Tvoj telefón sa čoskoro prestane správať ako tvoj.

115 dní do obmedzenia

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

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

Čo Google pripravuje

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

Registrácia zahŕňa:

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

Koho sa to dotkne

Teba

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

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

Nezávislí vývojári

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

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

Štáty a občianska spoločnosť

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

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

"Alternatívny postup" podľa Google je výrazným obmedzením

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

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

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

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

Dopady presahujú Android

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

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

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

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

Časté otázky

"...ide len o bezpečnosť?"

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

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

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

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

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

"...robí to aj Apple?"

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

"...ide len o malý 25$ poplatok?"

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

Čo môžeš urobiť?

Používatelia

Vývojári

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

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

Zamestnanci Googlu

Ak máš informácie o technickej implementácii alebo pozadí tejto zmeny, kontaktuj nás cez [email protected] bezpečne z iného ako pracovného zariadenia cez iný nie-Gmail účet. Garantujeme anonymitu.

Všetci čo sú proti…

71 organizácií z 23 krajín podpísalo otvorený list

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

Prečítaj si otvorený list a poďakuj signatárom →

Čo na to vravia

Technologickí novinári

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

9to5Google

"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"

InfoWorld

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

TechRepublic

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

Ars Technica

"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

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

Open Source For U

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

The Register

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

How-To Geek

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

MakeUseOf

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

Thom Holwerda, OSnews

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

I-Programmer

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

How-To Geek

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

Benzinga

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

Gizmochina

"Keep Android Open"

Linux Magazine

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

heise online

"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 project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules"

Bleeping Computer

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

Cybernews

"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"

Internet Freedom Foundation (India)

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

TechSpot

"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"

The New Stack

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

How-To Geek

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

SlashGear

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

How-To Geek

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

Datamation

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

Infosecurity Magazine

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

Android Headlines

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

TechCrunch

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

Hackaday

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

How-To Geek

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

It's FOSS News

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

XDA Developers

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

Ars Technica

"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

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

The Register

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

How-To Geek

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

The Register

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

Techzine EU

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

Reclaim The Net

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

Tuta Blog

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

Android Police

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

The Verge

Editoriály a analýzy

Organizácie a otvorené listy

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

Tuta

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

Tuta

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

Electronic Frontier Foundation

"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

"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

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

European Pirate Party

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

AdGuard

"A 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

"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

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

Tuta

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

AdGuard

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

Open letter, over 67 signatory organizations

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

Nextcloud

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

Osservatorio Nessuno

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

ACLU

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

AdGuard

"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

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

European Parliament

"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

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

F-Droid

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

Software Freedom Conservancy

"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

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

Tech-ish Kenya

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

F-Droid

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

F-Droid Open Letter

"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

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

Nextcloud

"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

"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

"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

YouTuberi a iní tvorcovia

"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

"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

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

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube

"Google is setting a requirement that only they can fulfill, forcing developers to go through Google and killing off thousands of apps. Countless users stranded."

Techlore – YouTube

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

Tuta Blog – Blog

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

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

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

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

"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

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

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

"The widely-circulated narrative that Google already backed down from this is false. They didn't, and that misunderstanding may be the most dangerous part of the story right now."

Techlore – YouTube

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

The Linux Experiment – YouTube

"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

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

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

Techlore – YouTube

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

fireborn – Blog

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

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

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

ChiefGyk3D – YouTube

"Developers of privacy-focused tools and emulators will have to dox themselves, making them vulnerable to government agencies or legal action."

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

"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

"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

"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

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

fireborn – Blog

Vývojari a komunita

"My Pixel 6 just broke, and after 15 years of using Android, I've finally been convinced to move to iOS. If I must live in a walled garden, I suppose I'll choose the one with nicer flowers."

yonato, Hacker News

"It 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

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

nibbleyou (developer in India), 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

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

TheTearMiser, Lemmy

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

anordal, Lobsters

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

Tiraon, Tildes

"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

"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

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

flykespice (developer in Brazil), Hacker News

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

afferi300rina, 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

"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

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

Zak, Lemmy

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

hn92726819, 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

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

girvo, 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

"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

"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

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

Max-P, Lemmy

"Twice I have had to deal with Google silently disabling my drone app to the point I had to buy an older phone to perform work. When I purchase a device that works with another device, under no circumstances should I be at the mercy of any updates they make."

cbrophoto (drone professional), Reddit

"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

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

vala, Lemmy

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

gumby271, 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

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

koala, Lobsters

"Making it harder makes it harder to treat ourselves. Software like AndroidAPS is unique. It's hard to find or very expensive and inferior in the proprietary market."

pimeys (diabetic user on life-critical medical software), Lobsters

"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

"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

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

jzb, Lobsters

"I still remember how in the early days of Android vs iOS discussions, the main point was 'but it's OPEN!' The word 'open' was used as a comma by Google people. It was The Thing. The Difference. Good vs Evil and all that."

jwr, Hacker News

"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

"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 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

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

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

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

WaffleMonster, Slashdot

"Google selling Android as both open source and open to running any software you like in order to quickly gain market share, only to break those promises after driving competing platforms out of the market is nothing more than fraud."

GeekyBear, Hacker News

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

layfellow, 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

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

MrZander, Hacker News

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

survirtual, 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

"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

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

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

hbn, Hacker News

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

lynxy, Tildes

"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

"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

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

gcupc, Lobsters

"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."

masterofn001, Lemmy

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

tejtm, 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

"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 buy a device with my own money, which I supposedly then own, but then I need to ask some corporation permission to use it."

askonomm, Hacker News

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

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

Ohlasy petície

"Imagine not being able to install programs on your computer that don't go though Microsoft or Apple first. That is where this will go next if this type of practice is made normal/succeeded. "

Kyle, change.org

"Many apps i use are from alternative stores because they are libre and free. I won't be able to use my phone "

Alexandre, change.org

"The people will ask if they feel they need to be represented. "

Catherine, change.org

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

Taylor, change.org

"I use Android because of the freedom to customize and use my phone the way I want. I don't need Google telling me how to use my phone. "

Deja, change.org

"Android, if you are going to be just like Apple, I think many might as well just switch to Apple devices..... Please reconsider "

Kaleonahe, change.org

"The reason I don't like the IPhone ecosystem is because of how restricted it is, inwas able to support games or authors who don't publish on Google playstore due to what country they live "

Hairon, change.org

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

William, change.org

"As a big android user I love the option to try out apps that people make that dont want to use google play. Or the ability to sideload an app if its not "officially" supported but can run fine. The open nature of it is what makes things great and taking that away will push away people. "

T, change.org

"As a long-time Android enthusiast, I strongly oppose your push to force developer ID verification for APK sideloading. This policy erodes the open ecosystem that drew millions to Android, blocking access to legacy apps, region-locked content, and custom tools from sources like F-Droid. Under the guise of security, it stifles innovation and user freedom. Please reverse this immediately and honor Android's roots in choice and accessibility. "

Lucas, 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

"Open source is people power "

Nathan, change.org

"Privacy is a human right (just like the man who developed Telegram). It's a necessity too. Android is the ultimate choice because if I recall, 85% of all mobile phone sales worldwide are Android. The ability to customize at will much like a person buying a Nissan Skyline GT-R 34 has as much right as they want to modify their vehicle to their specific needs like more HP! 2000 HP sounds sexy! The same can be said about people with Android phones. Sure, not all people are into customizing but if you buy, it's yours. No excuses from greedy corporate stooges. I love the beauty of side loading 3rd party apps because of the Freedom that it comes with. Android is the choice for hackers too! Linux based kernel under the hood. If Google released the Android platform, imagine how better it would be. It's like George Hotz (who hacked the 1st iPhone) once said "Open source is the best source! Everyone profits from it". " The people should not be afraid of their government, the government should be afraid of their own people " - V from V for Vendetta. I don't remember who said "Give me liberty or give me death!". Developers should band together and be steadfast for there is strength in numbers. Even those who aren't developers! "

Juan, change.org

"This is crazy. Stop this madness. We pay for our devices and should have the right to install whatever software we like without verification. Keeping us safe with regulation is not the answer. Stop the madness and keep android open. "

Steven, change.org

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

Freddy, change.org

"Sideloading is genuinley the one actual reason I choose android phones over Apple. Without it, the switch is actually negligble. This is not the business decision to make. "

Leon, change.org

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

Josh, change.org

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

D, change.org

"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

"I bought this device. Keep your ransomware/malware away from MY device, Google. "

Zach, change.org

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

Pedro, change.org

"Android providing more freedom than any other OS has been it's drawing point for ages. The fact that that is being taken away for the sake of a corporation's whims is absolutely disgusting, and I would see no reason to continue supporting it. The fact that google believes it has absolute authority to filter content is frankly abhorrent, and it would provide no difference between android and any other OS. "

Guadalupe, change.org

"Side loading is my main reason to use Android. It's the only way I can watch YouTube on the Kindle "

Max, change.org

"Intelectual property is a disgrace! If what Google is trying to do is normalized it will eventually reach other OSes and it could kill game preservation via emulation. Not only that, they are also trying to normalize putting ridiculous restrictions to the freedom of the developers which could eventually kill open-source or at least make it unimaginably worst! "

Guilherme, change.org

"I use a lot of free and open source software on my android phone, especially from F-Droid, often because it uses more limited permissions than the Play Store equivalent and because I prefer to customise my phone. Now this freedom is going to be rendered unuseable?! Imposing fees on developers and requiring them to become authorised developers feels authoritarian and restrictive. Leave us the ability to side load apps please! "

Tom, change.org

"As someone who has recenlty been looking into privacy. I hope we can limit big corporations hold on our personal lives. "

Ronald, change.org

"I am one of many developers who rely on Android devices as a primary development environment. Using tools such as AndroidIDE and CodeOnTheGo, I build, test, and experiment with Android applications directly on mobile hardware. However, these workflows are already heavily restricted — particularly due to changes introduced after SDK API 28, where dynamic loading of certain native libraries became limited. As a result, many development-oriented applications are now restricted to sideloading only. In addition, the current Google Play requirement of targeting a minimum SDK level of 31 further limits independent and experimental development workflows. While I understand the importance of platform security and modernization, these changes unintentionally create barriers for developers who build, test, and innovate directly on-device. I also use Termux extensively to set up full Linux-based environments on Android — including complete distributions with XFCE4 and tools such as code-server or code-oss. This allows me to work with compilers, package managers, scripting languages, and development stacks without requiring a separate desktop Linux machine. For many developers, this mobile-first workflow is not a novelty; it is a practical and accessible development setup. Recent platform restrictions risk limiting not only convenience, but also the broader ecosystem of open-source innovation on Android. Numerous open-source contributors have invested significant time and effort into building portable Linux environments, developer tooling, and educational setups that run entirely on mobile devices. These projects lower the barrier to entry for students, independent programmers, and developers who may not have access to traditional computing hardware. If such updates continue to narrow these possibilities, they could effectively undermine years of community-driven work that has enabled Android devices to function as capable, flexible development platforms. Maintaining a balance between security requirements and developer freedom is crucial. Android’s openness has historically been one of its greatest strengths, and preserving that spirit is important for fostering innovation and supporting the global developer community. "

Vkrm, change.org

"FOSS shall not die and we the users shall be free to install what ever software we want "

Erik, change.org

"I am the founder of Yale Privacy Lab, where we have investigated privacy and security issues in Android apps since 2017. I can say without hesitation that this change makes Android users less safe. Android is based upon free and open source software (FOSS) and that has always been defined by user choice. Blocking the capability to install apps directly from trusted sources outside Google Play is not a small tweak. It removes a core freedom. We should not need permission to run software on devices we own. Framing this change as protection does not reflect the reality of the Android ecosystem. Google Play has long allowed unsafe apps, invasive tracker SDKs, and supply chain threats that slip through automated review. Independent audits have consistently revealed these issues inside of Google Play, even *after* Google claims to have scrubbed. For example, the X-mode SDK persisted long after it was banned in the USA by the FTC enforcement action, and was still present in many Google Play apps until Google was called out by my own investigation. Initially, Google responded by saying I was wrong but then acknowledged their error in press. Long after that, other tracker SDKs associated with X-mode and the wider ad-tech surveillance economy have persisted. In many cases, the safer and more privacy-conscious option is to use F-Droid to install apps. F-Droid is just one organization that is much more serious than Google about checking the safety of their catalog of apps. Sometimes, the safest option is installing APKs directly from trusted developers. These methods can avoid ad trackers, surveillance code, and unwanted data sharing. To cut off these options is to put many activists, journalists, whistleblowers, and ordinary users at risk. "

Sean, change.org

"I have advocated for android over apple for years in large part due to freedom of software and hardware choices. Ive gotten many to convert over. If google implements this change it will be a huge problem and make me and many others start considering alternative options. Google, be a pioneer and supporter of developers worldwide, not a stifler of technology and innovation. "

Emmanuel, change.org

"Side loading is one of the biggest reasons I used an Android device. I’ll be using an IPhone for the foreseeable future. "

Joey, change.org

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

Binyomin, change.org

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

Christian, change.org

"Competition is important and necessary to make anything good. We should be allowed to choose the software we wanna use. I use Linux for my computer and gaming, as well as iPadOS for my tablet, Android for my phone, and WearOS on my smart watch. I've also been watching videos and been intrigued by GrapheneOS, as it's a lot like Linux and can run the Google Play store. I've been using Android since 2017, and never even knew you could sideload apps (I thought you could only use the Google Play store). But if MacOS, Windows, and Linux let you download whatever compatible apps you want from the web, then why do phones have app stores if we don't use them on a computer? This makes no sense to me at all. If we bought a device, then we should own the device, and should be able to do whatever we want with it, whether that's destroying the device, modding the device, installing new software on the device (or even a different skin of Android, if that means prolonging the lifespan of the device), or sideloading apps. All of this is for the consumer, not the company. I love Android, and would hate to see anything bad happen to it. "

Alley, change.org

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

Andrew, change.org

"I ought to have the right to install any program I'd like on my computer without google acting as gatekeeper. F-droid's Foss nature makes it more trustworthy than the play store has ever been. "

Cris, change.org

"Android began as the open-source, mod-friendly underdog in the cell phone market years ago. I watched it as it grew into a thriving scene where we could brag to our Apple-loyal friends about the freedom we had in our platform, the platform we bolstered up and supported and went against the culture at the time to get behind. Over time, it's become less and less free and open; locking bootloaders, denying permission to access all of the storage we pay for on our devices, penalizing power users who root their phones by disabling basic functionality, and now that their Play Store monopoly has been called out for what it is Google, so desperately in need of more money than they earn from collecting and selling all of our private data to finance their AI ambitions, which are trained on all of our data in the first place, is locking down the user's ability to control how they can utilize the device they own even further, just so they can have a say (and a fee collected) in every application that others produce for what used to be a truly open-source platform. It's disgusting how for ensh*tification has gone. These are Our devices. We pay for them. They are ours to have to replace, to finance, to insure, to charge, and to use. You should have a say in literally every single aspect of how they're used, and exploiting small developers under the guise of "security" is just pathetic. "

Sheldon, change.org

"The entire point of choosing android over IOS is for the freedom to install things that may or may not work. 3rd party installation already requires you to go through some hoops . Its my device let me install what I want. "

Brian, change.org

"I've been an Android user for ever since i was 12, im about to be 30 now and i have never looked back, this is do to one main reason, freedom of choice. I always liked that i can install games and apps directly from developers most of the times. Is one of those things that set Android apart from iOS. Im not as tech savvy as some of my peers, but i do often show off the things i can do on my Android device that family and friends cant do on their iOS, so far i have been able to convince people to switch to Android and they have been enjoying the switch. I feel like iOS is finally catching up to Android in terms of customization features that Android has had for years now, but this decision to limit where i can get apps from would make the system just like iOS. I already quit from newer Samsung Galaxy devices since they got rid of features i still utilize to this day like the Headphone jack and Expandable storage. Today i use a Sony Xperia 1 V, which features both. I even did this personal experiment last year where i got an iPhone for 3 months to truly experience "the other side" and apart from getting use to the new User Interface (UI) the thought i kept having for those 3 months was "i cant get that one app im used to" or "i wish i could get this specific app, but is not on the App Store". When i finally got back to an Android phone the difference felt big, not only was i back to an UI i was so used to, i also didn't feel restricted from my choices in what apps i wanted to install. All and all, this decision to restrict Android users from where we can get our apps, is just another thing that i think will not longer set them apart from an iOS device, and there will be less reasons to choose an phone over the other, making them unexciting and eventually just all blend together. "

Anthony, change.org

"As a regular user and a small developer, I find this measure deeply concerning. When I choose to buy an Android phone, it is with the expectation of having control over how I use it, not to face restrictions or censorship. Tools like Knox and Play Integrity are already frustrating enough, and now it seems that even downloading applications from F-Droid or other nice Stores should be checked ?! This undermines both user freedom and the open spirit that originally defined Android. We have ( well we have to take it back) the right to create, modify, and use apps—and to communicate online—without being forced to give up anonymity. It is up to users to educate themselves about potential risks, not for GAFAM to decide on our behalf. "

naknak, change.org

"Open means Open Google. You are a Liar Google. Pass this and watch the revolt. There are other options than Google, Google. "

Paul, change.org

"Android promised us a choice. We shouldn't let them take it away from users and developers alike just to have more control. "

Cross, change.org

"Google’s recent changes that block or restrict APK distribution risk cutting off access for millions of users and harming independent developers who rely on alternative distribution channels. For many communities, sideloading and APK backups are essential for app availability, testing, and preserving older versions that still work for people and devices. We ask Google to reconsider any policy or technical change that would outright prevent APK sharing, and to work with developers and users to find safer, less disruptive solutions that protect security and choice!!!!!! "

Kabyt, change.org

"Your treason against humanity's freedom is going to be your downfall we will rise up against you sick sob's !!! "

Fu google, change.org

"Once the promise of running open software on Android is broken I ll simply toss the device into the bin and never look back. "

David, change.org

"They never let us have nice things, i hope we win. "

Victor, change.org

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

Michael, change.org

"The decision to limit APKs is simply stupid. "

Lyan Augusto, change.org

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

Joy, change.org

"I only bought an Android just for the custom APKs part. If I have to buy an entirely new phone for the slightest bit of sideloading, I will. "

Robert, change.org

"Google is wrong to limit people installing whatever they want on what's supposed to be their phone. "

Spark, change.org

"I have advocated for Android since I first got one, as well as developed for them for the past few years. This is regressive, and in the event that it passes I will immediately drop any projects involving android and attempt to find a new open OS for my phone as soon as humanly possible. "

June, change.org

"Android was built on FOSS foundations and this anti-consumer move goes against the guiding tenants of the OS and Google's mission. No-one who uses Android wants to see Google pervert it into a second-rate apple. This move is a violation of consumer faith and a bad long-term business decision. Revert it in it's entirety before you loose the core attraction of your product. "

Tate, change.org

"This will cause the only mainstream alternative to be apple. even worse. fight to keep android a safe privacy alternative! if they still go through with it just use Graphene. "

Charlie, change.org

"I have always used android because of the control I have over MY phone. Installing whatever apps I want from WHEREVER I want is one if the main reasons I prefer android! I will do everything I can to keep this from happening! "

Britanie, change.org

"I have an iPhone currently but hate it because I don’t have the ability to load any application I want. So when this goes into effect I will have zero reason to get another phone with android as it will just be a iPhone knockoff. "

Bill, 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

"Stop trying to censor & limit everyone! You can't just monoplize everything! "

Caulen, change.org

"We should keep Android open. "

Habsir, change.org

"By closing up android to block other app stores and sources of software you're destroying what makes android great. Free Software was used to build your company and you vowed to "Not be Evil". Now that you're in a position of market dominance you have a big choice to make. You can keep Free Software working for everyone as the steward of Android and make sure that your product doesn't get worse. Please don't take the coward's way out, claiming that this is to protect users. Those that would trade freedom for security deserve neither! "

Glen, change.org

"SKYNET HAS INITIATED WWIII :( "

Daniel Alberto, change.org

"There are games, apps, that are FREE, because the authors want it that way, no charge. WHY SHOULD GOOGLE WIN MONEY WITH THEM??? "

Ana, change.org

"I and many others rely on and enjoy using apps outside of Google's controlled storefront. Attempting to restrict the freedom and choice of users is anti-consumer and an insult to the autonomy of everyone who chooses to use their own devices as they see fit. The market for mobile device hardware and operating systems is already a duopoly; limiting choice even further is anti-competitive. People can and should be able to decide what code is allowed to run on their general computing devices that they own. "

Ryan, change.org

"I know this sounds crazy, but I just want to be able to use the device I paid for the way that I want to. "

Thomas, change.org

"Privacy is important! "

Kyle, change.org

"I love making apps for my self on appinventor but when I heard this news I couldn't believe it. I don't want to be an approved developer because I only make these apps for myself, my friends and my family. This would make android feel less open source and is a horrible thing from Google to do this. This doesn't benefit anyone and only crushes creativity. #DONTBELIKEAPPLE "

Justin, change.org

"I shouldn't have to build my own services and self host everything if I want freedom and privacy but it's getting to that point. "

Colt, change.org

"What sets Android apart from other OS' is its open source. This move will make Android just like every other OS. There will be no point in using Android. We'll all take out business to some other OS. "

Evo, change.org

"Hey Google, remember what you said? "Be together, not the same." "

Christopher, change.org

"Google can not be allowed its voracious devouring of apps and data. Every move builds on its frightening monopoly, quashing any freedom and privacy. "

Kristi, change.org

"We need liberty, the end of the APKs is a extremely bad decision to be honest. "

Anonymous, change.org

"Be better than IOS, this is not the way "

Kai, change.org

"I use software that is not in the google play store. I want the freedom to use my phones. tablets, and other devices how I want them. "

Doug, change.org

"Sim ao Android "

Cristina, change.org

"android open source project (AOSP) open source! the google its destroying "open source spirit" "

enzo, change.org

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

Michael, change.org

"Google wants developers to pay them a fee even though it has nothing to do with them. Also I own my phone I get to decide what's on it not Google. I'm also cancelling all Google subscriptions because I don't want to support this company anymore. "

alex, change.org

"Android earned its place in the market because it was open. The ability to sideload applications isn't a loophole — it's a feature, and a promise. It's what set Android apart, attracted developers, and gave users real ownership over their devices. That openness, rooted in the same Linux principles Android was built on, is the reason Google is where it is today. Restricting sideloading would be a profound betrayal of that foundation. It trades user freedom for platform control, and developer trust for gatekeeper revenue. It is, in short, pulling up the ladder after climbing it. I believe many in this community — developers, enthusiasts, and everyday users alike — feel the same way. We chose Android because it respected our autonomy. If that changes, so will our choices. I urge Google to listen to this community and protect what made Android worth building for in the first place. "

Felix, change.org

"Android has always been the mobile enthusiast's dream. Please don't take that dream away. "

Logan, 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

"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

"Google, you are tearing down the very empire you built through the Android system. I hope that before 2026 you Google team resolve this, otherwise I will opt for an iPhone. "

Alan, change.org

"My money goes to the people with a specific contract implicitly in mind. I own the device, and the manufacturer cedes control to me in totality. If google wishes to contiunue with this course of action, the monetary value of any android phone as a product drops to zero - I cannot own one in totality. I cannot purchase one in truth. I'm only thankful that Linux-based phones are now (more than ever) becoming a viable, if still niche choice. "

Benjamin, change.org

"This is the only reason android is better than android "

David, 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

"I purchased an Android device just recently and had to send it back because I disliked how central to the user experience Google made itself on the new device. I could never see myself buying another Android if it gets worse than this, and Googles limits on APK file usage is definitely worse. "

Donna Grace, change.org

"I am very conceded that our government and big technology is building a electronic prison to enslave humanity. Google is working to this end by implementing tactics like requiring their permission to create and use apps that big government and big technology approve. This is evil and must be stopped if we are to have any freedom and privacy. "

Pamela, change.org

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

Weston, change.org

"It would be a catastrophic degradation for quality of human life if portable computing were to become locked behind the domineering control of platform companies such as Google. It must be stopped. "

Edward, change.org

"One of the reasons that people want to use Android is because of its freedom in installing apps. Locking it is like shooting your feet. "

John, change.org

"As an open source coder, I cannot continue to work on mobile platforms with this change. It closes the door on an individuals right to free expression with the hardware platforms we already own. "

William, change.org

"Save privacy and security "

Pepe, change.org

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

Lucas A, change.org

"Play Integrity, Custom ROM/Root discrimination because of that, and now this? What have you BECOME, Google? You're not helping anyone, and I don't even think it helps them. If I had to pick between an unmodded Galaxy S25 (or whatever the latest one is) and a modded Galaxy S10, I'm picking the S25. It doesn't influence sales, all it does it make life harder, for everyone. Including the people imposing the restrictions, HEY, WHAT A COINCIDENCE! Just stop making the available mobile operating systems "iOS, iOS 2, and the other manufacturers' versions of iOS 2." I've talked more about custom ROMs, but replace it with customs apps and the same point is easily carried over. And because the 2 are interconnected in nature of them both being stuff that Google might not like. "

Gavin, change.org

"Android has always stood out because it respects the user’s right to choose. Imposing limits on sideloading or labeling people as “unapproved developers” turns that freedom into a cage. I don’t want someone else dictating how I use my own device. Restricting these choices doesn’t make anyone safer—it just centralizes power and stifles creativity. Android’s strength comes from openness, flexibility, and experimentation. Losing that feels less like protection and more like control. Users, not corporations, should decide how they interact with their devices. "

Ada, change.org

"Morra Google! "

Abraao, change.org

"Keep Android Open Google! Make it stand out to users and developers above the iPhone! "

Jason, change.org

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

yer, change.org

"Android's strength has always been its openness. Closing or limiting this system violates users' trust in the principles that led them (or rather, us) to choose Android as their (our) OS. That's why we urge you to keep Android open and not implement any developer or app registration system. Build bridges and educate your users to venture beyond them, rather than erect walls trying to isolate them. "

Edoardo, change.org

"I'm tired of the world becoming largely more authoritarian and censorial in general. Forcing developers to tie their personal identification, pay a fee to Google, and requiring one to be a part of a poorly curated program of developers makes absolutely no sense at all. It is clear this is an attempt to further monopolize the app market by Google in order to extract more profits, while also making it easier to surveil and censor owners of Android devices. As an open source developer, and privacy enthusiast, these points allow such communities to not even flourish, but to simply exist. This locking down of the operating system, while providing no meaningful alternatives WILL kill such communities. I make a point to use as many open source applications on my phone as possible, because so many applications on the Play Store are primarily data collection mechanisms with the app's advertised use being secondary. This sucks. "

Shaun, change.org

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