it whatever I please to do, if google is limiting what I CAN or CANT do this means the device is no longer mine and why would I stick with android when there is other ecosystems like iOS which are SO much better than googles tracking and privacy? I want android to stay the way it’s been, open, amazing and fulfilling for users like me and so many others, all of my friends and family members use/have android because it belongs to them, if google decides to implement this APK blocking I assure them everyone around me will start buying iPhones! "

Andres, change.org

"Google is nothing short of an evil pig! We want free android! "

James, change.org

"This isn't safety, it's simply control. This hasn't been an issue for years. "

James, change.org

"If this happens, Android will ko longer be an open platform with options. Google and other OEMS that they work with will be the only ones who can dictate what your own personal device can run. This also completely halts hobbyist and low income development by cutting off an extremely accessible platform and imposing a fee (Which could very easily turn into an Apple style subscription later.). So, people will not be able to easily to learn, experiment, and practice with mobile app development. Only the very few with sufficient disposable money will be able to do it. "

Jeffrey, change.org

"Android has been the place for people to create and discover... It's extremely secure already, and there's no need to submit us all to the recent authoritarian wishes of Google... They want to have the developer's full information, to ban you if you challenge them or make an app that they don't like, but people do. We need to stop this... We thank Google for all of what they've done so far... But if they are going down this path, it's time for a TRULY open alternative... "

javier, change.org

"Android has always been about freedom on mobile, unlike iOS, and must remain so permanently. Developer identity verification on Android will not stop fraud and other malicious activities by fraudsters and scammers. They can use the browser, calls, or SMS to continue their malicious activities with impunity. This intrusive developer verification method will push both users and developers to use dangerous workarounds to run their preferred APKs outside the Play Store on Android. Furthermore, it will expose each APK developer's identity to data leaks, facilitate identity theft, and endanger everyone's privacy not to mention that it restricts the freedom of expression of developers. "

Samuel, change.org

"Its important to have side stores that protect privacy and not let everything enshitify. "

Augusto, change.org

"what does google think'll happen when they remove this aspect of android. this is the only distinguishable feature between ios and android "

Mail-main, change.org

"What is an android without weird apps installed from a weird website... I'm just kidding but that is what make better android you can make anything that you want. but if you can't install apps from outside of the play store you are going to lose so much content and I don't talk English so well but for this cause I'm did learn... An android without free apps not is an real android. And I'm not talking about like all apps need to don't cost I'm talking of being free of install any thing that you need. That's all thanks for read and remember being free is better than being dreaming. "

Elias, change.org

"The tight to sideload software is a central feature that sets Android apart from iphone. Without it you can expect Android marketers to drop as users like me shift to Linux phones and Android alternatives. "

Richard, change.org

"I am a long-time Android user that heavily relies on sideloaded apps for my everyday phone usage. I ask that you reconsider the decision to make app sideloading impossible as it would be a slap in the face to everything Android has represented for all these years. Freedom to use apps from varying sources has always been a huge selling point for Android -- and it's a big reason why many don't involve themselves in Apple's ecosystem. In addition, forcing developers to lose their anonymity for the promise of greater security does not seem to be an appropriate tradeoff. I ask that you consider an alternative course of action for the sake of your user base. "

Chris, change.org

"Literally the only reason I swapped to android years ago was because it had freedoms that iPhones didn't. I may as well swap back if this is how things are going. "

Robert, 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

"Freedom to install apps not verified by Google is one the main reasons to choose android over IOS. And claims that it's for security is BS. There are plenty of malicious apps on the playstore anyways, and this is going to lead to people who don't necessarily know what they're doing doing things like rooting their device, unaware of the risks. Besides, why is it any of Google's business what apps I install on a device I purchased? "

Cliff, change.org

"Android giving users choice has been the staple point of android OS. Removing choices like sideloading apps is not the move. I develop apps for myself, I do not want to be "an approved developer" I don't have time nor care for that. This action also is the beginning of censorship, and monopolization of android OS. Android started as an open operating system, you have simply turned it into a reskinned Apple OS. Your choice to go anti-consumer is going to hurt. You are not "protecting" anyone 184 likes "

Gabe, change.org

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

Mark, change.org

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

Adam, change.org

"Everyone is sharing how much they side with Android for the ability to have fuller control over what they can do with their devices .. and I'm so on board with that... I can't stand to have limitations which is why I've always used Android devices.. There's a lot of freedom to allow ourselves to develope what we'd like and share them with others .. that is something I myself enjoy be able to take advantage of as I am in no way knowledgeable in programming and most pf the time, everything I want is done by volunteers or people who just do these things as a hobby... what a community 👏 so annoyed Google is trying to enforce this stupidity "

Santiana, 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

"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

"As a regular user and consumer, I am frightened by this direction. Android has historically differentiated itself by being an open platform that users can customize to their liking - this is THE main reason I continue to purchase Android phones. I am a developer as a hobby, and will occasionally create my own apps to support my unique projects and requirements. I have no interest in becoming an authorized developer - that wouldn't make sense for me. In addition, I benefit STRONGLY from the community of existing open-source apps. I am an avid F-Droid user, and find the apps there to be of equal or better quality than those in the Play Store. If Android is to become as locked-down as iOS, then my next phone purchase will be from Apple to benefit from their increased privacy protections. The main differentiator drawing me.to Android will be gone. "

Patrick, change.org

"I originally chose android so I can learn and make things with apk packages, modify my phone and practice security and privacy. Also to break away from the apple cult. If google goes through with it, that'll betray myself and so many others who feel the same. "

Christopher, change.org

"This is exactly why I will NEVER use Apple *anything* not even movies on Apple TV. I've championed Android since it first came on the scene in my 25+ years of work in the wireless industry because of the open source nature of Android. It is also why I have switch all my devices but one to Linux in place of Windows (They have forever lost my support). Open source matters. It's also what sets Android apart from Apple. I will absolutely not purchase another Android device going forward if it is no longer open source. I have no problem falling back to a basic phone and running open source OSes on my PC, gaming handhelds and the like. This, to me, feels akin to the idea of the United States just erasing the first amendment. I doubt words will change your mind, but my dollars will back my opinion. It's sad that Google has decided to go this route. You've fallen so far since the beginning. I remember getting my Gmail account with beta invite. I remember being happy to see Google become a publicly traded company. I fear now I'll remember how Google became a huge disappointment. At least it's an interesting story seeing first hand the rise and fall of a search engine who's name became a verb because it was so superior. To just become a huge bully to the types of users that propped you up from the start. Of course jailbreaking will happen but how does that improve security? How does that differentiate you from the competition? "

Jeremy, change.org

"Google loves trying to downfall their own creation by doing stupids things. Android is a best OS to side load apps, and also freedom to install apps outside of google play, but this goes so bad that i prefer apple over this. we can also side load without apple trying to remove side load. and no, i don't want to be "an approved developer" i don't want pay to a boring business who trys to downfall their own creation by doing shitty updates, because who wants to show their identify just for be "an approved 18+ old" user? well, NOBODYS. even adults. bye android, hello apple. "

Juh, change.org

"I've always bought Android phones because I always liked the freedom of being able to download anything without having to be limited by the phone itself, like Apple. But now that Android is going to become Android 2.0, I'll throw away my Android phone and just buy an Apple if it's going to be the same. 👎 Android is all wrong. "

Mauricio, change.org

"As a developer who has long relied on Android’s open ecosystem, I am writing to express my strong opposition to Google’s new policy requiring all developers to register centrally with Google—even to distribute apps outside the Play Store. I understand the need for security, but Android already has robust, built-in safeguards that don't require this level of control. This new mandate forces every developer to submit to Google’s terms, pay a fee, and provide a government ID simply to offer apps through my own website or a third-party store. This fundamentally breaks what made Android "Android." My concerns are straightforward: Barriers to Entry: This creates friction for independent developers, open-source projects, and small teams who cannot absorb these compliance costs. Privacy & Surveillance: It creates a global database of every developer, tracking those who actively choose to avoid Google’s ecosystem. Arbitrary Power: It gives Google unilateral power to disable any app, from any developer, for any reason, across the entire Android ecosystem. Anti-Competitive: It allows Google to surveil competitive threats and market trends outside its own store, using that data to undermine rivals. The existing measures—sandboxing, user warnings, and Google Play Protect—have served us well for seventeen years. No evidence has been presented that these are insufficient. I urge Google to rescind this policy immediately. Turning Android into a centrally controlled platform where one corporation acts as the gatekeeper for all software is a threat to innovation, digital sovereignty, and the open principles that built this ecosystem. I ask Google to work with us, not against us, to find solutions that respect both security and freedom. "

Reese, change.org

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

Evan, change.org

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

Kendall, change.org

"I really like the apps that I have found outside of the Google play store. I would be really upset to lose them and for them to stop working "

Jason, change.org

"Google's promise was that Android would remain an open ecosystem allowing developers to freely play in an open sandbox and build applications without requiring a central authority. Users are capable of determining and accepting risk on their own, and the barrier to sideloading is high enough to keep most general users safe. It's been shown that even Play Store's security reviews are not perfect and that malware makes its way onto the platform, so there is no basis for this change other than greed and overreach. "

Cameron, change.org

"Limiting the installation of APK files (sideloading) is bad because it turns Android, known for its openness, into a "walled garden" similar to Apple's. This restriction strips users of their freedom, treating them as if they cannot make decisions about their own devices. Furthermore, it stifles competition and innovation. Alternative app stores, like F-Droid (focused on open-source), and developers testing their apps are directly harmed. This forces everyone to depend exclusively on the Google Play Store, giving Google total control over the market and what you can or cannot install, often under the guise of "security." In the end, it's a trade-off of Android's fundamental freedom for centralized corporate control. "

Lucas de arruda, change.org

"Aaaaaaaaae "

Sharon, 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

"We want a free and open Android, or we'll choose a better platform. Android without free and anonymous apk's installation capabilities it's not Android anymore "

Peoplewant, change.org

"As someone who writes and uses my own APKs to make my device even more useful to me, this lockdown would be a deal breaker for my use of the Google Android platform "

Luke, change.org

"APKs are literally the backbone of everything android. Schools who develop android apps as a class will be out of luck. Please keep android open. "

Zachary, change.org

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

Brandon, change.org

"Android was meant to be competion for apple an OPEN SOURCE it's what made android better and not a closed system like the competitor. Read the room Google! "

Jesse, change.org

"Google doesn't care about people or their privacy "

Adrian, change.org

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

Draken, change.org

"Keep android app development open! "

Samuel, change.org

"this would complete googles monopoly "

Alessandro, change.org

"I wanted android mainly for its ability to download things in third party app stores, unlike Apple, now that Google is going to be doing this, it makes Google look no better than Apple, Android, infamous for its open sourcability now getting locked down just like iOS. I really hope that this is refuted instead of pushed to Android. "

Joshua, change.org

"Open source is not a trivial matter for the regular user of technology nowadays. However, its importance should be taken seriously if we want a future where we will (still?) have access and some level of control over the technology we are too deeply dependent on for our daily activities. It is not necessary that everybody learn how to program smartphone or computer applications! But it is necessary that everybody know that it is important that big tech companies like Microsoft, Apple, Meta, and (in this specific case) Google don't close these doors. Be it for their customers or others trying to figure out what they're doing with our personal information. "

Ricardo, change.org

"Android is the mobile embodiment of freedom. Central registration with any organization is the absolute end to that freedom. This must be stopped. "

Elvira, 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

"GOOGLE PLEASE DO NOT ENFORCE DEVELOPER VERIFICATION. THIS WILL STOP PROGRESS. "

Luka, change.org

"that's the only reason i actually use Android, this should not be an actual project of Google "

Theodore Thomas, change.org

"Do not allow this tyranny! Refuse this overeach and help promote free software and your right to be able use your device the way YOU see fit. "

Nichita, change.org

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

Zachary, change.org

"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

"This policy shift is concerning for developers. Android has always stood out because of its openness — the freedom to build and distribute apps without excessive barriers. Requiring mandatory verification and charging fees adds friction that especially impacts independent and small developers. I understand the intention may be to reduce piracy, malware, or improve security. However, raising entry barriers risks weakening the very ecosystem that made Android strong in the first place. Innovation depends on accessibility and low compliance costs. Also, Google Play Store has been historically ineffective regarding security issues on their own marketplace. Restrictive distribution policies can also create unintended consequences. When official channels become too restrictive or expensive, users may turn to unofficial modifications like rooting or other system-level workarounds. That does not improve security — it may actually increase fragmentation and vulnerability. Even Microsoft never needed to impose this level of control on Windows to remain competitive. Decisions like this could accelerate the growth of alternative Linux-based operating systems and, over time, undermine Android’s dominance in the global market. "

João, change.org

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

Orrin, change.org

"Isn't the point of Android to be open and allow choice to install what the user wants? Why should I pay for a phone that won't allow me to actually have control over what I own? May as well buy an iPhone. "

Kolya, change.org

"I do not agree with Google's decision to limit my personal choices about the device I paid for. I bought my phone under the impression I was allowed to use whatever software I choose, but with these restrictions, I feel betrayed and used. I may as well stop using Android phones if it's just going to be another Apple. "

Sabrina, change.org

"This is absolute NUTS. I have some small apps I made that simply allow me to copy text to and from the clipboard to a central server I run, and I have programs on other OS's that can access it in a similar way. It's possibly THE most useful program I ever wrote in my life as I use it nearly every day. The idea that I have to pay to do the google dance just to run my own damn code is insane. Being able to run whatever software we like and access the file system is the whole point of android. Without that, we might as all just pay apple tax. "

Jonathan, change.org

"I release my apps on Github, this change will make my apps unusable. "

Mitch, change.org

"Android must remain a free platform. Google isn't doing this for security reasons. They want to control us, but we can't let that happen. "

Luciano, change.org

"It is a fundamental right for everyone to be able to install whatever they want from wherever they want on any computer of theirs. "

Jim, change.org

"Google is making Android more similar to iOS, and we cannot remain passive. We need to unite and resist Google's monopoly control. "

Jerry, change.org

"We need to stop Google controlling us. "

Carmen, change.org

"Invasion of privacy in the name of security "

Sadegh, change.org

"My Grandfather never used a phone. After I lost my grandmother we bought him a smartphone. He couldn't use it so I wrote an app for him which made it simpler for him. With these changes, my grandfather won't be able to use my app unless I give Google my data and Google approves me. Who is Google that it should have the right to position itself between me and my grandfather? And no using adb isn't even an option my computer which I use to code and the phone of my grandfather are separate as they don't belong into the same place. As an user I'm also using open source apps on my device which I paid for. Google has no right to decide what I install on my device which I paid for and what I don't install on my device which I paid for. My device does not belong Google. I don't belong Google. I am not the slave of Google. I bought an Android device because it doesn't treat me like a slave. The developers of these apps don't want to give Google their data and I approve that. I don't need approval from Google. I can decide on my own what I install on my pocket computer. Google can make suggestions, but Google doesn't have the right to decide for me. I'm a free person. "

Yunus, change.org

"I think that there should be access to install whatever you want on YOUR device, and use it how you want to. "

Jamison, change.org

"How many of the rights of the people will be taken away? This is ridiculous. If given the choice between security and freedom and privacy, I'll take freedom and privacy 100% of the time. I'm sick of this kind of stuff. "

Deagan Euras, change.org

"I've been an android user since I got my first smartphone a galaxy 3, I've been extremely happy with the amount of peronality I can add to my phone and I've stuck with the android platform because of it. This move towards locking away the freedom to create apps without the oversight of google is a disturbing and should be stopped. Google, please stop this, be the better company, don't become Apple. Be the voice of freedom. "

Sean, 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

"I despise ALPHABET's manipulative and self-serving gestures, toward gate-keeping OUR FREEDOMS and coyly investing themselves in THEIR PROMOTION, of our best intetests! 601=VC1 "

Ian, change.org

"APK ARE IMPORTANT,IT'S SOME GAMES THAT ARE NOT ON PLAYSTORE "

Paulo, change.org

"I am a self-taught programmer. Without the ability to experiment I could have never learned anything. This change will utterly destroy Android by not only banning a ton of quality software from sources like F-Droid and GitHub, but will also keep the next generation of developers from being able to learn by experience. "

Wesley, change.org

"Sideloading is the only thing that separates android from IOS in a meaningful way and to get rid of it destroys the whole point of using android. "

Jacob, 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

"This is a violation of free speech and freedom of choice. We are not apple! "

Gearrard, change.org

"Google is definitely overreaching in it's attempt to lock down users' ability to install apps via sideloading. There are many valid reasons for users to sideload apps, and many have already been stated, so I won't beat a dead horse. If people aren't smart enough to protect themselves from bricking their phones when they sideload a potentially harmful app, them they deserve what they get. It's not Google's place to be Guardian of the Galaxies (see what I did there?) or Pixels. "

Michael, change.org

"Android Freeeeee!! "

Tymmi, change.org

"Keep android open. Keep android from becoming Apple! "

Adam, change.org

"This seems important not to let Google be the all powerful mega corp "

Adrian, change.org

"Now we cant even test our own projects on android without licking the boots of microslop "

William, change.org

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