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Починаючи з вересня 2026, тихе оновлення, без згоди запущене Google, заблокує всі Android додатки чиї розробники не зареєструвалися в Google, і не підписали з ними контракт, і не сплатили їм за його...

Кожен додаток і кожен пристрій у світі, без можливості відмовитись

Що Google робить

В серпні 2025, Google оголосив нові вимоги: починаючи із вересня 2026, кожен розробник Android додатків має зареєструватись в централізованій системі Google, перед тим як їхнє програмне забезпечення зможе бути встановленим на будь-який пристрій. Не лише для Play Store додатків: для всіх додатків. Це включає додатки поширювані між друзями, розповсюджувані через F-Droid, створені ентузіастами для власного використання. Незалежні розробники, церковні і громадські організації, ентузіасти будуть позбавлені можливості розробляти і розповсюджувати свої програми.

Регістрація передбачає:

Якщо розробник не буде дотримуватись цих вимог, його додатки будуть тихо заблоковані на кожному Android пристрої в світі

Кого це стосується

Вас

Ви придбали телефон на Android, бо Google запевняв, що ця платформа є відкритою. Ви могли встановлювати все, що забажаєте - ось у чому полягала суть.

Зараз Google переглядає умови цієї угоди, поширюючи їх на пристрої, яке ви вже маєте. Після оновлення ви зможете використовувати лише ті додатки, яке попередньо схвалила Google. На вашому телефоні - вашій власності, за яку ви заплатили.

Незалежні розробників

Перший додаток підлітка, інструмент для захисту приватності, створений волонтером, чи конфіденційна внутрішня бета-версія додатку компанії. Не має значення. Після вересня 2026 року жоден із них не можна буде встановити без дозволу Google.

F-Droid, доміка для тисячі вільних та відкритих додатків для Android, назвала це загрозою існування. Корі Докторов називає її "Дарт-Android".

Урядів та громадських організацій

Компанія Google має документально підтверджену практику виконання вимог авторитарних режимів щодо видалення додатків. У рамках цієї програми, програмне забезпечення, на якому працюють державні установи вашої країни, буде залежати від примх однієї-єдиної іноземної корпорації, яка не несе жодної відповідальності.

EFF називає контроль доступу до додатків «шляхом, що постійно розширюється до цензури в Інтернеті».

«Шлях до порятунку» від Google виявився пасткою

Google заявляє, що «досвідчені користувачі» можуть «як і раніше» встановлювати неперевірені програми. Ось як це насправді виглядає:

  1. Зайдіть у налаштування системи та знайдіть розділ «Параметри розробника»
  2. Натисніть на номер збірки сім разів, щоб увімкнути режим розробника
  3. Закрийте попереджувальні екрани про змушення
  4. Введіть свій PIN-код
  5. Перезапустіть пристрій
  6. Зачекайте 24 години
  7. Поверніться, закрийте інші попереджувальні екрани
  8. Виберіть «дозволити тимчасово» (7 днів) або «дозволити безстроково»
  9. Ще раз підтвердьте, що ви розумієте «ризики»

Дев'ять кроків. Обов'язковий 24-годинний період очікування. Для встановлення додатків на пристрій, який належить вам.

Гірше того: цей алгоритм повністю працює через Сервіси Google Play, а не через ОС Android. Google може його змінити, посилити або взагалі вимкнути в будь-який момент, без необхідності оновлення ОС та без будь-якої згоди. І на сьогоднішній день він не був реалізований у жодній бета-, попередній або тестовій версії. Він існує лише у вигляді публікації в блозі та кількох макетів.

Це більше, ніж просто Android

Якщо Google вдасться просто взяти і заблокувати мільярди пристроїв, які обіцяли бути відкритими, - це стане сигналом для кожного виробника обладнання у світі.

Встановлюється принцип: компанія-виробник вашого пристрою одноосібно вирішує вже після покупки, яке програмне забезпечення вам дозволено запускати. У індустрії це називають «вибиванням ґрунту з-під ніг» (rug pull); але там ви принаймні завжди могли встановити програмне забезпечення від конкурентів. У випадку з «залізом» - це fait accompli (доконаний факт), який позбавляє вас суб'єктності та робить безсилими перед примхами єдиного непідзвітного контролера доступу та визнаного монополіста.

Відкритість Android ніколи не була просто однією з функцій. Це була обіцянка, яка відрізняла його від iPhone. Саме з цієї причини мільйони людей обрали Android. Зараз Google в односторонньому порядку порушує цю обіцянку щодо пристроїв, які вже знаходяться у кишенях користувачів, оскільки компанія вирішила, що її домінування на ринку та вплив на регуляторні органи достатні, щоб уникнути відповідальності.

Ars Technica: «Заздрість Google до Apple загрожує зруйнувати традиції відкритості Android.»

Зачекайте, але це не...

«...просто про безпеку?»

Аргументи щодо безпеки - це лише прикриття. Google Play Protect і так перевіряє програми на наявність шкідливого ПЗ незалежно від особи розробника. Вимога надати паспорт не робить код безпечнішим. Це робить розробників ідентифікованими та контрольованими. Автори шкідливих додатків можуть зареєструватися. Незалежні розробники та незгодні часто не можуть. EFF висловлюється прямо: контроль на основі ідентифікації є інструментом цензури, а не безпеки.

«...все те ж встановлення зі сторонніх джерел, якщо йти складнішим шляхом?»

Дев'ять кроків, 24-годинне очікування, все це заховано глибоко в налаштуваннях для розробників і надається через пропрієтарний сервіс, який Google може відкликати будь-коли. Це не сайдлоадинг. Це механізм стримування, створений для того, щоб його майже ніхто не пройшов до кінця. А оскільки він працює через Сервіси Google Play, а не через сам Android, Google може посилити обмеження або просто «вбити» його без жодного шуму.

«...проблема лише для тих, кому є що приховувати?»

Першими жертвами стануть викривачі корупції, журналісти та активісти в країнах з авторитарними режимами. Наступними - люди, що опинилися в ситуаціях домашнього насильства. Усі ці групи мають законні підстави поширювати або використовувати додатки, не вносячи свої особисті дані до бази Google. Традиція анонімного внеску у відкритий код старіша за саму компанію Google. Ця політика ставить на ній хрест в екосистемі Android.

«...те саме, що робить Apple?»

Apple була «огородженим садом» з першого дня. Люди обирали Android саме за те, що він був іншим. Аргумент «Apple робить так само» - це шлях у нікуди та слабке виправдання за принципом tu quoque (сам такий). Більше того, під тиском регуляторів (зокрема Закону ЄС про цифрові ринки) навіть Apple змушена погоджуватися. Google же рухається у зворотному напрямку: намагається ще сильніше закріпити свій статус контролера доступу.

«...всього лише 25 доларів і трохи паперової тяганини?»

Можливо, якщо ви розробник у США з кредитною карткою та водійським посвідченням. Але спробуйте бути студентом у країнах Африки на південь від Сахари, дисидентом у М'янмі або волонтером, який підтримує додаток для місцевої громади. Ціна тут не лише фінансова: ви передаєте копію свого державного посвідчення особи та дані про ключі підпису компанії, яка регулярно виконує вимоги урядів щодо видалення додатків та деанонімізації розробників.

Дайте відсіч!

Усі люди

  • Встановіть F-Droid на ваш кожен пристрій з Android. Альтернативні магазини додатків виживають лише тоді, коли люди ними користуються.
  • Зверніться до своїх регуляторних органів. Регуляторні органи по всьому світу щиро стурбовані проблемою монополій та централізації влади у технологічному секторі і хочуть почути думку безпосередньо від тих, кого це стосується і хто переймається цією проблемою.
  • Поділіться цією сторінкою. Поширюйте посилання на keepandroidopen.org усюди.
  • Не піддавайтеся на провокації підставних агітаторів. Армія «ну-взагалі-то-експертів» уже тут як тут. Не дозволяйте їм диктувати тон дискусії.
  • Підпишіть петицію на change.org і приєднайтеся до понад 100 000 людей, які вже висловили свою думку.
  • Прочитайте та поширюйте наш маніфест
  • Поділіться з Google своєю думкою, заповнивши їхню анкету для перевірки розробників (спробувати варто!).

Розробники

Не реєструйтеся. Не приєднуйтесь до програми, реєструючись у Консолі розробника Android (Android Developer Console) та погоджуючись з їхніми незворотніми Умовами використання. Не підтверджуйте свою особу. Не грайте за їхніми правилами.

План Google спрацює лише за умови, якщо розробники його дотримуватимуться. Не робіть цього.

  • Переконайте інших розробників та організації не реєструватися.
  • Додайте бібліотеку FreeDroidWarn до ваших додатків, щоб повідомити користувачів.
  • У вас є сайт? Додайте банер із відліком.

Співробітники Google

Якщо вам відомо щось про технічну реалізацію програми або її внутрішню логіку, зверніться до tips@keepandroidopen.org з не робочого комп'ютера та з не-Gmail-адреси. Гарантуємо сувору конфіденційність.

Усі, хто проти…

71 організацій із 23 країн підписали маніфест

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

Прочитати маніфест повністю та подякувати тим, хто його підписав →

Що кажуть інші

Технологічна преса

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

How-To Geek

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

Hackaday

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

TechCrunch

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

Benzinga

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

How-To Geek

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

Android Headlines

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

Reclaim The Net

"Keep Android Open"

Linux Magazine

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

Open Source For U

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

Tom's Guide

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

The Register

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

Thom Holwerda, OSnews

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

Techdirt

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

XDA Developers

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

SlashGear

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

Android Headlines

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

Techzine EU

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

Bleeping Computer

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

Datamation

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

Gizmochina

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

TechSpot

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

Ars Technica

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

How-To Geek

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

How-To Geek

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

Ars Technica

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

Cybernews

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

The Register

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

Tuta Blog

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

Infosecurity Magazine

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

The Verge

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

How-To Geek

"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"

InfoWorld

"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"

Internet Freedom Foundation (India)

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

Android Police

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

MakeUseOf

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

9to5Google

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

Slashdot

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

Android Headlines

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

I-Programmer

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

heise online

"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"

The New Stack

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

How-To Geek

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

TechRepublic

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

It's FOSS News

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

The Register

Редакційні матеріали та аналізи

Організації та маніфести

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

Nextcloud

"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

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

AdGuard

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

Osservatorio Nessuno

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

F-Droid

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

AdGuard

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

Electronic Frontier Foundation

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

Tuta

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

Tech-ish Kenya

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

Tuta

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

Open letter, over 67 signatory organizations

"A 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

"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

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

European Parliament

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

Tuta

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

AdGuard

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

F-Droid Open Letter

"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

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

ACLU

"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

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

European Pirate Party

"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

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

AdGuard

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

F-Droid

"Google 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

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

AdGuard

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

Software Freedom Conservancy

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

F-Droid

"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

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

Nextcloud

"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

Ютубери та творці контенту

"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 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

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

ChiefGyk3D – 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

"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

"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

"Imagine Dell told you that you could no longer install any operating system other than Windows on your laptop. That's what Google is doing to your phone."

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

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

The Linux Experiment – YouTube

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

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

Tuta Blog – Blog

"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

"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

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

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube

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

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

"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

"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

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

fireborn – Blog

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

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube

"This means you can't sideload an app from an unofficial source. But it could also be used to lock the ecosystem so we're forced to install only Google apps on approved Google OS versions."

Rob Braxman Tech – Locals

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – 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

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

Techlore – YouTube

"I'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

Розробники та спільнота

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

gumby271, Hacker News

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

Apocryphon, Hacker News

"This isn't just a competition between app stores; it's a struggle for choice and dignity. Your phone shouldn't be a cage carefully constructed by others, but an extension of your own will."

renshijian, Hacker News

"Computing is infrastructure. Personal computers are a means of expressing agency. This is like banning people from moving furniture around their house without approval from mortgage lenders."

wervenyt, Tildes

"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

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

Tiraon, Tildes

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

girvo, 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

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

afferi300rina, Hacker News

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

yonato, Hacker News

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

specproc, Hacker News

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

Zak, Hacker News

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

jzb, Lobsters

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

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

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

survirtual, 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

"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

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

Max-P, Lemmy

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

MrZander, Hacker News

"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

"Years ago, I wondered how Google would try to get away with locking down Android and shutting the cage door after capturing such a large dependent user base. Now I see how they are trying to get away with it."

chaznabin, Reddit

"Google 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

"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

"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

"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

"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

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

koala, Lobsters

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

nibbleyou (developer in India), Hacker News

"Whatever Google is doing kind of scares me. We have a big DIY community of diabetics in Germany running tools like AndroidAPS that cannot ever be distributed through official channels."

pimeys (Type 1 diabetic, DIY medical software), Lobsters

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

jwr, Hacker News

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

WaffleMonster, Slashdot

"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

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

gcupc, Lobsters

"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

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

Zak, Lemmy

"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

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

flykespice (developer in Brazil), Hacker News

"Software gatekeeping is a threat to human rights. Just recently an app to track ICE was banned from the iOS app store even though this should clearly be protected first amendment speech."

gthing, Reddit

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

vala, Lemmy

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

lynxy, Tildes

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

TheTearMiser, Lemmy

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

paxys, Hacker News

"Google 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

"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

"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."

masterofn001, Lemmy

"Anyone else thinking this looks like a precursor to banning Signal and similar? 1) Put Google in control of what you can install. 2) Get Google to block it."

harry8, Hacker News

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

layfellow, Hacker News

"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

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

tejtm, Hacker News

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

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

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

hbn, Hacker News

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

hn92726819, Hacker News

"Any time someone puts a lock on something that belongs to you, and won't give you a key, they're not doing it for your benefit."

vord (quoting Cory Doctorow), Tildes

"You 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

"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

"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

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

anordal, Lobsters

"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

Думки авторів петиції

"A big part of the software that we use currently exists thanks to the open code and developers that share solutions in terms of others can learn and build on them. to demand to the developers to identify or establish a payment to distribute the software, even though there is no a lucrative goal create unnecessary boundaries for independent, educative and experimental projects. Android turned into an innovative plataform due to its openness. Establish a limit to that openness threat the developers ecosystem that made it possible. "

Santos, 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

"There is no valid reason to do this except greed and control. If someone installs malicious software on their own device thats their issue. "

Jonathan, change.org

"If I recall IOS got sued and lost for trying to lock down options, And imagine if you had to pay a fee and show your ID just to make a windows or Linux application? No because that is stupid. and It is utterly foolish. And this isn't about security as android already has ways of locking down insecure apps already. Also this act harms open source projects and also puts developers at risk as sharing government ID's has already proven to be very insecure and would give bad actors ways of hurting people because they don't like what the person makes. "

Bradley, 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

"Don't get rid of the reason I switched from apple in the first place, google. "

Reina, change.org

"Literally one of the only things Android has going for it compared to iOS. You want this gone, fine -- then what advantage do you possibly imagine Android would have over iPhones? Do you really think people are going to continue to buy crap Pixels with Tensor chips at the same price as an iPhone? Android has ALWAYS been about uplifting device ownership. You get rid of APK side loading, you kill the damn OS once and for all. "

Jeremy, change.org

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

Deagan Euras, change.org

"The biggest reason I love Android is because it's open. I have had ENOUGH of companies trying to decide what I can and can't do with the devices I purchased. If I spent money on it, it is MINE and I should be allowed to do whatever I want with it. Enough is enough. "

Callum, change.org

"It's my phone that I bought with my money. Why is Google allowed to determine what apps I install on it? "

Eugene, change.org

"At one point in time, IOS allowed side loading, which is how I was able to play emulators on my iPod back then. Now, much of what I remember being allowed to do is either behind a paywall, or outright prevented. I (we)moved on to Android to escape those restrictions. Don't let Android turn into IOS, and keep your identity from being stolen! "

Alexander, change.org

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

G, change.org

"Android has always been the free alternative to iOS’s restrictions. Without the freedom we’ve come to understand, what’s the draw to this OS? I’ve had some interest in small app development, but if this goes through it will kill that interest dead. "

Katylyn, 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

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

Bobby, change.org

"Keep Android open to any app. I continue to use and develop for Android because it's the only mobile OS that allows me to install and use the software that I decide to use. I frequently develop software for me and my close friends. We need Android to stay open! "

Oleksandr, 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 started using an Android device because of the freedom to use the software I wanted to use. If Google goes forward with these restrictions, I wont have any reason to use Android devices anymore. "

Luis, change.org

""do no evil," my eye! this maga-adjacent, corpo-fascist overreach must be opposed, halted buried under copious amounts of binding democratic rules of fundanental software development freedoms & rights. no to paying tolls to genocide enabling skuoogle. no to overt subjugation of independent sw developers. if skruoogle had a consciencec... oh, but skruoogle has no conscience - it's not human. "

whiskey, change.org

"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

"Thair trying to take everything that gives free people power and control. We need to stop them, stop the billionaires, stop the corrupt officials, stop Israel, stop the child abusers. The more you undermine there control the better for it is for everyone. "

Octavio, change.org

"As a hobbyist and tinkerer I rely on sideloaded apps to manage my smart devices, maintain privacy and access key items on other devices. Many of these services that I have set up would be unavailable if this goes forward. What's more there is no foreseeable reason why one shouldn't be able to modify, edit and change their own devices as they see fit. Every other computer works in this manner and Android has been no different. Maintaining this freedom is a must going forward and has one of the primary draws to the ecosystem. Google's choice to stop sideloading is not fooling anyone, it's a method of control and siloing. I left Apple because of this, don't think I won't leave Android too. "

Matthew, change.org

"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

"I like to have a choice to choose and I understand the risks, that is why I check, Google should not have monopoly over it. "

Rosalie, change.org

"As user and developer, this is surely concerning and, obviously, unwanted. For a period in my life I've used iOS, but didn't think twice before abandoning it completely, just as I did when moving from Windows to Linux. Again, as user and dev., I treasure having (maximum) control and privacy over my very own devices. To s##t with these ridiculous policies. "

Anthony L., change.org

"Security is important, but it's not the same as control. They close doors to developers and users. I personally use Android precisely because of the free installation of APKs. For this, I prefer to use iOS. "

Dilan Giovanny, change.org

"a recently convicted monopolist extorting developers and committing further anticompetitive behavior? not in my pocket it's not. "

Marc, change.org

"To put it simply it's wrong all of it. The idea that we are so untrustworthy with our own devices that we need this level of invasion/ surveillance implemented to satisfy their idea of safety is laughable. The online tech community is amazing and free to make any kind of customization to their own devices that they bought and paid for. And let's be honest there have been so many questionable decisions already based on security and safety that Google is no longer completely trustworthy. We should still be able to have the choice to use our own customizable apps/systems on our own personal devices. None of this feels safe, none of these changes feel like they have our safety in mind. "

Charles, change.org

"Don't take away my ability to do what I want with my stuff. I payed for my device and it's mine to do what I want with. It's my responsibility to not damage my property. "

Peter, change.org

"Choice and modification is the root of the Android platform. I should be able to install software I want on my own phone. If Android becomes a walled garden, then there will be no real reason to buy an Android, and I'll buy an Apple. "

Bailey, change.org

"The advantage of Android is precisely its freedom to choose what to do with your system and applications, just as developers have the freedom to choose where to distribute. Please do not limit the installation of APKs. There is already a warning and optional block for “unknown” apps where we currently have choices. Do not trade freedom for a false sense of security! "

Matheus, change.org

"Assuming Google is acting in good faith, they should respect users' intelligence and not lock down APK usage into a heavily regulated part of the internet. "

Noah, change.org

"my friend told me to sign it so i did "

Ethan, change.org

"Android has always been my favorite platform because I can download apps externally, often community-created apps with various benefits. Removing this option from Android is like erasing its very essence. "

Davi, change.org

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

Patrick, change.org

"Locking down the ability to use APKs and other applications outside of the "approved" developers app is a great way to snub creativity and only allow "state sponsored" media on the device that is on your person 24/7. Having the ability to manipulate MY DEVICE that I paid for should be an absolute capability of each device we are expected to carry for years. "

Alex, change.org

"Sideloading is not a term. It is called installing. Do not take our choices away. Isn't America proud of their freedom, so don't take ours freedom away. Our device, our decisions "

Quoc Huy, change.org

"I am not a developer, I am just a user, and I think it is very important to say that this does not just affect developers. There is nothing good about locking down an open ecosystem. There is no good reason for Google mandating ID Verification aside from pushing their dominance over Android. This is disgusting, given that Android has always been seen as the free haven away from Apple's walled garden. Now the only way to achieve freedom is by using a fork of Android, which will become harder and harder as Google inevitably enforces locked bootloaders. Seeing Android turn into a Google flavored IOS is just a huge punch in the gut, and really puts into perspective what can be lost under greedy leadership. "

Zakery, change.org

"Keep android open, or there will be a fork. Open software always prevails "

Mikka, change.org

"I only have one thing to comment: Google just wants to make a profit, they are just being greedy. "

Joilton, change.org

"We want our freedom of speech "

Mohammed, change.org

"https://keepandroidopen.org/ "

Shrewd, change.org

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

Logan, change.org

"make android good again "

Samuel, change.org

"I've ALWAYS been an Android user and I've always been proud of it because of his openness, his liberty and many possibilities. That's Android. I don't want to see him fall and become an IOS version 2. It would be his death. I've never been interested by Apple, getting an Iphone never crossed my mind. If Android changes, I will have to think about seriously. "

Killian, change.org

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

Jonathan, change.org

"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

"Android gives us a choice. That is so so important to us in this day and age. Please let us continue to do so. "

Jenna, change.org

"Im an adult. I paid for a device based on the promise of features. If I wanted someone to hold my hand while im online I'd get an iPhone or hire a state nurse to watch me. Really this is small, but a first step toward total control from big companies, good luck being an independent developer or whatever in the future when no one can download you stuff bc Google said so. And, as a consumer, think of all the good crowd funded and indie games and products that come out and rival if not demolish the big companies. This is how they stop that, dont let them. "

Ryan, change.org

"Continue to keep our rights to open-source applications a reality for all Android users on every device and keep the option for everyone to create & install the apps they choose. Allow us to make the choice for ourselves and respect the integrity and freedom of the developers & users that love the Android. "

Mitch, change.org

"Guys, let's join forces and stop Google from putting these restrictions on Android. "

Kettisson, change.org

"As an iPhone user, Android's ability to sideload apps was the single reason I purchased an Android tablet instead of an iPad. Now that this is going away, Google can go away because they're no different than an Apple phone now. "

Robert, change.org

"Why do company's always get more predatory and throw away reasons that adopters use them for? We need to be less loyal to services in general because they are not loyal to us. If there is no alternatives then remove a subscription (e.g. for storage), remove/replace a feature (e.g. Google Maps to a 3rd Party, or Chrome with Brave), add friction (e.g. use a VPN, randomize your identifiable info, switch OS's). React immediately although inconvenient, because they derive much of their value from how we behave as consumers, and we cannot be complacent. We can bite back, if for anything, if they get their way we will be only one step away from out the door (adoption of something and everything outside of the Google and Apple ecosystem including the physical phone itself). Example: Fairtrade running Graphene or Calpyx or e/ OS with a Brave default browser and search. "

Robel, change.org

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

Jeffrey, change.org

"Locking Android down is an evil decision and completely goes against the original design intention. If this happens, I will no longer use ANY google products and services and publicly boycott. "

Chris, change.org

"I find it frankly baffling how Google is trying to erase one of the selling points of their products because of their need to control Android even further. "

Theo, change.org

"The ability to download external APKs which give my phone some really neat functionality is what prevents me (for the most part) from switching to IOS. Google, please don't take that away from us. At least tell us why you wish to restrict Android. "

D, change.org

"Android is not iOS, is monopoly becoming Android to iOS "

RallenPR, 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

"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

"If I choose to install a piece of software written by someone who "isn't verified" on my device that is my business, not Google's. To Google : Right now, one of the few remaining reasons I would choose an Android device over an iOS device is due to the presence of alternate app stores, like F-Droid that allow me to install open source apps. If I lose that ability, why would I continue to use Android over the competition? Don't be evil. "

Cameron, 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

"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

"My property. My rules. "

Steven, change.org

"Android should be free; it was supposed to be the hero of free or open-source applications. "

Alan, change.org

"1 federal lawsuit wasn't enough? This only scratches the surface of the game they keep playing. Why after all that's happened, being convicted of monopoly must Google feel the need to lockdown the one shot we have at staying private on mobile? Even if they do want to collect more data it will cost them some of their userbase. The terms of the update alone are outrageous. Fees & gov't ID? Let's sue 'em again! 😂 "

Zach, change.org

"Nobody asked for this. Unrestricted sideloading is the only reason I bought an Android phone. I need to upgrade to a new phone soon, but I will never in a million years consider buying another Android phone unless this decision is reversed. I'm now genuinely tempted to switch careers and devote my life to building sophisticated adblockers just to annoy Sundar. "

Jacob, change.org

"Phone operating systems already have a precident of being locked down, and locking down android tightens the restrictions and paves the way for less freedom. We need to take a stand and refuse to let Google take control away from us. "

Joey, change.org

"The whole point of Android is to give the user the freedom to use their phone in and way they want. To limit that freedom will only cause users to resent and stop using android. Hopefully they reverse this choice. "

Eduardo, change.org

"As a long time user of Android who has refused to move on to other mobile devices, and as a developer who builds personal apps for testing, I find the idea of removing sideloading to be more harmful for the android community than it is helpful. I do not want to be "an approved developer" by giving up my personal information and being forced to pay a fee. Android literally started as an open-source operating system, and now it's literally just Apple OS but Google edition. Plus the worry of malware being spread elsewhere is contradictory. Apps on the Google Play Store are NOTORIOUS for containing spyware, malware, and even pornographic ads. I once installed a Genesis emulator on the Google Play Store and the first thing I saw was an ad of a bunch of nude girls, and the ad literally had the Google Ads logo button on it, so I know that wasn't from them but y'all. When I installed a Genesis emulator outside of Google Play, there was not a single ad, and for the other apps I got that did have ads, thet didn't have freaking PORN ads. Going anti-consumer isn't protecting anyone Google, it's just making things worse but in your favor. Please Google, make the choice that would keep your userbase and community instead of one that would destroy it. If you are going to continue with this anti-consumer decision, I might as well switch to Apple because at least they take the time to double-check if their apps have malware and spyware. Don't make me switch. "

Elijah, change.org

"Make the open source free for a sideloading app for downloading APKs. I need to download the APK for ReVanced patches and F-Droid. "

David, change.org

"Android does not need to be the same as iphones are: locked and proprietary. "

Dustin, change.org

"Android's open platform is the only counter positioning left before it's just a shittier iPhone. Please don't hand the market to Apple. "

Jesse, change.org

"I've always appreciated Google for it's support of open source projects. This is why the recent trend to lock-in this user's is worrying. I believe Google doesn't need to resort to such draconian measures to grow. It's part growth is proof of this fact "

Kanwar, change.org

"I've been on android for as long as I can remember. The freedom to develop and most importantly do what I want with my own device is wonderful. To have that taken away from us all would be terrible, especially since the whole reason I love Android is how it is now. "

Angelo, change.org

"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

"Stop destroying our freedom! "

Alberto, change.org

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

Mail-main, change.org

"The whole entire point of an Android phone is that you have freedom and a choice in matters like this. Taking away that choice is basically taking away the entire point of buying an Android over any other phone. We deserve the choice. "

Madison, change.org

"There are but few remaining bastions of independance left these days. Google, You have taken the cake, the pies, the rest of the desert tray and the full feast before it and left only crumbs in your wake. Are you really about to double back to hoover those up too? Competition is a net gain in any space and promotes growth and vitality! We need places for independents to opperate and users to choose freely what resonates with them and thier own values! Kindly, leave some space! "

m, change.org

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

Draken, change.org

"I honestly don't understand why this even has to be petitioned for in the first place. It should be self-evident that it should be entirely up to the user what software should be installed on their own device. "

Patrick, change.org

"Help new developers earn an income and revolutionize our apps and games! "

João, change.org

"Google, this is NOT acceptable. You are NOT the gatekeepers of development. You ARE BEING EVIL. "

David, change.org

"Oh great and wise corporate overlords, I come to you a mere peon, a cog in your profit machine, to implore you to keep Android open to small or niche developers. If you implement the proposed changes you will have turned a thriving app ecosphere into nothing more than a reskinned iOS. Your commitment to Open Source and the availability of Android-.apk-but-not-via-Google are on the line here. Many of the most compelling use cases for my Android device would cease to exist under the proposed regime. If that happens I might as well switch to iOS devices, at least they are pretty. "

Michael, change.org

"Keep android open to all developers. If this goes into effect I'm done with offial android. I don't care what devices I have to use moving forward but it will not be android devices. "

david, change.org

"This is absurd and down right offensive that Google ever thought the thought that contradicts the core ideals for the Android OS! An android device that's no longer open might as well be Apple 2.0. In saying that, it will turn away not only the tech savy users in completion by 100% of them looking for another OS but in turn having the user who wants to express themselves in their Android device... If we wanted a closed source environment we'd conform with the rest of the world who knows nothing else but how to have the "hive mind" think for them and buy an apple. They do it, have done it and will continue to do it the best. Which, tbh, is ok!! Let them have their space in that of the most boring OS, app store, etc... If Google follows suit and actually closes up Android, clearly it will not kill the giant that Google purchased but it will turn away hundreds of millions of users to that "boring side" as in comparison, it makes NO SENSE for one to keep an Android over an iPhone when iPhone already has side loading and other exploitations to help us at the very least feel like we have some sort of control while going with the leading IP of closed OSs.... Android and closed should never be in the same sentence and I can guarantee when it happens Google will see lows they've never experienced in recent years nor could have predicted. However if the corporate overlords didn't think a backlash would occur when Google, likely the most predatory tech company in terms of their business practices who already enables the largest black market empire in that of call centers and scammers across the world to operate by selling our data to them and pushing their ads to the top of its results for the right amount of money. Who tf you think is gonna want to use a phone backed by said company when it's closing it's OS and changing it's TOS to basically "we can see and use everything on your screen for whatever purposes we please?? Literally the largest data broker in THE UNIVERSE???? YEA RIGHT, WE'RE NOT FOOL GOOGLE, WE'RE THE PHONE USERS WHO ACTUALLY KNOW HOW TO THINK FOR OURSELVES, Y'ALL FORGET THIS POINT?? "

Steven, change.org

"I bought an android phone specifically so I wouldn't be chained to the play store like on iOS. If there's no choice in the matter, I might as well get an iPhone again. "

Audrey, change.org

"There are so many useful apps outside of the play store, including medical apps. It would limit us and restrict our freedoms to do as well please with OUR phones. Android began as an alternative to IOS that didn't limit side loading and alternative apps. Android restricting APKs is a violation of what they stand for and our rights as smartphone owners. This cannot happen. "

Lia, change.org

"This change would essentially make android comparable to iOS in the sense of the restricted amount of freedom we have over the operating system and how we want the operating system to function. This will also result in a constant battle between new "crackers" trying to find ways to spoof the signature system and Google patching the spoofs to keep the system restricted. This is not for security, this is corporate control over a dominating service they can milk for profit and add to their greed "

Simon, change.org

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

João, change.org

"I signed this petition because Google is slowly turning Android into a locked down version of iOS and it's really frustrating. I bought my phone, it's my property, yet every few months they add more restrictions on APKs, more warnings, more blocks that make it annoying or impossible to install apps from outside the Play Store. Sideloading is something separate that I also want to keep fully open and easy. This isn't about security anymore it's about control and forcing everyone into their ecosystem so they can monitor and profit from everything we do. I want the freedom to install what I want on my own device without Google acting like a parent who doesn't trust me. Developers and power users especially need this ability, and regular users deserve the choice too. If we don't push back now, soon we'll have no real alternatives left and Android will lose what made it special in the first place. Please sign and share if you value your device freedom. "

Christopher, change.org

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

Catherine, change.org

"This errodes competition by giving Google more control over what content is easily allowed. Fundamentally, this is anti-competition and a way for Google to cement their ability as the "taste maker" for Android devices. "

David, change.org

"We need to live free with our freedom, Apk files is the only reason that I use Android device. "

Laurent, change.org

"I really like the ability to "sideload" apps on android. Android's customization capabilities is one of it's most likable features. APK files are cool. They are the reason why my phone looks so pretty. Please continue to allow this option as I think it will be beneficial to Google, instead of forcing 3rd party developers from abandoning the platform to monotonous hegemony like that of the Apple iPhone OS store. Google building upon the open source code designed by Linus is cool and allows for input from various individuals which help inevitably make the google play store more beautiful and lively. Customization is cool. Please continue to allow APK file usage. "

Paul, change.org

"Don't trust billionare companies, they want to take away our choice! "

Hugo, change.org

"Sim ao Android "

Cristina, change.org

"Let me sideload my Android apps. "

Stephan, change.org

"I do not condone google to control everything "

Leticia, change.org

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