そのスマートフォンは
「あなたのもの」
ではなくなります。

123 日後に制限されます

2027年*より、Googleによるサイレントアップデートが強制的に実施されます。これにより「Googleへの開発者登録、契約の締結、手数料の支払い、および政府発行の身分証明書の提出」をしていない開発者のすべての Android アプリがブロック されます。

全てのアプリ、全てのデバイスが、世界中で、しかもオプトアウトなしで。

Googleがやっていること

2025年8月、Googleは新しい要件を発表しました。「2027年より、デバイスにアプリをインストール可能にするためには、全ての Android のアプリ開発者は事前にGoogleへの(中央集権的な)登録を行うことが必須となります。Play Storeのアプリだけではなく、すべてのアプリで必須となります。」
これには、友達との間で共有されるもの、F-Droidで配布されるものや趣味で個人向けに開発されたものも含まれます。独立した開発者も、教会や地域団体も、そして趣味で開発している人も、アプリを開発して配布するという活動から締め出されてしまいます。

開発者登録に必要なもの:

もし開発者がこれに従わなかった場合、その開発者が開発したアプリは世界中の全ての Android デバイスでブロックされるようになります。

これに影響される人

あなた

あなたはGoogleが「Androidは自由なOSです」と言ったから、Androidのスマホを買ったはずです。あなたは自由に何でもインストールできる —— それが約束でした。

Googleは今になって、その約束を後出しで書き換えようとしています。しかも、すでにあなたが所有しているスマホで。このアップデートが実施されれば、あなたはGoogleが承認したアプリしか開けなくなります。あなたがお金を払って買った、あなたが所有するスマホなのに。

独立している開発者

中学生が初めて作ったアプリでも、ボランティアのプライバシー保護ツールでも、もしくは会社の極秘社内向けベータ版でも、関係ありません。2027年には、これらのどれもGoogleの承認無しにはこれまで通りにインストールすることができなくなります。

何千もの無料でオープンソースなAndroidアプリの住処であるF-Droidは、これを"存続に関わる"脅威と表明しています。Cory Doctorowは、これを"ダース・アンドロイド"と呼んでいます。(ダース・ベイダー的な意味)

政府・市民団体

Googleは権威主義的な政権からアプリの削除を要求された際、それに従ったという前例があります。 この制度が導入されれば、あなたの国の公共機関を支えるアプリが、説明責任を負わないたった一つの外国企業の気まぐれで、どうにでもなってしまいます。

EFF (電子フロンティア財団)はアプリの承認制について、「インターネット検閲への、際限なく広がり続ける道の入り口」と呼んでいます。

Googleが用意した
"抜け穴"は落とし穴です

Googleは「"上級者"であれば、この制度が導入された後でも、未認証のアプリを"依然としてインストールできる"と主張しています。では、実際の手順を見てみましょう:

  1. 設定の中から、開発者向けオプションを掘り当てる
  2. ビルド番号を7回タップしてデベロッパーモードを有効にする
  3. 威圧的な警告画面を閉じる
  4. パスコードを入力する
  5. デバイスを再起動する
  6. 24時間待機する
  7. もう一度設定画面を開いて、脅しレベルの文言が書かれた警告画面を閉じる
  8. "一時的に許可する"(7日間)または "常に許可する"を選ぶ
  9. もう一度、あなたが"リスク"を理解したことを確認する

9つもの手順。そして強制的な24時間の待機時間。自分が買ったデバイスに、アプリを入れたいだけなのに。

更に悪いことに、この抜け穴はAndroid OS ではなく、Google Play 開発者サービス を介して提供されています。GoogleはOSアップデートやユーザーの同意なしに、いつでもこの仕様を変更したり、厳しくしたり、あるいは撤廃することができます。しかも現時点では、ベータ版やプレビュー版、Canary版のどれにも実装されておらず、存在するのはブログ記事1つといくつかのイメージ図だけです。

これはAndroidだけの問題ではありません

Googleがオープンプラットフォームとして売り出した数十億台のデバイスに後出しで制限を掛けられるかどうか、世界中のあらゆるハードウェアメーカーが注目しています。

もしこんなことがまかり通ってしまえば、次のルールが成立します。
「あなたのデバイスを作った会社が、あなたが購入した『後から』、どのソフトウェアを実行するかを決められる権利を持つ。 」
というものです。ソフトウェアの世界では、これは "rug pull"(はしご外し)と呼ばれる行為ですが、所詮ソフトウェアの制限だったので、今まで競合ソフトウェアのインストールを完全にブロックできた事例はありませんでした。 しかしハードウェアでこれが行われれば、もはや対抗できません。これを既成事実化してしまえば、"説明責任を負わない"、"唯一"の、"独占禁止法で有罪判決を受けた企業"の気まぐれによって、なす術もなくユーザーの自由は奪われてしまいます。

Androidがオープンであることは、単なる機能の一つではありません。それはiPhoneを選ばない代わりに結んだ「約束」でした。何百万人もの人が、この「約束」を信じてAndroidを購入しました。 Google は今、この約束を反故にしようとしています。もう既に人々のポケットの中に入っているデバイスで、です。 すでに十分に市場を支配し、規制当局へのロビー活動を済ませた今なら、どんな横暴を働いても逃げ切れるだろうとほくそ笑みながら。

Ars Technica: "GoogleのAppleへの憧れが、Androidのオープンな伝統を解体しようとしている。"

でも待って、これって...

「...セキュリティのためですよね?」

セキュリティのためという根拠は目くらましのようなものです。 Androidではすでに、開発者認証の有無に関係なく、Google Play Protectによってアプリにマルウェアがないかスキャンしています。政府発行の身分証明書の提出を必須化することで、デバイスがより安全になるとは言えません。それはただ開発者らを 識別し、支配下に置くだけです。当然、マルウェアの製作者であっても開発者登録ができます。しかし独立系の開発者らや、反体制派の人は登録を拒否される可能性があります。EFF(電子フロンティア財団)はきっぱりと次のように述べています。「身分証明書によるゲートキーピングはセキュリティのための手段ではなく、検閲のための手段である。」

「...追加の手順を踏めばサイドローディングできますよね?」

9つもの手順が必要で、24時間の待機が求められ、開発者設定の奥深くに埋められていて、Googleがいつでも取り消すことができるプロプライエタリなサービスによって提供されるサイドローディングは可能です。あなたがそんなものをサイドローディングと呼べるなら。これはほとんど誰も完遂できないように設計された抑止機構です。しかも、これはOSではなくGoogle Play 開発者サービスを介して動作するため、Googleは予告なく制限を厳しくしたり、あるいは停止させることができます。

「...何かやましいことがある人だけが関係ある話ですよね?」

独裁的な政府の下にある内部告発者、ジャーナリスト、そして活動家が真っ先に犠牲となるでしょう。その次に、DVに晒されている人々も続きます。これらのグループには、Googleのデータベースに法的な身元情報を登録することなくソフトウェアを配布または利用すべき正当な理由があります。匿名でのオープンソースへの貢献は、Googleの誕生よりもずっと古くからある伝統です。このポリシーは、Androidにおいてその伝統に終止符を打ちます。

「...Appleもやってますよね?」

Appleは創業当初から「囲い込み」を貫いてきました。人々がAndroidを選んだのは、まさに「Appleとは違うもの」だったからです。「Appleだってやってるじゃん」という指摘はまさに底辺への競争であり、説得力のない「お前だって論法」です。しかも今やあのAppleでさえ、規制の圧力(EUのデジタル市場法)を受けて開放を余儀なくされています。にも関わらずGoogleは逆行し、門番としての地位をさらに強固なものにしようとしているのです。

「...4000円払って、いくらか事務作業すりゃ済む話ですよね?」

ええ、もしあなたがアメリカにいる開発者でクレカと運転免許証を持っているなら、その通りです。では、サハラ以南のアフリカの学生や、ミャンマーの反体制派、あるいは地域医療アプリを運営しているボランティアの立場ではどうでしょうか。その代償は金銭的なものだけではありません。あなたは、政府からのアプリ削除や開発者の身元開示の要求に日常的に応じている企業に、政府発行の身分証明書や署名鍵の証拠を委ねることになるのです。

抵抗するには

皆さん

  • F-Droid をあなたが持っているすべての Android デバイスにインストールしてください。代替アプリストアは人々が実際に使うことでしか生き残ることができません。
  • 国の規制当局に連絡してください。 世界中の規制当局は、テクノロジー業界における独占と権力の集中を真摯に懸念しており、影響を受けている方や懸念を抱いている方々から直接意見を聞きたいと考えています。
  • このページを拡散してください。 keepandroidopen.org のリンクをいろんなところに拡散しまくってください。
  • 世論操作と戦いましょう。 "いや、実は..."と持ち出す連中が大量に現れています。奴らに主導権を握らせてはならない。
  • change.orgの署名に参加してください。すでに10万人以上が声を上げている署名活動に、ぜひご参加ください。
  • 私たちの公開書簡を読んで拡散してください。
  • この件についてのあなたの意見を、 Googleに開発者検証に関するアンケート を通じて伝えてみてください(したところで意味があるかはわかりませんが)

開発者

サインアップしないでください。 撤回不可能な利用規約に同意し、このプログラムに参加してはなりません。絶対に本人確認も行わないでください。土俵に立たないでください。

Googleの計画は開発者たちが従わない限り成功しません。 言いなりにならないでください。

Googleの社員

もし、このプログラムの技術的な実装や内部事情について何かご存知でしたら、業務用でないPCとGmail以外のアカウントからtips@keepandroidopen.orgまでご連絡ください。厳重な秘密保持をお約束します。

このプログラムに反対するのは…

23カ国の 71 もの団体が署名した 公開書簡

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

公開書簡の全文を読み、署名者に謝意を表する →

人々の声

技術系の報道機関

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

The Register

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

heise online

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

Techdirt

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

Bleeping Computer

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

Open Source For U

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

Cybernews

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

Benzinga

"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

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

Ars Technica

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

XDA Developers

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

TechSpot

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

It's FOSS News

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

How-To Geek

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

Ars Technica

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

Android Headlines

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

Gizmochina

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

Reclaim The Net

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

TechCrunch

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

9to5Google

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

MakeUseOf

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

Slashdot

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

Infosecurity Magazine

"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"

InfoWorld

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

Techzine EU

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

Android Police

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

Android Headlines

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

Hackaday

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

I-Programmer

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

How-To Geek

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

Datamation

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

Tuta Blog

"Keep Android Open"

Linux Magazine

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

Android Headlines

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

Tom's Guide

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

Thom Holwerda, OSnews

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

TechRepublic

"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"

Internet Freedom Foundation (India)

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

The Register

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

The Register

"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"

The New Stack

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

How-To Geek

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

How-To Geek

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

SlashGear

記事・解説

組織と公開書簡

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

F-Droid Open Letter

"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

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

AdGuard

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

AdGuard

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

Nextcloud

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

AdGuard

"A centralized global registration system for Android will inevitably chill this work. Those communities are likely to drop out of developing for Android altogether."

Electronic Frontier Foundation

"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

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

F-Droid

"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

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

Tuta

"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

"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

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

Nextcloud

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

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

"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

"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

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

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

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

Software Freedom Conservancy

"Google will cut off independent developers to Android if they do not register with Google first. This will kill independent platforms like F-Droid and severely impede FLOSS devs from creating apps for Android."

KDE

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

F-Droid

"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

"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

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

European Pirate Party

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

AdGuard

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

Tech-ish Kenya

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

Osservatorio Nessuno

YouTuberやクリエイターたち

"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

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

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

Techlore – YouTube

"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

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

fireborn – Blog

"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 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

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

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

ChiefGyk3D – YouTube

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

fireborn – Blog

"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

"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

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

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

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

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube

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

Techlore – YouTube

"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

"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

"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

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

Tuta Blog – Blog

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

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

Switched to Linux – YouTube

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

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – 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

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

開発者らとそのコミュニティー

"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

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

koala, Lobsters

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

GeekyBear, Hacker News

"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

"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

"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

"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 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

"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

"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

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

girvo, Hacker News

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

cbrophoto (drone professional), Reddit

"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

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

mwcampbell, Lobsters

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

vala, Lemmy

"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

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

survirtual, 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

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

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

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

Max-P, Lemmy

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

afferi300rina, Hacker News

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

hbn, 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

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

Zak, Hacker News

"You are essentially a child to them. The difference is society has decided not to step in to protect you from your abusive parents."

globular-toast, Hacker News

"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

"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

"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

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

flykespice (developer in Brazil), 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

"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

"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

"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

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

layfellow, Hacker News

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

gumby271, Hacker News

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

MrZander, Hacker News

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

Zak, Lemmy

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

gcupc, Lobsters

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

WaffleMonster, Slashdot

"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

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

tejtm, 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

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

lynxy, Tildes

"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

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

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

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

paxys, Hacker News

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

Tiraon, 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

"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

"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."

masterofn001, Lemmy

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

Apocryphon, 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

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

TheTearMiser, Lemmy

"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

"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

請願書に署名した人の声

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

Bill, change.org

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

Jerry, change.org

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

Jonathan, change.org

"Installing APKs has been one of the strongest points of Android. Erasing it will lead to Android losing users, Android becoming a same-same with Apple and destroy its reputation. Think twice before making this change, it can be the start of Android's downfall. "

Lautaro, change.org

"I am ashamed of Google for wanting to be a crappy replica of IOS you will kill Android by doing this but it will not kill open source operating systems that will take its place. If you continue down this path enjoy Androids funeral as there will always be coders out there who will fight for freedom of knowledge. "

Mark, change.org

"If Android is closed off & no longer my phone as was the promise of Android, it will be the last Android anything I will purchase.. "

Michael, 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

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

Justin, change.org

"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

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

Juan, change.org

"If android isn't open source then it's straight up just a worse iOS literally the only reason we use it is the fact that it's open source 💀 "

Natalia, change.org

"There has always been more freedom with Android and that is why people choose it. Taking this freedom away will take your customers away. We will always find or create another option. "

Danny, 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

"The whole point---for me---to have an Android phone is to stay away from Apple's closed ecosystem. Google locking down APK privileges to "approved developers" spits in the face of this. An owner of a phone should have the right and ability to install whatever they want on it, without deference to any company. If this change goes through, my next phone certainly won't be an Android one. "

Adam, change.org

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

Ethan, change.org

"This whole security benefit is BS "

Jordan, change.org

"For Freedom! "

Ömer Can Devrim, change.org

"When I buy a device, I own the right to choose how I use the device. I have the right to repair and replace any part of the device, and that includes the software running on it. "

Drew, change.org

"This is very clearly about "Embrace, Extend, Extinguish" and Google/Alphabet cashing in on control, rather than any kind of measure for protection or security. The main appeal of Android to most users was the openness, transparency, and extensibility, and with this move, all of these are being harmed. "

Anubis, change.org

"We have arrived at the point of no return surrounding our digital freedom in the face of tech's constant struggle for authoritarian control. We will simply not accept this from companies that have abused their power and control over us for decades while they claim it's to protect us, for our own good. You will NEVER regain what's been taken from you, the only option is to stop them before they succeed! "

Brandon, change.org

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

Catherine, change.org

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

Hugo, change.org

"I hæv been a lifeloŋ Android user because it offers ðe ability to customize it ænd sideload æpps on it wiþ ease, ænd I'm not lettiŋ google take ðæt right away! Down wiþ Big Broðer! Down wiþ mæss censoršip! Down wiþ age verificašon! Down wiþ mæss surveillance! Down wiþ ðis Digital ID tyrrany! "

∞ANTHONY∞, change.org

"I bought a andropd because I wanted to have a free open and custom misable experience and now Google is taking that away from us I would rather pay for an iPhone no considering the fact to Google is doing this "

Carter, change.org

"I've always chosen to use Android because I want to have control of how I use my phone. I know installing something might cause problems, but after all it's my decision and my phone too! If I wanted to be "more safe" I'd buy a phone with iOS. Let the users decide how they want to use their phones at their own risk. "

Nicky, change.org

"it's crazy that they're doing this . It was the only reason i chose "google" android in the 1st place, because of it's semi open nature "

jamie, change.org

"I use open source apps from F Droid in place of stock apps because they require less permissions, use less resources and offer better theming and customization. The whole point of Android was supposed to be that you can do whatever you want on it as apposed to iOS. Sure, not everyone installs custom or third party apps, but why take the option away from people who do? "

Cory, change.org

"Jesus christ google you want to drive away your entire customer base? You realize that the only reason we don't buy iphones is because they don't give us this freedom that Android does. I know you think no one can touch your multi billion dollar empire but know that you have that data because of us. The customers. NO ONE ASKED FOR THIS, NO ONE WANTS THIS. First you "detected root" then you "implemented safety net" then you implemented "play integrity and certification" just pushing and pushing and pushing developers to bow down to you. And now this? No. You aren't staying on top forever. Think very carefully if this is the road you want to tread because we will all leave. And it won't be just Android. Alternative search engines exist. Alternative emails exist. Alternative cloud storage exists. We don't have to bow down to Google. If you do this, it's over. "

Genalio, change.org

"You have to ask yourself. What is google's motivation and it's simple power ingredient "

D., change.org

"Please don't do this, I have always been opposed to the apple mentality, I view this as my device and have loved the openness of the android ecosystem. I used to root my phones and load my own os, replace boot animations, design my own UI. Those are my fondest memories of owning an Android phone, I no longer do those things but I still occasionally side load an app, or go to FDroid, Amazon's app store, if you revoke my ability to do these things I can no longer argue against owning an iphone, as my biggest argument now is Google's android open ecosystem versus apples closed ecosystem. Don't be Apple, be Google, be better. "

Jake, change.org

"if there is no evolution there must be revolution "

Joshua, change.org

"I really liked android phones cause of the freedom they use to have, but with this... they are the same as Apple so.... there's any reason for me to like Android anymore "

Fabián Jhovany, change.org

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

Ben, change.org

"Android's main strength and opportunity in the S. W. O. T analysis is it's openness, which no other OS comes close to. From one side of the earth to the other, android users justifiably expect this unique strength to be enhanced, not diminished. Indeed, this unique feature which has set android apart from the beginning, has also motivated many in the community to become developers. There are even developers for apps on the Apple store whose beginnings were with android. These developers benefited from the openness android provides. For example, Toni Fingerroos — Hill Climb Racing / Fingersoft (Finland), Andrei Popleteev — KeePassium (Luxembourg), and many more. "

Schwan, change.org

"The whole reason i chose android over apple so many years ago was for the freedom choice in how and what my phone does and doesnt do. Now google is attempting to take that away that freedom. Im honestly so frustrated with googles invasive practices that i've deleted all my google accounts, and moved on to better, more privacy focused alternatives. Sadly google wants to kill that off. "

cae, change.org

"We choose Android because it's open and free. "

Flora, change.org

"The ability to install APKs are a core feature in Android's open nature. It also helps developers to freely test and debug their apps. Installing APKs should be completely free and allowed. Thanks to everyone who made me see this project. Do you want me to draw this as a support material? Thanks. "

Emir, change.org

"Android without open means NOTHING "

Lang, change.org

"we need to choice. stop google "

Dhlox, change.org

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

Ryan, change.org

"As a developer, stop! This is the only reason I used Android and didn't have to jailbreak and root it. Making this change under the guise of security amounts to manipulation, lying, deceiving your customers, and taking away their rights to use their device in their way. Mark my words, rooting will become popular again and I will personally be at the forefront of actively working against you and your goals. I cannot agree with such blatant bad faith arguments and poor reasoning. You assume most people aren't developers and too stupid to see through this. You want more money by any means necessary no matter how angry people get. Android was supposed to be an open ecosystem and now you're actively anti-consumer. It's disgusting. "

CARLOS, change.org

"Anyone who wants to write an Android app should be fully allowed, and should never be forced to pay for your own program through fees. "

Keiran, change.org

"Aaaaaaaaae "

Sharon, change.org

"Google's monopolistic power over what we can and cannot download/do/say is already too strong. This cannot continue. "

Briar, change.org

"As a long-time Android user and small-scale app developer, I'm deeply concerned about the recent moves to restrict app sideloading. Choice has always been the core strength of Android—it's what set it apart as an open operating system. Forcing users to become "approved developers" just to build and install personal apps is impractical and unnecessary; I simply don't have the time or interest in jumping through those hoops. This shift feels like the start of broader censorship and monopolization, transforming Android into little more than a reskinned version of iOS. We chose Android for its freedom, not for anti-consumer restrictions that claim to "protect" us but really just limit our options. Existing tools like Knox and Play Integrity are already intrusive enough—now even downloading from trusted alternatives like F-Droid or other third-party stores might face scrutiny? This erodes the open spirit that defined Android from the beginning. Users deserve the right to create, modify, and install apps without sacrificing anonymity or control. It's our responsibility to educate ourselves on risks, not for big tech like Google (or GAFAM) to dictate terms. Android's appeal has always been its flexibility: I've sideloaded niche apps from lone developers for unique tasks, like custom music players and compass tools from F-Droid. I've even installed modded versions of stock apps, such as a camera tweak that added Google Pixel's Photosphere to my device—something impossible without sideloading. There's no need for Android to head in this restrictive direction; it risks becoming a "mock iOS," stripping away the very reasons people like me chose it. Let's restore customization, user freedom, and innovation to the heart of Android. Please, reconsider this path—it's not protection; it's control. "

Mike, change.org

"Android has always been free and I get that money and safety is a massive push at the moment especially with the UK ID laws and much more but there has to be another way and if not to scrap this entirely. Everyone knows that android is open and thats alot of the reason people stick to Android and leave Apple and IOS behind. Androids openess has been a key part to my tech Journey and even my brand. Myself and many others would lose neishe apps that make their lives and even businesses possible and effective. KEEP ANDROID FREE. "

Grayson, change.org

"I will stop using Android if that actually happens and goes through, because what's the point then? "

Cederick, change.org

"Sadly, this is yet another corporate power grab. The intentions behind this initiative don't make any sense (e.g. protecting users) unless you view it through the lens of corporate chokehold on user freedoms. I've been using android for many years because it was the only platform that allowed freedom for power users and this will change soon if the company doesn't change its posture. "

Jaime, change.org

"This does not protect anybody. All it does is restrict an OS that was supposed to be open. This was one of the main benefits of Android over iOS, and now it's being removed. This also kills the open source ecosystem, since alternative app stores cannot function if all developers are required to pay Google and pay a fee. Ordinary users are already protected from malware with Google Play Protect, and app sideloading disabled by default. This does not help anyone. Even calling it sideloading is misleading, since we own the device NOT Google. On a computer, this is called installing software. It shouldn't be different on a phone. This will also allow government censorship of apps that protect privacy. Overall a terrible idea. "

Daniel, 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

"Take that away and you've destroyed Android. Google's trustworthiness is depths of hell low, and now you want even more control. Disgusting. The last bastion for Android was it's open freedoms compared to Apple, explicitly the ability to install apps without the store without verification. Allowing me to build and install my own creations. You must envision everyone in the entire world as some consumer archetype that just has feeding tubes of corporate sludge go into the consumers digestive tract. You can't imagine anyone innovating for fun not profit, making art and exploring science without corporate approvals. Your world is disgusting and I hate it. "

Aiden, change.org

"As someone who has started making my own apps for fun, the prospect of not being able to test them on my device or share them with friends is ridiculous. If this goes through my next phone upgrade will not have anything to do with google. "

Al, change.org

"As a life long android user who is also part of open source communities, I have to speak my voice on how this goes against everything about why the people love Android. I've always shared how amazing Android is specifically being able to sideload apps outside of Google Play unlike Apple. I love being able to use my device the way I please in comparison of it being "locked down." The whole sole purpose of Android is for it to have an it open source approach for developers and consumers. I am not a developer, but as a open/close source consumer I cannot express enough how much I truly appreciate have open source applications as an option besides Google Play store. I really hope Google can find a way that we can all be one big happy family and continue what is already great. LET US KEEP OUR ANDROID FREEDOM! "

Justin, change.org

"Keep android open "

Charlotte, change.org

"Mandating government identification and a registration fee to share software is a direct violation of the open-source principles and digital privacy that defined the platform. This change creates an unnecessary financial barrier for independent developers and students, effectively stifling global innovation and the creation of niche, non-commercial tools. By positioning itself as the sole gatekeeper of all app installations, Google is stripping away user autonomy and transforming a once-free ecosystem into a restrictive "walled garden." "

Ibrahim, change.org

"If I paid for my device I should be able to do whatever I want with it, you don't own it google I do, and your taking away one of the only reasons I love and use an android. "

Dylan, change.org

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

Michael, change.org

"You are now a 0. "

İbrahim, change.org

"Big G is destroying Android and controlling the narrative. They want to determine everything you see, think, and can communicate. This is completely against the core freedoms that are constantly under attack. Keeping them from this destructive activity is the only thing that can keep millions of people - at least - alive around the world. Being able to load apps from where ever I want allows myself to even function and communicate. "

Jeremie, change.org

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

Marc, 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

"We should be allowed to do what we want with the tools that we buy. "

kevin, change.org

"Android livre já "

Alan, change.org

"I'm a developer considering deploying to Android as a platform. The option to not require Google's involvement is a highly enticing aspect, and I could see playtesting Android games by means of "hey, you're my friend, can you play this on your Android device and see if it works well?" with a signed APK becoming an absolute nightmare to deal with in the event of rapid updates caused by constant back-and-forth discussions if this goes through. Not only is this bad for the consumer on a nightmarish level, it could very well destroy the development environment of the platform, the main reason people develop for it so much more than iOS, as well. Google should be ashamed of even considering this for more than a few minutes and doing anything more than laughing the idea off the moment it was brought up, even less attempting to go through with it. I can't imagine your investors will be happy when everybody stops developing for your platform and you have far less people using it as well, either. Maybe think about the long term here. Y'know, instead of all the short term thinking kinds of mistakes that lead to things like Stadia going wrong. Don't let Android become your next Stadia, Google. Stadia failed not because of the concept, but because of tons of poorly thought out decisions that seemed good for the short-term that were horrible for any longevity, trying to focus too much on existing big heavy hitters being sold on the platform instead of trying to make a proper case for what it could uniquely bring to the table for example. It isn't out of the dang question this could make Android's upcoming versions into your next Stadia-tier failure. "

Adam, change.org

"This is not only concerning or invasive. It's unjust, deceitful and abusive. Once you break this trust, they can AND WILL control every aspect of the software chain. Not even casual users will be safe then. "

Jesse, change.org

"Google has always been the biggest hypocrite in the technology space. From stealing people's ideas to just buying them up. And ruining the experience. When I first fell in love with Android, it was because it was an open source platform that I could do as I pleased. I could extract the ROM and customize it to my liking. Now there is no semblance of customizability besides the walls of Jericho that Google has put. We must tear down these walls like the Berlin Wall and watch it burn because again Android was supposed to be for the people by the people not what iPhone or Apple is. Money hungry conglomerate corporate insatiable bastards. "

Adam, change.org

"Google has been sued up the butt for monopolizing before, and now they're trying again? And on top of these ridiculous surveillance laws all because a few parents can't watch their children, this is just a stupid decision to make. "

Kamareon, change.org

"To quote Louis Rossmann: "A phone is essentially a computer, and you should have the autonomy to install whatever programs you want in your computer." (or something like that) Still, we can't deny that this is Google being petty for a multitude of reasons *cough* YouTube ADS *cough* and hopping aboard the "hand over your [government issued ID]" train in their own way. And apparently, they're going after our hardware with this one, since they just realized they can't prevent users from fiddling with software server-side. Again, there are plenty of privacy-invading and data-harvesting apps on the Play Store itself, but the data also goes to Google, so they're buddy-buddy on that. Anyway, you probably already know the rest of the script at this point. Now, onto my personal experience, I love the fact that I can install so many quality and useful open source apps made by developers who, (I'm probably underestimating here) sometimes, made those apps out of a personal need. Third party GApps front-ends, more tools than I can count, NewPipe forks, gallery apps that won't harvest data in the background — all of those, open source, with no trackers and no free data for Google, which is another reason why they're doing this. "

some dude, change.org

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

James, change.org

"There's a reason we chose Android over iOS. If this change happens there is zero reason for me to ever purchase another android device ever again. Might as well have better device hardware at that point. "

Daniel, change.org

"we pay for these devices and maintain them. we should be able to do anything we want with them. Locking us out is just greed. Like buying a car. then having to pay ever month to use the heated seats that are already in the car. if anything, let us put a different system on the phone. "

David, change.org

"Just recently i started learning about how to install f droid to protect myself from g00gle and this is what happens?! death to big tech! "

Noor, change.org

"One of the core principals of Android has been consumer choice. Especially in the current day, it's more important than ever that the consumer can choose where to get their software from. As a developer myself, I do not want to and WILL NOT sign up for the developer verification program, as Google has no right to tell me what I can do with my device. I do not trust any company to keep me safe, and especially not when they're overreaching into the personal lives and choices of the everyday user. Even from a consumer quality of life perspective, this change is hugely detrimental. Google Play is infested with ads, bad faith apps, sponsorships, and so much more I do not want to see. Alternative storefronts give users the choice to avoid clunky, nasty pieces of software and choose what workflow is best for them. I beg, please reconsider this choice and keep consumer's rights intact. "

Alexander, change.org

"Trading freedom for security is something that should never be accepted! When someone offers you security in exchange for your freedom, what they're really saying is: "Give up your power and trust me not to destroy you." Imposed security is a leash. Freedom hurts because it leaves you exposed to chaos, but it's the pain of strength—the pain that forges sovereignty. Remember: "Those who would give up essential liberty for a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." — Benjamin Franklin "

William, change.org

"This is a step towards global disaster... Letting Google and Apple control any and all functionality you have on your handheld computer is absolutely absurd. The right android phone can be tuned to a perfect workhorse and sidekick, this new Android Developer Verification Requirement would kill any hope of having personalized and properly functional phones whilst letting Google choose exactly what Developers get to provide tools, collect your data, and offer in-app purchases. I think we all know Google has ruined almost every program on these devices already: accessing local files on the device requires that you use their "google files app" which is ridiculous and clearly them trying to take control where they shouldnt; photos is now "google photos"; wallet? google.; calendar? google; want to have a phone without some BS ai or something hard baked into it? well too bad! assistant cant be turned off; these little briefings with ads that pop up when you unlock your phone?; the adds in the weather app?; how about when you want to go to the nearest restaurant, just trust google to take you there i guess. Here's a very important part of all this: notice that Google replaces all of your PRIVATE apps! My files, which are private, are no longer private since by default the files app is a Google app now. My photos, which are private, owned by Google. My super secure offline location which holds my bank cards, very private, now online and stored somewhere by Google, the company that paid millions to cover up a data breach of 53 million users from 2015 to 2018 (if you were wondering why your info shows up on so many dark websites, thanks incognito!). Pretty much in short: Google is trying to own and control society and this pretty much is a huge leap for them to get there. Don't get me started on Apple. "

Kaden, change.org

"Freedom is fundamental. "

S, change.org

"Freedom to choose... With this new move by Google, that freedom is ripped away. Moves like this are things monopolies do, and Google has now proven it wants to be a monopoly. Android has been the staple of choice and open source since it's inception and taking that away is a slap in the face to every person who chooses to customize their phone, and create an experience unique and exclusive to them. Google, stop this foolishness by not forcing users and developers hands. They should have the freedom to choose what they want, or how they develop. "

Kevin, 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

"Your ruining the freedom who ever to download what we wanted to do and stop limiting what we like to download from other websites or anything that is legally. "

Gabriel, change.org

"I use a de-googled phone and F-Droid is my store. This will destroy F-Droid. If I pay for a device I should be able to load what every I like on that device. Google is using it's monopoly powers to force us into a box. I'm a great believer in privacy and freedom and I see it day by day gradually eroded. "

Peter, change.org

"The Only reason I have an Android cell phone is because I can install Linux to it Take away my ability to use My cell the way I want then there is no longer any reason for me to own any cell phone This type of Dictatorship and greed for money and it power needs to stop I install LineageOS to my cell to stop the constant nag from Google to push this button pop ups. And to try to curb all the spyware I use No social apps, "I hate social spyware" My cell phone is a "Phone" Google has proven to me my dislike for all things Google was correct I will be looking online for a True Open Source Hardware / Software cell phone cost last time I checked was approx $2,000.00 USD "

chris, change.org

"I use multiple open-source side loaded apps. 60% or more of my time on my phone is using these side-loaded apps. I rather get rid of google than get rid of these apps. "

Yuntin, change.org

"Stop Google "

Sa, change.org

"Google is communism, non-google app markets are liberty and freedom. Are you rooting for "One Nation Under God" or "One Store Under Google" "

Jamie, change.org

"Compared to iOS, Android always felt less restrictive and easier to work with, both as a user and developer. Now, Google would like to take that competitive niche and throw it in the dumpster. This benefits no users or developers. It is blatantly greedy, controlling, and nonsensical. It adds more red tape for developers, higher potential for censorship at the whim of Google, and it will turn Android into another iOS. Android users chose not to go with iOS when they bought their devices, for several reasons. For me personally, I liked that Android allowed certain kinds of apps that Apple did not allow on iOS. If Android didn't have that advantage, I would've picked iOS. It's a bad move for Google's business, it's a bad move for developers, and it's a bad move for consumers. Terrible idea all around. "

Bill, change.org

"If Google goes through with this, there will be no more Free and Open Source Software on Android. This move by Google has nothing to do with malware, and everything to do with oversight and control. I bought this Android device specifically because it was sold to me as an open platform. If Google goes through with this, I will be throwing this device in the garbage and sending them an invoice for $600 "

Llywel, change.org

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

Wesley, change.org

"Being able to install "unverified" apps from third party app repositories has allowed me to discover ad-free software that fits my needs perfectly that aren't available on the Google Play store. Removing support for "unverified" apps would destroy all ability for me to use the phone I purchased how I see fit. "

Nella, change.org

"What happened to not being evil? "

Scott, change.org

"I've used side loading a number of times in the past to load 3rd party developed apps. Not supporting this will make me seriously reconsider other phones and OS "

Richard, change.org

"Google’s success with Android has always been built on the foundation of an open ecosystem. I am signing this petition to urge Google to preserve the right to sideload applications and install APKs. Restricting this functionality would significantly limit user autonomy, stifle innovation from independent developers, and consolidate control in a way that goes against the spirit of the platform. Android should remain a tool that gives power to its users, not one that restricts their ability to choose where their software comes from. Please keep Android open "

Pablo, 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 actions of Google are asinine, and the fact the company is trying to do this is appalling. "

Grace, change.org

"I have been an Android evangelist since its very earliest days, driving its adoption by multiple organisations (as well as some very sceptical elderly family members). My admiration for Android has always been founded on the philosophy of open access to customise your device as you see fit. The walled Apple garden is the antithesis of this philosophy, and Google's announcement of a further step to build a similar wall around Android sickens me. Manufacturers - take heed! Google is alienating its most important customer demographic; people who believe, rather reasonably, that their phone belongs to them to do with as they wish. Consider alternatives. "

Dan, change.org

"Keep it open source! "

Brad, change.org

"Android started as the Anti-Apple and the ubiquity of manufacturers, form functions, ROMs, and open source app development has made it what it is today: the worlds most used operating system powering nearly 70% of phones and 1/3 of all devices, even surpassing Windows. App verification and sideloading through ADB only will hamper development and greater adoption moving forward. If forced into a walled garden, why not just use iOS? "

Nicholas, change.org

"I have been with Android since the Motorola Droid on Android 2.0 and been with Android all the way till now. The reason I went with Android is because of the openness and freedom I can do with my device that I bought. Throughout the years, I have installed really amazing apps outside the Play Store. I should have the ability to install any app I want and App developers should be able to create any app they want without having to give their information away. Google, please don't become like Apple and lock everything down. "

Rafael, change.org

"The idea that you don't get to decide what software runs on your computer is so toxic and terrible. I don't want google to have the ability to limit what I can do with my devices, nor do I want them to censor developers that don't meet their requirements. It's my device, I want to decide who I trust to write my software. "

Bruce, 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

"We shouldn't have the decision to sideload apps stripped from us so more of our data can be stolen from under our noses. The majority of the apps I use are from small devs. Devs who likely wouldn't have the time to jump through Google's arbitrary hoops, or wouldn't want to the security risks that comes with that compliance. "

Rebecca, change.org

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