Váš telefon brzy přestane být váš.

100 dní do uzamčení

Od září 2026 Google bez vašeho souhlasu prosadí tichou aktualizaci, která zablokuje každou aplikaci pro Android, jejíž vývojář se nezaregistroval u Googlu, nepodepsal smlouvu, nezaplatil a nepředložil úřední doklad totožnosti.

Každá aplikace a každé zařízení na celém světě, bez možnosti odmítnutí.

Co Google dělá

V srpnu 2025 Google oznámil novou povinnost: od září 2026 se musí každý vývojář Android aplikací zaregistrovat centrálně u Googlu, než bude možné jeho software nainstalovat na jakékoli zařízení. Nejen aplikace z Obchodu Play: všechny aplikace. To zahrnuje aplikace sdílené mezi přáteli, distribuované přes F-Droid, vytvářené nadšenci pro osobní potřebu. Nezávislí vývojáři, církevní a komunitní skupiny i nadšenci tak budou zbaveni možnosti vyvíjet a distribuovat svůj software.

Registrace vyžaduje:

Pokud vývojář nesplní podmínky, jeho aplikace budou tiše zablokovány na všech zařízeních Android na celém světě.

Koho to poškodí

Vás

Koupili jste si telefon s Androidem, protože Google vám slíbil, že je otevřený. Mohli jste si nainstalovat, co jste chtěli, a o tom to celé bylo.

Google nyní dodatečně mění podmínky této dohody i u hardwaru, který již vlastníte. Po nasazení této aktualizace budete moci používat pouze software, který Google předem schválil. A to na vašem telefonu: vašem zařízení, za které jste vy zaplatili.

Nezávislí vývojáři

První aplikace teenagera, nástroj na ochranu soukromí od dobrovolníka, nebo interní beta verze firmy. Na tom nezáleží. Od září 2026 nebude možné nic z toho nainstalovat bez souhlasu Googlu.

F-Droid, domov tisíců svobodných a open-source aplikací pro Android, to označil za "existenční" hrozbu. Cory Doctorow to nazývá "Darth Android".

Vlády a občanská společnost

Google opakovaně prokázal, že vyhovuje požadavkům autoritářských režimů na odstranění aplikací. Díky tomuto programu bude software, na kterém běží instituce vaší země, záviset na libovůli jediné zahraniční korporace, která se nikomu nezodpovídá.

EFF označuje bránění aplikací za "stále se rozšiřující cestu k cenzuře internetu."

"Úniková cesta" Googlu je past

Google tvrdí, že "pokročilí uživatelé" budou moci "stále instalovat" neověřené aplikace. Takhle to ve skutečnosti vypadá:

  1. Prohrabejte se Nastavením systému, najděte Možnosti pro vývojáře
  2. Klepněte na číslo sestavení sedmkrát pro aktivaci vývojářského režimu
  3. Odmítněte varovné obrazovky o nátlaku
  4. Zadejte svůj PIN
  5. Restartujte zařízení
  6. Počkejte 24 hodin
  7. Vraťte se, odmítněte další varovné obrazovky
  8. Vyberte "povolit dočasně" (7 dní) nebo "povolit trvale"
  9. Znovu potvrďte, že chápete "rizika"

Devět kroků. Povinná 24hodinová ochranná lhůta. Pro instalaci softwaru na zařízení, které vlastníte.

Ještě horší: celý tento postup probíhá výhradně přes Google Play Services, nikoli přes operační systém Android. Google ho může kdykoli změnit, zpřísnit nebo zrušit bez aktualizace OS a bez vašeho souhlasu. A k dnešnímu dni se ještě neobjevil v žádné beta, preview ani canary verzi. Existuje pouze jako příspěvek na blogu a v pár návrzích.

Tohle je větší než Android

Pokud Google dokáže dodatečně uzamknout miliardy zařízení, která byla prodána jako otevřené platformy, sleduje to každý výrobce hardwaru na planetě.

Zavádí se princip: společnost, která vyrobila vaše zařízení, má po jeho zakoupení právo rozhodovat, jaký software na něm smíte spouštět. V softwaru se tomu říká "rug pull", neboli podraz; ale alespoň jste vždy měli možnost nainstalovat si konkurenční software. V případě hardwaru se však jedná o hotovou věc (fait accompli), která vás zbavuje možnosti volby a činí vás bezmocnými vůči rozmarům jediného, nikomu se nezodpovídajícího gatekeepera a usvědčeného monopolisty.

Otevřenost Androidu nikdy nebyla pouhou funkcí. Byl to slib, který ho odlišoval od iPhonu. Právě z tohoto důvodu si Android vybraly miliony lidí. Google nyní tento slib jednostranně ruší na zařízeních, která už lidé mají v kapse, protože se rozhodl, že má dostatečnou tržní dominanci a regulační vliv, aby mu to prošlo.

Ars Technica: "Závist Googlu vůči Applu hrozí rozbitím tradice otevřeného Androidu."

Ale počkat, není tohle...

"...jen o bezpečnosti?"

Bezpečnostní zdůvodnění je kouřová clona. Google Play Protect už malware skenuje nezávisle na identitě vývojáře. Požadavek na úřední doklad totožnosti kód bezpečnější nedělá. Dělá z vývojářů identifikovatelné a ovladatelné osoby. Autoři malwaru se mohou registrovat. Nezávislí vývojáři a disidenti často nemohou. EFF to říká naplno: bránění na základě identity je nástroj cenzury, nikoli bezpečnosti.

"...stále sideloading, když použiju Advanced flow?"

Devět kroků, 24hodinové čekání, schované v Možnostech pro vývojáře, řízené proprietární službou, kterou Google může kdykoli zrušit. To není sideloading (instalace aplikací mimo oficiální obchod). To je odstrašující mechanismus navržený tak, aby ho téměř nikdo nedokončil. A protože to probíhá přes Play Services a ne přímo v operačním systému, může Google tuto funkci bez varování omezit nebo zrušit.

"...problém jen pro ty, kteří mají co skrývat?"

Prvními oběťmi budou whistlebloweři, novináři a aktivisté v autoritářských režimech. Další na řadě jsou oběti domácího násilí. Všechny tyto skupiny mají legitimní důvody distribuovat nebo používat software, aniž by musely svou úřední identitu ukládat do databáze Googlu. Anonymní přispívání do open-source projektů je tradice starší než Google sám. Toto opatření ji na Androidu ukončuje.

"...to stejné, co dělá Apple?"

Apple byl od samého počátku uzavřeným ekosystémem. Lidé si Android vybrali právě proto, že byl jiný. Tvrdit, že "Apple to dělá taky", je jen snaha o zhoršení situace a slabý argument typu tu quoque ("ty taky"). A pod regulačním tlakem (nařízení EU o digitálních trzích, DMA) je i Apple nucen se otevřít. Google jde opačným směrem: snaží se své postavení gatekeepera ještě více upevnit.

"...jen 25 dolarů a nějaké papírování?"

Možná, pokud jste vývojář v USA s platební kartou a řidičským průkazem. Zkuste být student v subsaharské Africe, disident v Myanmaru nebo dobrovolník spravující komunitní zdravotnickou aplikaci. Náklady nejsou jen finanční: musíte předložit úřední doklad totožnosti a důkaz o podpisových klíčích společnosti, která pravidelně vyhovuje vládním požadavkům na odstranění aplikací a odhalení vývojářů.

Braňte se

Všichni

Vývojáři

Neregistrujte se. Nepřipojujte se k programu tím, že se byste se zaregistrovali do Android Developer Console a souhlasili s jejich neodvolatelnými Podmínkami použití. Neověřujte svou totožnost. Nehrajte jejich hru.

Plán Googlu bude fungovat jen, když budou vývojáři spolupracovat. Nespolupracujte.

Zaměstnanci Googlu

Pokud víte něco o technické implementaci programu nebo interních důvodech, kontaktujte tips@keepandroidopen.org z počítače, který není pracovní a z účtu jiného než Gmail. Zaručujeme naprostou diskrétnost.

Všichni, kdo jsou proti…

71 organizací z 23 zemí podepsalo otevřený dopis

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

Přečtěte si celý otevřený dopis a poděkujte signatářům →

Co říkají

Technologická média

"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"

The New Stack

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

How-To Geek

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

It's FOSS News

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

Techzine EU

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

How-To Geek

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

The Verge

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

Android Headlines

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

Android Headlines

"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"

Internet Freedom Foundation (India)

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

Open Source For U

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

TechRepublic

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

Infosecurity Magazine

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

Datamation

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

Thom Holwerda, OSnews

"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

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

I-Programmer

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

Bleeping Computer

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

Tuta Blog

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

heise online

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

XDA Developers

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

How-To Geek

"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

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

MakeUseOf

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

9to5Google

"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"

InfoWorld

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

The Register

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

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

Techdirt

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

SlashGear

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

Ars Technica

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

TechCrunch

"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

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

How-To Geek

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

Cybernews

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

The Register

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

Reclaim The Net

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

Gizmochina

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

Ars Technica

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

The Register

"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"

Tom's Guide

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

Hackaday

"Keep Android Open"

Linux Magazine

Redakční články a analýzy

Organizace a otevřené dopisy

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

AdGuard

"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

"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

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

Nextcloud

"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

"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

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

Tuta

"Developers who build privacy-first browsers, encrypted messaging apps, VPNs, Tor-based software or tools for journalists and activists would be required to upload government ID to Google. These developers are unlikely to trust Google and might stop developing for Android."

Brave

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

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

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

ACLU

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

Tuta

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

European Parliament

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

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

F-Droid

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

Infosecurity Magazine

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

F-Droid

"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

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

Tech-ish Kenya

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

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

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

AdGuard

"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

YouTubeři a tvůrci

"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

"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

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

Switched to Linux – YouTube

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

ChiefGyk3D – YouTube

"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

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

fireborn – Blog

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

Techlore – YouTube

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

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube

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

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

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

fireborn – Blog

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

ChiefGyk3D – YouTube

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

Tuta Blog – Blog

"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

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – 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

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

Tuta Blog – Blog

"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

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

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

The Linux Experiment – YouTube

"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

"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

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

Techlore – YouTube

"I have really no more strong reason to not recommend you all get iPhones, because this just is pretty much an iPhone with a Google logo on it at this point."

Techlore – YouTube

"This has obvious problems for non-Google operating systems like iodeOS, LineageOS, or BraxOS. Google Android will 'check in' with Google to verify the identity of the app and to validate the operating system."

Rob Braxman Tech – Locals

"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

Vývojáři a komunita

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

Apocryphon, 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

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

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

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

MrZander, 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

"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

"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."

masterofn001, 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

"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

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

WaffleMonster, Slashdot

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

tejtm, Hacker News

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

layfellow, 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

"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

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

Max-P, 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

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

gumby271, Hacker News

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

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

"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

"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 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

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

nibbleyou (developer in India), Hacker News

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

Zak, Hacker News

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

paxys, Hacker News

"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

"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

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

survirtual, 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

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

TheTearMiser, Lemmy

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

mwcampbell, Lobsters

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

Zak, 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

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

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

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

Tiraon, Tildes

"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

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

hbn, 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

"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

"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

"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

"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 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

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

koala, Lobsters

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

hn92726819, Hacker News

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

anordal, Lobsters

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

Historical-Employ129 (324 upvotes), Reddit

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

vala, Lemmy

"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

"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

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

lynxy, Tildes

"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

"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

"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

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

flykespice (developer in Brazil), Hacker News

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

girvo, Hacker News

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

afferi300rina, 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

"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

"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

Hlasy z petice

"If this forced update happens. I definitely will be finding a new operating system for my phone or a new phone without Google. You can take that to the bank...!!! "

James, change.org

"The reason people have Android is not only because it's cheap ,but because of the freedom The OS has... taking away this freedom ,is like taking away someone's heart "

Ayrton, change.org

"Limiting APK file issue is not a good idea. It is basically like apple os and will greatly hurt my projects... "

Josias, change.org

"Pure authoritarian control tendency barely even trying to disguise itself as caring for the consumers security. "

Jared, change.org

"I do not like doing this to Google but if I have to I will format my phone and I will switch it over to Kiley "

Jonathan, change.org

"Stop trying to lock down Android, you bozos! "

Rares, 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

"Me and many of my peers have been android users for over a decade, mainly due to the open nature and freedom to use my device as I wish without friction. Revoking this freedom by forcing developers into this program will harm developer privacy and freedom of speech, accessibility of development, user control over their devices, and preservation of older apps. It's not as easy as move to another OS, as the only other option is iOS and alternatives don't have as many applications needed for general day to day life. This is an overreach of power feigning "caring about user safety" to restrict user and developer freedoms "

Natasha, change.org

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

Ben, change.org

"The ability of sideloading software is the biggest advantage android has over orther systems. I sideload a lot of apps and losing that ability means i have no reason to stay with android. Yes, apps from outside the play store do have more malware, but i can just not download them if i am afraid of getting hacked, this is not protecting anyone and is just removing freedom for users. Also, the ID verification google wants from the developers is a massive privacy and safety risk. "

miglin, change.org

"I'm old enough to remember when Google's company montto was "Don't be evil". "

Ryan, change.org

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

Daisuke, change.org

"Let me preface this. Sideloading is *installing a program on a personal computer,* for all that it's phone shaped. You might be used to this behavior from iOS, but even Mac PCs will let you install applications that are unsigned and made by other people, and on the closed-source Windows environment it's still *the main way to get applications,* despite there now being two different official app stores on that platform. Nothing needs to be said about the various Linux/Unix environments. The centralized registration of both apps and developers is not the right approach. It creates a monopoly over who can be an Android developer and will greatly limit the desire to develop apps if it is no longer something that can be done as a hobby but a slow, complicated expense with the requirement to identify oneself. I've done some hobbyist development, but I would not have learned coding if these were the standards I had to meet, and I'd only be losing money. It encourages turning a problem-solving hobby project others might benefit from into a cash grab, or just discourages it entirely. It will in one blow destroy all apps which are no longer maintained, or those who are developed by people who can't or won't escrow their identities with Google, including myself. It also integrates Google's control over the phone even more deeply into how even the phone's software runs, locking these allegedly open devices even more under Google's remote control, and which is already a challenge for makers of de-Googled devices. I strongly suspect it will also become used to apply arbitrary limitations to developers (read the XScreenSaver privacy policy if you'd like to know more) and block many of the tools we currently take for granted, such as those used to root phones. After all, rooting a phone would likely permit installing arbitrary apps, and Google's security model already "distrusts" those devices to the point that they break e.g. banking apps or DRM, so why would they allow something if it conflicts with their security model and they can now control any code that runs on your device? In the end, this WILL be used by Google to permanently remove many people's ability to develop apps on Android at all, likely because those people made tools that provided capabilities Google is not willing to offer or let exist on the free market anymore. The ID requirement will prevent them from creating new accounts and the devices will retroactively block even their installed apps from working while preventing those developers, those _people,_ from making more even on other stores (if other stores even continue existing, given that they would effectively become arms of Google just to have the apps work). "

Russell, change.org

"I don't sideload, I only download form sources I trust and that are not the Google PlayStore. If you want to verify apps, verify them on your app store, not others! "

Lukas, change.org

"this will only benefit google and authoritarian governments "

Antônio, change.org

"Let's be real, this isn't about security, it's about forcing people to use Google playstore, and trying to get peoples info just like what Youtube is doing right now. "

Draven, change.org

"As a consumer, I bought and use Android platform devices because I care about my privacy and I care about accessing third-party applications that are not strictly on Google's Play Store. I utilize F-Droid and various other third-party app stores, and this would be a major impediment to me. I did not agree to Google pulling the rug from beneath me well after I bought several thousand dollar Android phones and devices. "

Stephen, change.org

"Keeping android open would be doing the right thing, if that is still the motto google believes in among hopefully not doing evil. I would hate to see the platform that prided itself on being open and lending itself to it's community of users and manufacturers, betray the very reason it built up the strong and varied ecosystem it is today. I would like strongly urge those in power of this decision to reconsider, not as a threat, but to see the something great, remain great. "

Kyle, change.org

"Google taking this next step seriously shows to me as a person that they only care truly about money, and do not value their community. I know we were never to expect more from this company, but it is an offense to try and censor what we're allowed to do on our own phones. I do not own a Google phone, I own an android phone, and I was proud to say that, but not anymore. Half the apps on the Play Store are junky, and ad-filled apps that are competing, and suck. If you have ever searched for piano tiles or voice recorder you know what I mean. F-droid, Zapstore, Github store - They are all REAL stores, and I feel safer on them realistically. This decision is not improving the life of consumers for safety, or for developers that wish to remain anonymous. I remember when Google was a liked company (at least for their products), but now it feels like all everyone is trying to do is dodge their bullets. Google, enough. "

A, change.org

"This would kill a big company steam games from haveing app. "

Timothy, change.org

"Google, side loading is one of the few things that made android unique. Bring it back. "

Grayson, change.org

"This policy is the antithesis of what makes Android the best on the market. The policy infringes on our freedoms as American people. I should not have to share who I am or what I look like or where I live to a company that I don't care about. The government needs to know who I am, but a company doesn't. The moment the company gets hacked from anywhere/anyone, they have all my information. That is dumb and should not happen, ever! "

Ayden, change.org

"I moved from iOS to Android, to get back the freedom of using my phone according to my wishes. I have a lot of friends who did too. We all condemn this attempt by Google to enshittify Android. Protection and imposition are not the same. Google, don't be evil. "

Max, change.org

"Android being open source and accessible to everyone to install and modify as they choose is the most import thing. It's why android has the market share that it does, without developers being able to build for the platform as they wish android will wither and inovation will be stiffled. "

Guy, change.org

"ts bullshit fr fr ive been tinkering with Android for a long long long time now and its part of the reason im even into tech so much. the sheer amount of freedom Android allows is truly amazing and so help me god if they take it away "

silly, change.org

"At that point highkey I'd just use IOS. Why remove one of the main things that lets android be android "

Josue, change.org

"this would complete googles monopoly "

Alessandro, change.org

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

Blake, change.org

"Without users being able yo choose where they get their apps from, smartphones will be a completely locked down means of computing. It does not protect the average user's data, it just makes it so that only the people that Google says can harvest and sell are doing it. They aren't going to vet those people, they're just going to collect their entry fee. "

Nick, change.org

"This is a blatantly security washing a monopoly move to undermine the open internet and free access that grew Google to what it is today. If Google wants to be Apple it should produce Apple level products and services without being a leach. "

E, change.org

"If I wanted to use a locked garden ecosystem, I'd just buy an iPhone. Keep Android open, Google. It is also for your best commercial interest. "

Oscar, change.org

"Being open sourced and allowing users to have control over their own devices is what makes android beautiful. If you continue with this then you'll be no better than Apple. Allow devs, techies, power users and curious kids and adults to write their own programs and use them. Our phones! Our choice! You're going to damage yourself because it'll just let operating systems like Graphene explode and become more than what they are now "

Sean, change.org

"The only thing that set Android apart from Apple (and frankly made it objectively better than Apple) is the freedom of control you have over a device you actually own. Removing that ability makes Android no better than Apple, might as well say you don't really own that phone or tablet when you take away such freedoms. "

George, change.org

"Dystopian, unaccountable corporate control and rug pulling. "

Ethan, change.org

"I use sideloading on Android pretty much daily at this point, the idea of not being able to do anything I want with the phone that I'VE BOUGHT with MY OWN MONEY is just sick. I hope this petition has enough Signatures to make a change "

JOAO, change.org

"This petition is important because as an open source developer and long-time Android enthusiast, the freedom of installing software on a device I own is mandatory. Android is fun and customizable, let's ensure that both developers and users can continue to enjoy their devices without restrictions. "

Benjamin, change.org

"are we really trying to iOs android? why are we trying to be the competition? if this occurs, android will LOSE so many users "

Ronin, change.org

"Android was always desired by those who want an open platform. It should remain that way... for a laundry list of reasons. "

Byran, change.org

"Terms and conditions work both ways. Google cannot simply violate their end of the bargain like this. "

Katrina, change.org

"I use sideloading everyday. A lot of the apps I use are open source and not on the play store, taking away sideloading would remove a lot of the freedom android has, and then I might as well use an iPhone "

Gabriel, change.org

"I'm a new Android game developer but unfortunately what Google did is unacceptable! We need to stop this stupid idea before it becomes a reality!! "

Guilherme, change.org

"Why would you change what is by far the most appealing aspect of your operating system? Why would you choose to take the thing that set Google apart from Apple and imitate them? A locked down, dumbed down, "My way or the highway" approach to your user base is insulting, and now people will be desperately trying to find out create a new option, and you'll have no way to compare favorably even against your biggest competitor because you're choosing to be in the same boat. "

Michael, change.org

"Android shines in giving the user freedom to use their devices however they choose to. If Google closes down on this freedom, in my use case as a power user I will be unable to install apps any except from the play store which is a platform that is littered with bad app that are useless and sometimes they cost money making it unnecessarily difficult for Indy devs working on apps whether it for job or weekend project. However if Google clean up the play store they could implement a feature to ask the user at device setup and changeable in settings to manage how strict or lax they what the security to be, or just help support the graphene os project to have a secure android operating system and fix play integrity for Google pay, tap to pay to work. "

Cristian, change.org

"free is the most important part of Android,no freedom no Android. "

jason, change.org

"The one positive thing differentiating Android from iOS has been the ability for Android users to make their own choices about what's installed on their devices. Killing that differentiator is the exact opposite of forward progress. "

Ryan, change.org

"I WANT MY RIGHTS I BOUGHT THE SMARTPHONE! you can add like a warning but dont block. We want older versions of software. #ourtechourrights So many old games i used to play all gone! So many outfit7 games, old minecraft versions, shopkins, angry birds they are at risk even cut the rope "

Edu, change.org

"Google you suck ass. the whole point of Android is freedom. you're going to destroy so much and anger so many people if you do this 3 do it on pixel n ChromeOS or whatever but leave everything else alone you're ruining something beautiful "

liam, change.org

"Digital freedom matters! "

Koda, change.org

"As an ex user of legacy iOS devices, I felt so frustrated by the base system that I always had to try overcome limitations through jailbreak. What a fresh breeze it was when I finally switched to android more than a decade ago! The openness and flexibility of the system was, even from a simple user POV, a liberation. Fast forward, we're at an era where being an indie dev is accessible. And when this era is flourishing, you tell me Google wants to lock up all machines relying on its system? This is terrible. We don't want a locked ecosystem. There are plenty already. We want flexibility and keep power in our decisions. Simple. So I'm signing this petition. "

Christopher-Harold, change.org

"The device that you bought that you own should not have any restrictions added after the purchase of what you can or cannot download onto said device. What (Google) is trying to do is going directly against that. "

Emilie, change.org

"Perhaps Google shares the same ideals as that damned communist country of China; they want to take away our freedom. "

Henrique Kelvin Alves da, change.org

"Why are all these companies trying to push me to Linux? Do they not like money? "

Niel, change.org

"As a newer developer I was shocked when I heard the app I had been working on was not approved because all the hoops to jump through. Then they wanted a monthly payment. I was so deterred that I discontinued development on a project meant to help mental health. I became the one who needed it. I was depressed and discouraged. To this day I haven't touched the code base and I was team Google. I think I'm more disappointed in my blind faith than anything else. Hope we can turn this around. "

Beau, change.org

"I use android since I was aware of what is tech, nearly since android started as an OS, customizing every aspect of my phone I was capable to, breaking things, some of the things that make android being the sweet spot between being in complete freedom (what can be dangerous) and a kindergarten for cellphone users. In later years still using some good indie apps that the developers can't afford to put on google play, going back in app versions through public apk repos like apkmirror when something went wrong with the current version of an app, and more recently being a software developer. Today this is nothing but one more barrier to do native mobile apps (adding to resource intensive development tools, excessive boilerplate, steep learning curve, hardware and OS fragmentation, play store current policies, and many more) turning testing and feedback into a headache. I as a developer see a potential loss of talent that could enrich the ecosystem, a place where only startups and companies will survive (driven by capitalism) except for a minority of truly dedicated developers. I'm not a native English speaker however today I wanted my voice to be heard, doing it so in their language despite the misspelling I could make. I have hope for open source (especially indie); we mustn't forget that many of today's software foundations, including Android, originate from it. I hope they allow, and above all, facilitate the preservation of open source through the small innovations of more casual developers who improve the ecosystem day by day. "

Alexis, change.org

"I've been an Android user since the start of my career and the whole reason I chose it is the freedom — to set it up how I want and load what I want. Locking it down just turns it into another Apple, and if I wanted that I'd have an iPhone. The small developers are where the real innovation comes from, and cutting them out kills that. Don't ruin what makes Android the best. Don't fix what isn't broken. Keep Android open. "

Mike, change.org

"This decision makes you seem even more authoritarian and greedy than usual. Regardless, since we all know you care about your profit margins more than anything else I'd like to point out that you're depriving yourselves of potential profits. The small developers that are honing their skills developing apps that; for whatever reason; they can't or don't want to publish through you, they may create the next viral app as a result of their efforts. If you take away their ability to develop without you being in complete control you are killing potential profits. "

Caleb, change.org

"I'm getting so sick of governments/ corporations thinking they can just take away our right to privacy online under the guise of "security", and the more they're able to get away with it, the more we'll see it happening. I'm not a developer and I barely use 3rd party apps, but that doesn't mean I won't fight for our ability to use our phones as we see fit "

Danielle, change.org

"Enough. Google blocking APK usage is an attack on user freedom, innovation, and fair competition. Blocking sideloading centralizes control, stifles small developers, and forces users into a gated ecosystem controlled by one corporate gatekeeper. We deserve the right to choose how we manage our devices, install software we trust, and support independent developers. Security can be improved without stripping choice — transparent warnings and user education. This is about digital sovereignty. Join our petition to demand that Google restore full, responsible APK access now. Defend openness, choice, and the future of a free app ecosystem. Sign now. "

Evela, change.org

"Ive always been an android user and refused apple products. Ive loved being able to root and openly develop and play with my device. Its shown my how to write software and understand how a computer works. I understand the push for security but this takes away the very nature of Android. There are other ways to verify security if it becomes that necessary. "

Nicholas, 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

"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 didn't even know they were trying to pull this until today! This is scary and concerning as a consumer, stop limiting my freedom on my device! "

Chloe, change.org

"I use Android over iOS specifically for the ability to install the applications I want in the way I want. If I can't do that, I might as well not use an Android phone. "

Jeremy, change.org

"Rules requiring app developers to pay Google and submit identification documents undermines Android as free and open source software and further exposes Google for the greedy, controlling corporate entity it is, now so far away from it's original "don't be evil" ethos. Privacy concerns about what happens when identification information is exposed have no value to them, and the chilling effect this will have on everyone from minor students learning to develop apps to developers surveilled by their governments will ruin the internet even more than it already has. "

Mary, change.org

"My device is my device. "

arianna, change.org

"This is another blasphemous attempt from Google to assert itself as a complete monopoly and their reasoning to protect users is just a mask for generating massive revenue. Being "open" coupled with the "freedom of choice" are the underlying factors for why Android dominates the market share. Crushing both these fundamental reasons to be a dictator is pure insanity. Developers shouldn't comply and users should stop buying Google infected Android devices. Thankfully, there's other options so no need to convert to iPhone. "

James, 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

"Google's September 2026 "Developer Verification" mandate is not a security policy. It is a monopoly play wearing security as a costume. Starting September 2026, every Android developer -- including those who have never used the Play Store -- must register with Google, submit government ID, pay fees, and agree to Google's terms just to distribute an APK. In 2027 this goes global. No registration, no distribution. Period. F-Droid is already banned from the Play Store under Google's own Developer Distribution Agreement. Now Google is closing the only door F-Droid had left. Anonymous FOSS contributors cannot and will not hand Google their home addresses. The project dies. Thousands of privacy tools, accessibility apps, whistleblower utilities, and open source projects built by volunteers with no commercial interest go dark with it. The security argument is a fraud. Android already has Play Protect. Google's own Play Store hosted over a billion malicious app downloads in 2025 alone. Identity registration does not stop malware. It stops competition. What this actually does is give Google indirect control over every app on every Android device on earth, regardless of where it was distributed. You must register with Google. You must agree to Google's terms. You must pay Google. Or your software does not exist on Android. That is not an open platform. That is a toll booth on the entire software ecosystem, built by a company that was handed dominance by the very open ecosystem it is now dismantling. Sign this because the phone in your pocket should not require Google's permission to run software you choose to install on hardware you own. "

Mark, change.org

"Welp if APK files limited then there is no need for us to use android from now on. "

Emir, change.org

"Why did I even buy an android phone?? They think I went iOS to android for no reason? WE WANT IT OPEN! "

David, change.org

"It's a limiting choice for users and software engineers and it will depreciate Google's platform. "

Jonathan, change.org

"As a young developer, you need to stop! What you re doing will prevent anyone below the age of 18 from developing apps for their own purpose and installing on their device, which they payed for, imagine giving a toy to a kid, then putting it into a box that they can't open, that is what you are doing right now. "

Alex, change.org

"Being able to install what you want on your device is the main selling point of android, I'll fully switch to something else if this change is made "

Luna, change.org

"Android being open is the one thing that set it apart . Giving people a option to be open source is the one of the best things about Android . Censorship is not the way to go . as some one just getting development i was looking foreword to making my on apps and becoming a registered developer doesn't sound great to me . "

Jo, change.org

"I think it goes without saying that I'll never use a legit android OS ever again if this goes through, literally the only reason Android is better then IOS is BECAUSE of the flexibility and freedom. Just like censoring on the internet makes a country no better then China, Android will be no better then IOS. I'll just go to a third party or install a custom firmware if this shows no signs of slowing down. "

Jesse, 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

"I just spent $2000 on Samsung devices to break out of the Apple ecosystem because I'm tired of being locked down, and then I hear about this. Incredibly disappointing, I guess if they go through with this then I'll head back to iPhone after this, since nothing will set Android apart anymore. "

Kat, change.org

"I refuse to be locked into only the play store. I need to be able to use f-droid and or install my own apk files as I will. It's my comptuer! "

Tom, change.org

"We own the devices that we buy with our money. We should have the freedom to do with them as we like. This includes the installation of apps from any developer without some rediculous google verification. "

Edwin, change.org

"We need to stop the monopolies and surveillance of big tech corporations "

Tyler, change.org

"It's Android's openness that has allowed its development and evolution to this day. To close it would break the promise of an open system and deprive users of great freedom! "

Stark, change.org

"Remember, "DON'T BE EVIL." These are still worthy and wise words to live by. Don't be a competition crushing monopoly, driven by the love of money and power which, is the root of much evil. With wisdom and awareness, operate according to the principles of enlightened self-interest, acting in the world with peace and virtue in order to more readily manifest Heaven on Earth, Our Earth in Heaven. Let us be good for our own sake if not for goodness sake. "

Mark, change.org

"Google, if you want to destroy freedom of choice while you are in a country that have mottos like 'Give me liberty or give me death', you are self destructing your company because people will abandon your operating systema and use other ones/new ones instead. Where we get our apps is none of your business. If you are dead set obsessed about tr king people, you shold have chosen another job instead of an internet company/email/OS, like the N.S, Hay. instead, would have saved you from self destructing your company. "

S., change.org

"Stop Google from limiting APK file usage! "

Daniel, 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

"The main advantage Android had over Apple was it's openness to alternative software other than the Play store. Take that away, and you just have a better battery. "

Zac, 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

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

Kalista, change.org

"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

"This is, I believe a really dumb decision on Google's part. Personally one of the primary reasons I choose to use Android devices over IOS is because I loathe Apple's locked down environment ... Is Google now wanting to follow in Apple's coat tails with this policy ? I thought Google was about leadership and innovation, if it now wants to play second fiddle to Apple, I hope another OS comes to the forefront, I'm pretty sure one will. It may take a little while, but freedom will out in the end. And personally if Google thinks they can control what I choose to do with my own devices ... well I'm sorry Google, but THAT WILL NOT WORK FOR ME. As it is I already have to sideliad apps I want on my tablet because " they are not compatible with my device " at least according to the Play Store they are not... So tell me Google, if they are so incompatible, WHY DO THE FUNCTION PERFECTLY one I sideload them from a device that you deem to be "compatible " ?? And now you think you can stop me ? and stop me from writing my personal little apps to do other neat stuff that I like ??? I really THINK NOT and if I can no longer work on Android Devices, we'll I WILL FIND / CREATE A WORKABLE ALTERNATIVE. "

Paul, change.org

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

Juan, change.org

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

G, change.org

"As an open-source developer and enthusiast, Google requiring ID Verification is not only unethical, but unsafe, anti-competitor, monopolistic, and is one of the major reasons why people like me switched to using MicroG instead of GApps. "

Garry, change.org

"I have been avoiding iPhone and using Android specifically for this reason. Why would Google change something that is working for them? Why ruin something good? Short sighted and stupid move. "

Will, change.org

"I cannot count the amount of times a sideloaded application has provided me with a much needed service or feature! Removing the ability to install such applications would be a massive blow not only to the users of android, but the operating system as a whole, and what it has and should still stand for. Which is the "your device your choice" mentality. The choice by Google to implement this change is nothing more than corporate greed. This decision should be reversed and an apology issued as soon as possible. "

Josh, change.org

"Android was once the pinacle of freedom, not letting that stay in the past "

Juan, change.org

"Don't do this, I will never spend more than 100$ on an android or any phone ever again. Google, get smart. "

Jamell, change.org

"As an android guru who runs a blog on getting the best out of android who often recommends and personally use many side loaded apps since a lot of the best apps are on places like f droid and sinilar places but not on google. Ultimately its sad to see android and apple be these walled gardens "

L, change.org

"Communities survive and thrive based on their ability to collaborate and share. Android is the superior platform in my eyes because it's not a closed garden that requires tithe to be paid to some arbitrary group to function. Requiring developers to cede to Google for the simple opportunity to exist would greatly hinder creativity and limit the scope of what an app could do. Were this to go forward, I would certainly be looking to alternatives for my phone and app needs, even if it is inconvenient and difficult. "

Joel, change.org

"I'll repeat what I have seen many other say. It's not "sideloading", it's installing. It's not "making sure you only get what we know is good", it's a digital company town. We already pay for every aspect of our time on this earth. The fact that they want to make it so you can't go anywhere but them? It's a giant flashing LED sign that says monopoly. And I say to not let it happen, for privacy, for ownership, for the right to do what we want with the stuff we buy. "

Benjamin, change.org

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