Keep Android Open
A warning about Google's planned Android lockdown and why keeping Android open matters.
The core warning
Your phone is about to stop being yours.
Starting September 2026, a silent update, nonconsensually pushed by Google, will block every Android app whose developer hasn't registered with Google, signed their contract, paid up, and handed over government ID.
Every app and every device, worldwide, with no opt-out.
What Google is doing
In August 2025, Google announced a new requirement: starting September 2026, every Android app developer must register centrally with Google before their software can be installed on any device. Not just Play Store apps: all apps. This includes apps shared between friends, distributed through F-Droid, or built by hobbyists for personal use. Independent developers, church and community groups, and hobbyists alike will all be frozen out of being able to develop and distribute their software.
Registration requires:
- Paying a fee to Google
- Agreeing to Google's Terms and Conditions
- Surrendering your government-issued identification
- Providing evidence of your private signing key
- Listing all current and all future application identifiers
If a developer does not comply, their apps get silently blocked on every Android device worldwide.
Who this hurts
You
You bought an Android phone because Google told you it was open. You could install what you wanted, and that was the deal.
Google is now rewriting that deal, retroactively, on hardware you already own. After the update lands, you can only run software that Google has pre-approved. On your phone: your property, that you paid for.
Independent developers
A teenager's first app, a volunteer's privacy tool, or a company's confidential internal beta. It doesn't matter. After September 2026, none of these can be installed without Google's blessing.
F-Droid, home to thousands of free and open-source Android apps, has called this an 'existential' threat. Cory Doctorow calls it 'Darth Android'.
Governments & civil society
Google has a documented track record of complying when authoritarian regimes demand app removals. With this program, the software that runs your country's institutions will exist at the pleasure of a single unaccountable foreign corporation.
The EFF calls app gatekeeping 'an ever-expanding pathway to internet censorship.'
Google's 'escape hatch' is a trap door
Google says 'power users' can still install unverified apps. Here is what that actually looks like:
- Delve into System Settings, find Developer Options
- Tap the build number seven times to enable Developer Mode
- Dismiss scare screens about coercion
- Enter your PIN
- Restart the device
- Wait 24 hours
- Come back, dismiss more scare screens
- Pick 'allow temporarily' (7 days) or 'allow indefinitely'
- Confirm, again, that you understand 'the risks'
Nine steps. A mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period. For installing software on a device you own.
Worse: this flow runs entirely through Google Play Services, not the Android OS. Google can change it, tighten it, or kill it at any time, with no OS update required and no consent needed. And as of today, it hasn't shipped in any beta, preview, or canary build. It exists only as a blog post and some mockups.
This is bigger than Android
If Google can retroactively lock down billions of devices that were sold as open platforms, every hardware manufacturer on the planet is watching.
The principle being established: the company that made your device gets to decide, after you've bought it, what software you're allowed to run. In software, this is called a 'rug pull'; but at least you could always install competing software. In hardware, it is a fait accompli that strips you of your agency and renders you powerless to the whims of a single unaccountable gatekeeper and convicted monopolist.
Android's openness was never just a feature. It was the promise that distinguished it from iPhone. Millions chose Android for exactly that reason. Google is now revoking that promise unilaterally, on devices already in people's pockets, because they've decided they have enough market dominance and regulatory capture to get away with it.
Ars Technica: 'Google's Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android's open legacy.'
But wait, isn't this...
...just about security?
The security rationale is a smokescreen. Google Play Protect already scans for malware independent of developer identity. Requiring a government ID doesn't make code safer. It makes developers identifiable and controllable. Malware authors can register. Indie developers and dissidents often can't. The EFF is blunt: identity-based gatekeeping is a censorship tool, not a security one.
...still sideloading if you use the advanced flow?
Nine steps, 24-hour wait, buried in Developer Options, delivered through a proprietary service that Google can revoke whenever they want. That's not sideloading. That's a deterrence mechanism built to ensure almost nobody completes it. And since it runs through Play Services rather than the OS, Google can tighten or kill it silently.
...only a problem if you have something to hide?
Whistleblowers, journalists, and activists under authoritarian governments will be the first victims. People in domestic abuse situations are next. All these groups have legitimate reasons to distribute or use software without putting their legal identity in a Google database. Anonymous open-source contribution is a tradition older than Google itself. This policy ends it on Android.
...the same thing Apple does?
Apple has been a walled garden from day one. People chose Android because it was different. 'Apple does it too' is a race to the bottom and a weak tu quoque argument. And under regulatory pressure, even Apple is being forced to open up. Google is moving in the opposite direction: attempting to further entrench its gatekeeping status.
...just $25 and some paperwork?
Maybe, if you're a developer in the US with a credit card and a driver's license. Try being a student in sub-Saharan Africa, or a dissident in Myanmar, or a volunteer maintaining a community health app. The cost isn't only financial: you're surrendering government ID and evidence of your signing keys to a company that routinely complies with government demands to remove apps and expose developers.
Fight back
Everyone
- Install F-Droid on every Android device you own. Alternative stores only survive if people actually use them.
- Contact your regulators. Regulators worldwide are genuinely concerned about monopolies and the centralization of power in the tech sector, and want to hear directly from individuals who are affected and concerned.
- Share this page. Link to keepandroidopen.org everywhere.
- Push back on astroturfers. Don't let them set the narrative.
- Sign the petition and read and share the open letter.
- Tell Google what you think through its own developer verification survey.
Developers
Do not sign up. Don't join the program by signing up for the Android Developer Console and agreeing to its irrevocable terms and conditions. Don't verify your identity. Don't play ball.
Google's plan only works if developers comply. Don't.
- Talk other developers and organizations out of signing up.
- Add the FreeDroidWarn library to your apps to warn users.
- Run a website? Add the countdown banner.
Google employees
If you know something about the program's technical implementation or internal rationale, contact tips@keepandroidopen.org from a non-work machine and a non-Gmail account. Strict confidence guaranteed.
Signatories, references, and voices
66 organizations from 21 countries have signed the open letter.
Read the full open letter and thank the signatories, and review the press coverage, editorials, videos, and community responses collected by the source page.
Tech press
'Sideloading is dead for all intents and purposes. The Android you know and love is slowly disappearing.'
'Google's New Developer Rules Threaten to End the F-Droid Open-Source App Store.'
Editorials & analysis
'This is not about protecting users. This is about control.'
'The proposed Android Developer Verification program isn't a security update; it's a kill switch for the open ecosystem.'
Organizations & community
'An existential threat to alternative app stores.'
'Open letter warns mandatory registration threatens innovation, competition, privacy and user freedom.'
Get involved
Extended source text
Below are the longer text lists extracted from the source page: the signatories and the quote collections.
Full signatory list
- Vivaldi Technologies AS — vivaldi.com
- /e/ Foundation — e.foundation
- The Guardian Project — guardianproject.info
- Privacy Guides — privacyguides.org
- Digital Rights Watch — digitalrightswatch.org.au
- Open Web Advocacy — open-web-advocacy.org
- CryptPad — cryptpad.org
- Software Freedom Conservancy — sfconservancy.org
- The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) — eff.org
- Molly — molly.im
- FUTO — futo.org
- Associação Nacional para o Software Livre (ANSOL) — ansol.org
- Nextcloud — nextcloud.com
- KDE e.V. — kde.org
- The OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF) — osmfoundation.org
- Tuta Mail — tuta.com
- Brave — brave.com
- Cryptee — crypt.ee
- The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) — beuc.eu
- Italian Linux Society — ils.org
- Fastmail — fastmail.com
- OpenMedia — openmedia.org
- The Tor Project — torproject.org
- OW2 — ow2.org
- epicenter.works – for digital rights — epicenter.works
- GrapheneOS Foundation — grapheneos.org
- Open Rights Group (ORG) — openrightsgroup.org
- Data Rights — datarights.ngo
- Techlore — techlore.tech
- Obtainium — obtainium.imranr.dev
- Rossmann Group — rossmanngroup.com
- Fedimedia — fedimedia.it
- AdGuard — adguard.com
- GNOME Foundation — gnome.org
- Aurora Store — auroraoss.com
- The Calyx Institute — calyx.org
- The Digital Rights Foundation — digitalrightsfoundation.pk
- FOSDEM — fosdem.org
- LineageOS — lineageos.org
- Osservatorio Nessuno OdV — osservatorionessuno.org
- Forbrukerrådet — forbrukerradet.no
- Digitale Gesellschaft — digitale-gesellschaft.ch
- Rocky Linux — rockylinux.org
- Fundación Karisma — karisma.org.co
- Codeberg e.V. — codeberg.org
- The Center for Digital Progress (D64) — d-64.org
- IzzyOnDroid — izzyondroid.org
- Proton AG — proton.me
- April — april.org
- The Chaos Computer Club (CCC) — ccc.de
- Technopolice Bruxelles — technopolice.be
- Ghostery — ghostery.com
- European Digital Rights (EDRi) — edri.org
- FULU Foundation — fulu.org
- F-Droid — f-droid.org
- VideoLAN — videolan.org
- La Quadrature du Net — laquadrature.net
- MetaBrainz Foundation — metabrainz.org
- The App Fair Project — appfair.org
- JMP.chat — jmp.chat
- ARTICLE 19 — article19.org
- The Free Software Foundation (FSF) — fsf.org
- Unified Push — unifiedpush.org
- Software Liberty Association of Taiwan — slat.org.tw
- microG — microg.org
- The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) — fsfe.org
Tech press
"Sideloading is dead for all intents and purposes. The Android you know and love is slowly disappearing."
"Google plans to block side-loading like Apple, declaring war on Android freedom"
"Google's New Developer Rules Threaten to End the F-Droid Open-Source App Store"
"Google's Requirement For All Android Developers To Register And Be Verified Threatens To Close Down Open Source App Store F-Droid"
"Google's new developer rules could threaten sideloading and F-Droid's future"
"Resistance to Google's Android verification grows among developers"
"Google will make you wait 24 hours to sideload Android apps"
"Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy"
"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"
"F-Droid says Google's new sideloading restrictions will kill the project"
"Open letter warns mandatory registration 'threatens innovation, competition, privacy and user freedom'"
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
"Android's sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet"
"Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store"
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
"Google says it's making Android sideloading 'high-friction' to better warn users about potential risks"
"This will wipe out Android as an actual alternative to Apple's mobile OS offerings."
"F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules"
"Open-Source Android Apps Threatened by Google's New Policy"
"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"
"Android, Epic, and What's Really Behind Google's 'Existential' Threat to F-Droid"
"We all know that's a load of bullshit. Adding a goddamn 24-hour waiting period is batshit insanity."
"Google's new ID requirements could destroy independent app stores"
"Google will require developer verification to install Android apps, including sideloading"
"Keep Android Open – Abwehr gegen Verbot anonymer Apps von Google"
"Google's New Developer ID Rule Could Harm F-Droid"
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
"Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register"
"Google's Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android's open legacy"
"Google's developer registration 'decree' means the end for alternative app stores"
"'Keep Android Open' Movement Challenges Google's Developer Verification Rule"
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
"It effectively makes the Play Store a monopoly without actually mandating that it is a monopoly."
"Keep Android Open"
"Over 67 groups urge the company to drop ID checks for apps distributed outside Play"
"Open-Source Android Apps at Risk Under Google's New Decree"
"Android app store provider Aptoide hits Google with fresh lawsuit alleging monopoly and anticompetitive chokehold"
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"
"F-Droid Slams Google for Misleading Users About Android's App Verification"
"Google's dev registration plan 'will end the F-Droid project'"
"Google is restricting one of Android's most important features, and users are outraged"
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
"Google will verify Android developers distributing apps outside the Play store"
"Sideloading is dead for all intents and purposes. The Android you know and love is slowly disappearing."
"Google plans to block side-loading like Apple, declaring war on Android freedom"
"Google's New Developer Rules Threaten to End the F-Droid Open-Source App Store"
"Google's Requirement For All Android Developers To Register And Be Verified Threatens To Close Down Open Source App Store F-Droid"
"Google's new developer rules could threaten sideloading and F-Droid's future"
"Resistance to Google's Android verification grows among developers"
"Google will make you wait 24 hours to sideload Android apps"
"Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy"
"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"
"F-Droid says Google's new sideloading restrictions will kill the project"
"Open letter warns mandatory registration 'threatens innovation, competition, privacy and user freedom'"
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
"Android's sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet"
"Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store"
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
"Google says it's making Android sideloading 'high-friction' to better warn users about potential risks"
"This will wipe out Android as an actual alternative to Apple's mobile OS offerings."
"F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules"
"Open-Source Android Apps Threatened by Google's New Policy"
"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"
"Android, Epic, and What's Really Behind Google's 'Existential' Threat to F-Droid"
"We all know that's a load of bullshit. Adding a goddamn 24-hour waiting period is batshit insanity."
"Google's new ID requirements could destroy independent app stores"
"Google will require developer verification to install Android apps, including sideloading"
"Keep Android Open – Abwehr gegen Verbot anonymer Apps von Google"
"Google's New Developer ID Rule Could Harm F-Droid"
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
"Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register"
"Google's Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android's open legacy"
"Google's developer registration 'decree' means the end for alternative app stores"
"'Keep Android Open' Movement Challenges Google's Developer Verification Rule"
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
"It effectively makes the Play Store a monopoly without actually mandating that it is a monopoly."
"Keep Android Open"
"Over 67 groups urge the company to drop ID checks for apps distributed outside Play"
"Open-Source Android Apps at Risk Under Google's New Decree"
"Android app store provider Aptoide hits Google with fresh lawsuit alleging monopoly and anticompetitive chokehold"
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"
"F-Droid Slams Google for Misleading Users About Android's App Verification"
"Google's dev registration plan 'will end the F-Droid project'"
"Google is restricting one of Android's most important features, and users are outraged"
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
"Google will verify Android developers distributing apps outside the Play store"
Editorials & analysis
"This is not about protecting users. This is about control. This is about Google cutting out the last remaining artery of independence in Android."
"The proposed Android Developer Verification program isn't a security update; it's a kill switch for the open ecosystem."
"Although Google's claim is that this is for 'security', it does not prevent the regular practice of scammers buying up existing verified developer accounts."
"Destroying F-Droid isn't some 'oops.' It's the mission. It's Google finally cutting the last remaining escape route and locking every single user inside their store."
"Google's move is not credibly about 'security,' but actually about consolidating power and tightening control over a formerly open ecosystem."
"Every additional bureaucratic hurdle reduces diversity in the software ecosystem and concentrates power in large established players."
"This could turn Google into the effective gatekeeper for all apps on certified Android devices."
"Google is turning sideloading from a right into a permission slip, and the open-source community has until September to convince it otherwise."
"The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours. Google decides which apps are allowed to be loaded on Android and which are not."
"Once there is no such thing as 'sideloading', there's virtually no difference between iOS and Android. I see no reason to buy Android over iOS at this point."
"Freedom of choice is being reframed as a 'security risk.'"
"Google has announced what can only be described as a death blow to the open ecosystem that made Android. Under the guise of 'security,' Google is implementing draconian developer verification requirements."
"Sideloading, a longstanding pillar of Android's openness, is now being marginalized, placing the Android platform closer to the walled-garden approach of Apple's iOS."
"This policy represents a dramatic departure from Android's decades-old tradition of openness, in which developers could build and share apps freely without first submitting to a centralized authority."
"Android wasn't supposed to be 'safe.' It was supposed to be free."
"Android does not just warn anymore. It enforces."
"Android is not open anymore. It's not an alternative. It's not even trying. It's iOS with ads and spyware bolted on."
"Google has announced that they are altering the deal. And telling us that we should pray that they don't alter it further. Block this policy change now before they wrap their cold metal hands around our necks."
"The requirement extends Google's gatekeeping authority from its own Play Store to every alternative distribution channel on Android."
"Developers from sanctioned countries or those without Google Play access cannot verify themselves. This creates systemic discrimination against developers based on birthplace rather than conduct."
"This is a form of malicious compliance with the court orders stemming from its losses to Epic Games."
"One US corporation is placing itself between every Android developer and every Android user on earth."
"Google's attempts to make Android 'more secure' are, in fact, increasing the risk for Android users. The more friction you introduce in the name of security, the more likely users will attempt to bypass security completely."
"Google isn't certifying apps, they're certifying developers. This implies that the company can somehow predict whether a developer will do something malicious in the future."
"Google's story that this move is motivated by security is obviously bullshit. The idea that Google can improve Android's safety by certifying developers, rather than code, is obvious bullshit."
"Google has not removed Android's openness, but it is turning openness from a default right into a conditional, attributable, and tiered capability."
"Innovation may be the biggest casualty in all of this. This new rule erodes your right to make informed decisions about your own devices."
"This is not a developer account sign-up. This is comprehensive surveillance of the software development ecosystem."
"What student is going to upload their passport to a trillion-dollar surveillance corporation just to share their weekend project?"
"There is also the very real possibility that Google will leak your identity with the result that any apps with political implications could result in persecution and worse."
"The $25 isn't the real cost. The chilling effect is. Submitting government ID to Google is a non-starter for pseudonymous contributors and privacy researchers."
"Android is no longer the scrappy rebel. It's just another empire tightening the drawbridge."
"Centralizing the registration of all applications worldwide gives Google newfound powers to completely disable any app it wants."
"This is not about protecting users. This is about control. This is about Google cutting out the last remaining artery of independence in Android."
"The proposed Android Developer Verification program isn't a security update; it's a kill switch for the open ecosystem."
"Although Google's claim is that this is for 'security', it does not prevent the regular practice of scammers buying up existing verified developer accounts."
"Destroying F-Droid isn't some 'oops.' It's the mission. It's Google finally cutting the last remaining escape route and locking every single user inside their store."
"Google's move is not credibly about 'security,' but actually about consolidating power and tightening control over a formerly open ecosystem."
"Every additional bureaucratic hurdle reduces diversity in the software ecosystem and concentrates power in large established players."
"This could turn Google into the effective gatekeeper for all apps on certified Android devices."
"Google is turning sideloading from a right into a permission slip, and the open-source community has until September to convince it otherwise."
"The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours. Google decides which apps are allowed to be loaded on Android and which are not."
"Once there is no such thing as 'sideloading', there's virtually no difference between iOS and Android. I see no reason to buy Android over iOS at this point."
"Freedom of choice is being reframed as a 'security risk.'"
"Google has announced what can only be described as a death blow to the open ecosystem that made Android. Under the guise of 'security,' Google is implementing draconian developer verification requirements."
"Sideloading, a longstanding pillar of Android's openness, is now being marginalized, placing the Android platform closer to the walled-garden approach of Apple's iOS."
"This policy represents a dramatic departure from Android's decades-old tradition of openness, in which developers could build and share apps freely without first submitting to a centralized authority."
"Android wasn't supposed to be 'safe.' It was supposed to be free."
"Android does not just warn anymore. It enforces."
"Android is not open anymore. It's not an alternative. It's not even trying. It's iOS with ads and spyware bolted on."
"Google has announced that they are altering the deal. And telling us that we should pray that they don't alter it further. Block this policy change now before they wrap their cold metal hands around our necks."
"The requirement extends Google's gatekeeping authority from its own Play Store to every alternative distribution channel on Android."
"Developers from sanctioned countries or those without Google Play access cannot verify themselves. This creates systemic discrimination against developers based on birthplace rather than conduct."
"This is a form of malicious compliance with the court orders stemming from its losses to Epic Games."
"One US corporation is placing itself between every Android developer and every Android user on earth."
"Google's attempts to make Android 'more secure' are, in fact, increasing the risk for Android users. The more friction you introduce in the name of security, the more likely users will attempt to bypass security completely."
"Google isn't certifying apps, they're certifying developers. This implies that the company can somehow predict whether a developer will do something malicious in the future."
"Google's story that this move is motivated by security is obviously bullshit. The idea that Google can improve Android's safety by certifying developers, rather than code, is obvious bullshit."
"Google has not removed Android's openness, but it is turning openness from a default right into a conditional, attributable, and tiered capability."
"Innovation may be the biggest casualty in all of this. This new rule erodes your right to make informed decisions about your own devices."
"This is not a developer account sign-up. This is comprehensive surveillance of the software development ecosystem."
"What student is going to upload their passport to a trillion-dollar surveillance corporation just to share their weekend project?"
"There is also the very real possibility that Google will leak your identity with the result that any apps with political implications could result in persecution and worse."
"The $25 isn't the real cost. The chilling effect is. Submitting government ID to Google is a non-starter for pseudonymous contributors and privacy researchers."
"Android is no longer the scrappy rebel. It's just another empire tightening the drawbridge."
"Centralizing the registration of all applications worldwide gives Google newfound powers to completely disable any app it wants."
Organizations & open letters
"The European Pirate Party called for proportionate and transparent measures that ensure security without restricting innovation, limiting anonymity, or distorting competition."
"MEP Christel Schaldemose formally questioned whether Google's mandatory central registration is compatible with the Digital Markets Act."
"This invasion of privacy of developers is not just an overreach of Google's authority over Android, but also jeopardizes developer safety."
"Nearly 50 organizations published an open letter opposing what they characterize as a 'kill switch for the open ecosystem.'"
"We are running out of time until Google becomes the gate-keeper of all users devices."
"Forcing software creators into a centralized registration scheme is as egregious as forcing writers and artists to register with a central authority."
"Google Play itself has repeatedly hosted malware, proving that corporate gatekeeping doesn't guarantee user protection."
"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."
"Remember: It's your phone, your data, your freedom. Don't let Google take it away."
"Centralised, intransparent security architectures certainly help secure monetization and the market by locking out competitors."
"Developers who choose not to use Google's services should not be forced to register with, and submit to the judgement of, Google."
"This extends Google's gatekeeping authority beyond its own marketplace into distribution channels where it has no legitimate operational role."
"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."
"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."
"Your Smartphone, Their Rules: How App Stores Enable Corporate-Government Censorship."
"Unilaterally consolidating power to approve software into the hands of a single unaccountable corporation is a threat to digital sovereignty everywhere."
"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."
"Independent software distribution on Android will now require Google's explicit permission."
"Ultimately, Google's plan will stop you from owning your Android phone."
"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."
"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."
"Google is turning Android into a walled garden monopoly. We must prevent it."
"While Android used to be praised for its freedom and independence, it will become a closed shop just like Apple."
"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."
"Android's biggest strength has always been its openness. That's what attracted developers and users in the first place."
"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."
"Verification just confirms who's behind the app, it doesn't guarantee clean code or rule out malicious behavior."
"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."
"We unequivocally advise against signing up for this program, now or ever."
"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."
"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."
"A centralized global registration system for Android will inevitably chill this work. Those communities are likely to drop out of developing for Android altogether."
"The European Pirate Party called for proportionate and transparent measures that ensure security without restricting innovation, limiting anonymity, or distorting competition."
"MEP Christel Schaldemose formally questioned whether Google's mandatory central registration is compatible with the Digital Markets Act."
"This invasion of privacy of developers is not just an overreach of Google's authority over Android, but also jeopardizes developer safety."
"Nearly 50 organizations published an open letter opposing what they characterize as a 'kill switch for the open ecosystem.'"
"We are running out of time until Google becomes the gate-keeper of all users devices."
"Forcing software creators into a centralized registration scheme is as egregious as forcing writers and artists to register with a central authority."
"Google Play itself has repeatedly hosted malware, proving that corporate gatekeeping doesn't guarantee user protection."
"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."
"Remember: It's your phone, your data, your freedom. Don't let Google take it away."
"Centralised, intransparent security architectures certainly help secure monetization and the market by locking out competitors."
"Developers who choose not to use Google's services should not be forced to register with, and submit to the judgement of, Google."
"This extends Google's gatekeeping authority beyond its own marketplace into distribution channels where it has no legitimate operational role."
"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."
"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."
"Your Smartphone, Their Rules: How App Stores Enable Corporate-Government Censorship."
"Unilaterally consolidating power to approve software into the hands of a single unaccountable corporation is a threat to digital sovereignty everywhere."
"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."
"Independent software distribution on Android will now require Google's explicit permission."
"Ultimately, Google's plan will stop you from owning your Android phone."
"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."
"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."
"Google is turning Android into a walled garden monopoly. We must prevent it."
"While Android used to be praised for its freedom and independence, it will become a closed shop just like Apple."
"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."
"Android's biggest strength has always been its openness. That's what attracted developers and users in the first place."
"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."
"Verification just confirms who's behind the app, it doesn't guarantee clean code or rule out malicious behavior."
"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."
"We unequivocally advise against signing up for this program, now or ever."
"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."
"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."
"A centralized global registration system for Android will inevitably chill this work. Those communities are likely to drop out of developing for Android altogether."
YouTubers & creators
"Google has been carefully watching from the sidelines to see what exactly it is that Apple can get away with."
"F-Droid is basically saying that the new Google developer registration process will likely kill the open-source app store entirely."
"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."
"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."
"If I'm going to be trapped in a walled garden anyway, I'll take the one that's built properly."
"That's not openness. That is control."
"Your device, their rules. The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours."
"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."
"Google decides what's safe for you, and you don't get a say."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Android has become what they set out to destroy."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Developers of privacy-focused tools and emulators will have to dox themselves, making them vulnerable to government agencies or legal action."
"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."
"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."
"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?"
"When you download applications, you've simply installed an application. I don't want to use words like 'sideload.'"
"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?'"
"Google is removing the one key advantage Android has over iOS."
"Google has been carefully watching from the sidelines to see what exactly it is that Apple can get away with."
"F-Droid is basically saying that the new Google developer registration process will likely kill the open-source app store entirely."
"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."
"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."
"If I'm going to be trapped in a walled garden anyway, I'll take the one that's built properly."
"That's not openness. That is control."
"Your device, their rules. The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours."
"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."
"Google decides what's safe for you, and you don't get a say."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Android has become what they set out to destroy."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Developers of privacy-focused tools and emulators will have to dox themselves, making them vulnerable to government agencies or legal action."
"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."
"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."
"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?"
"When you download applications, you've simply installed an application. I don't want to use words like 'sideload.'"
"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?'"
"Google is removing the one key advantage Android has over iOS."
Developers & community
"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."
"All the banking and payment apps in India refuse to open if you have developer mode on."
"Some time in the future, we will look back to this era and ask ourselves what went wrong."
"You are essentially a child to them. The difference is society has decided not to step in to protect you from your abusive parents."
"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."
"They have stolen a free product and are now actively locking out the people who built it."
"There's an entire genre of scamming where the scammers spend months building rapport with their victims before cashing out. One day is nothing."
free_bip (on the 24-hour wait defeating scammers), Hacker News
"Google 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."
"It took them 17 years to finally pull the cage all the way shut."
"Modern life practically forces you to put all your eggs into a phone controlled by one of two profit-seeking companies."
"They're boiling the frog -- slowly removing features until all choice is gone."
"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."
"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."
"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."
"Once deployed, there's a near 100% chance of such a mechanism being used for evil."
"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."
"Google's plan to require developer verification would give Google and governments the ability to ban any app."
"It's not cyclic. It's a ratchet and it gets tighter and tighter."
"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."
"After 15 years of professional development on Android I too am now thinking about switching my focus to something different. And it sucks."
"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."
"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
"You have no right telling me what I can and cannot run on my own devices."
"Google seems to actively hate people who develop for their platforms."
"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."
"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."
"We are talking about something categorically worse than vendor lock-in: Collective vendor lock-in."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"The open Android I knew and loved is long gone."
"'Sideload' is like 'jaywalking'; seeks to stigmatize humans being human."
"For 'security' -- always security with these assholes. They're just building the walls of the walled garden higher."
"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."
"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."
"Antitrust action is badly needed. It is ridiculous that I need permission from my device manufacturer to install software on hardware I own."
"Android was never actually open and now they are abandoning even the thin pretense."
"Signal, VPNs -- they'll have a list of everyone opting out of government-mandated backdoors."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Android is for everyone, provided they submit to Google exclusively."
"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."
"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!"
"Play store is full of scam apps, F-Droid isn't, but Play Store is considered secure. It's all theatre."
"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."
"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."
"The war on General Purpose Computing is the death of innovation and a direct attack on digital freedom."
"The phrase 'sideload' is psychological propaganda we are all best off rejecting."
"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."
"Brazil government app refuses to operate with developer mode on."
"Social engineering is destroyed with education, not with restriction and control. Trading freedom for safety eliminates both."
"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."
"Google now has a flag on my phone they can control remotely to keep me from accessing the apps I want."
"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."
"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."
"Google wants the authority of a gatekeeper without the overhead of human accountability."
"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."
"All the banking and payment apps in India refuse to open if you have developer mode on."
"Some time in the future, we will look back to this era and ask ourselves what went wrong."
"You are essentially a child to them. The difference is society has decided not to step in to protect you from your abusive parents."
"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."
"They have stolen a free product and are now actively locking out the people who built it."
"There's an entire genre of scamming where the scammers spend months building rapport with their victims before cashing out. One day is nothing."
free_bip (on the 24-hour wait defeating scammers), Hacker News
"Google 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."
"It took them 17 years to finally pull the cage all the way shut."
"Modern life practically forces you to put all your eggs into a phone controlled by one of two profit-seeking companies."
"They're boiling the frog -- slowly removing features until all choice is gone."
"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."
"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."
"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."
"Once deployed, there's a near 100% chance of such a mechanism being used for evil."
"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."
"Google's plan to require developer verification would give Google and governments the ability to ban any app."
"It's not cyclic. It's a ratchet and it gets tighter and tighter."
"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."
"After 15 years of professional development on Android I too am now thinking about switching my focus to something different. And it sucks."
"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."
"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
"You have no right telling me what I can and cannot run on my own devices."
"Google seems to actively hate people who develop for their platforms."
"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."
"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."
"We are talking about something categorically worse than vendor lock-in: Collective vendor lock-in."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"The open Android I knew and loved is long gone."
"'Sideload' is like 'jaywalking'; seeks to stigmatize humans being human."
"For 'security' -- always security with these assholes. They're just building the walls of the walled garden higher."
"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."
"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."
"Antitrust action is badly needed. It is ridiculous that I need permission from my device manufacturer to install software on hardware I own."
"Android was never actually open and now they are abandoning even the thin pretense."
"Signal, VPNs -- they'll have a list of everyone opting out of government-mandated backdoors."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Android is for everyone, provided they submit to Google exclusively."
"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."
"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!"
"Play store is full of scam apps, F-Droid isn't, but Play Store is considered secure. It's all theatre."
"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."
"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."
"The war on General Purpose Computing is the death of innovation and a direct attack on digital freedom."
"The phrase 'sideload' is psychological propaganda we are all best off rejecting."
"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."
"Brazil government app refuses to operate with developer mode on."
"Social engineering is destroyed with education, not with restriction and control. Trading freedom for safety eliminates both."
"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."
"Google now has a flag on my phone they can control remotely to keep me from accessing the apps I want."
"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."
"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."
"Google wants the authority of a gatekeeper without the overhead of human accountability."
Voices from the petition
"The openness of the Android is its unique selling point. Keep Android open to keep Android Android. "
"The openness of the platform is one of the determining factors when choosing in favor of Android. "
"hell yea stop google "
"We need to continue to have options on the android platform. Once censorship begins where does it end. Developers need to have freedom and not be oppressed by greed. Side-loading is what makes ANDROID if that is taken, what makes Android unique it’s just like IOS a walled garden. "
"I'm old enough to remember when Google's company montto was "Don't be evil". "
"Creators of all kinds of developers, whether good or bad put so much of their free time into making something that users on an "Open" device that you decide enough is enough just cause of a few bad eggs. By doing this, you are not only combating them but all the developers who are of innocence and crush their dreams just so you can lose to Apple. "
"I use android since I was aware of what is tech, nearly since android started as an OS, customizing every aspect of my phone I was capable to, breaking things, some of the things that make android being the sweet spot between being in complete freedom (what can be dangerous) and a kindergarten for cellphone users. In later years still using some good indie apps that the developers can't afford to put on google play, going back in app versions through public apk repos like apkmirror when something went wrong with the current version of an app, and more recently being a software developer. Today this is nothing but one more barrier to do native mobile apps (adding to resource intensive development tools, excessive boilerplate, steep learning curve, hardware and OS fragmentation, play store current policies, and many more) turning testing and feedback into a headache. I as a developer see a potential loss of talent that could enrich the ecosystem, a place where only startups and companies will survive (driven by capitalism) except for a minority of truly dedicated developers. I'm not a native English speaker however today I wanted my voice to be heard, doing it so in their language despite the misspelling I could make. I have hope for open source (especially indie); we mustn't forget that many of today's software foundations, including Android, originate from it. I hope they allow, and above all, facilitate the preservation of open source through the small innovations of more casual developers who improve the ecosystem day by day. "
"Google is communism, non-google app markets are liberty and freedom. Are you rooting for "One Nation Under God" or "One Store Under Google" "
"I wanted android mainly for its ability to download things in third party app stores, unlike Apple, now that Google is going to be doing this, it makes Google look no better than Apple, Android, infamous for its open sourcability now getting locked down just like iOS. I really hope that this is refuted instead of pushed to Android. "
"I should be allowed to download whatever I want onto the phone I paid for "
"Android was meant to be competion for apple an OPEN SOURCE it's what made android better and not a closed system like the competitor. Read the room Google! "
"We already can't chose our OS and can't choosing the app is discussing. "
"The main reason I always chose to buy Android devices for myself (and my wife and son as well) instead of iOS devices was that Android wasn't a "walled garden." Now that Google is making Android the same as iOS, I'll be looking for alternatives... "
"If google does go through with this I will do everything in my power to convince anyone with an android or google service to stop using it. "
"The idea that any owner of an android device would need permission from Google, or really any other third party, to install an application on his own device is ridiculous. This trend of companies reaching into people's lives, locking up their personal property and appointing themselves as a the nanny with the key that gets to dictate how that property is to be used is a violation of the most basic right to own property. It will not be tolerated and any company embracing this paradigm will find itself increasingly blacklisted. "
"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. "
"I am sad to see this is the way the world is going. We are slowly giving away our rights and freedom and nearly no one is noticing. Liberty dies when no one is looking "
"Android should be free; it was supposed to be the hero of free or open-source applications. "
"I have been an Android user since smartphones became mainstream, and the primary reason I chose Android was the freedom it offers. Unlike other platforms, Android allows users to install applications from outside official stores, enabling innovation, experimentation, and personal control over our own devices. Over the years, I have used open-source applications from platforms like GitHub and F-Droid, many created by independent developers who may not have the resources—or the desire—to publish through centralized stores. In some cases, I have even modified open-source code to suit my personal needs and compiled my own versions of apps. This is not just a niche use case—it represents the very spirit of open computing. Requiring developers to submit personal identification and restricting distribution channels will disproportionately impact: Independent and open-source developers Users in region-restricted environments Applications that are no longer available on official stores This change does not just improve security—it introduces control over who is allowed to distribute software, fundamentally shifting Android away from being an open platform. If users are no longer free to install applications of their choice, Android devices risk becoming restricted ecosystems similar to closed platforms—where functionality is determined not by the user, but by a central authority. The ability to sideload apps is not a loophole—it is a defining feature of Android. Removing or weakening it undermines user autonomy, developer freedom, and the very reason many of us chose this platform in the first place. "
"If the current plan moves forward, the few advantages of freedom on Android will be lost, because inhibiting the use of APKs reduces the user's freedom more than its risks, especially because the lack of security on Android is not limited to using APKs from external sources, but using websites or any file from malicious sources, which are not necessarily an APK. If you really want security, should you also disable Android's access to the internet to avoid downloading malicious files, or are you only interested in APKs? Finally, Google Play is not necessarily better than an external store, because it does not expose the source code of Apps to be investigated and verified, unlike F-Droid, for example, which has numerous criteria for uploading apps and prioritizes verifiable FOSS apps. In my opinion, this change is not aimed at the user... "
"The people will ask if they feel they need to be represented. "
"Google is Google's own worst enemy. If this goes through, I will never use any of their services ever again. GOOGLE IS A BAD ACTOR AND A BAD COMPANY! WHAT HAPPENED TO "DON'T BE EVIL"?!?! "
"Nós vencemos Google idiota 😆😆😆😆😆 "
"We've all feared a day like this might come but it was always on the back burner if you will. My how times have changed. I am even more than just concerned ,so much so that I'm giving 30 a month to GNU. I am a limited income individual but I enjoy the advancement de-googling my life very much. F-droid is where I got my feet wet and I am eternally grateful. I told everyone about FOSS ..... Spread the word spread the word spread the word. L.....!!! It is not something you can consider doing any longer. You should already be doing it... Civil war isn't going to be between the rich and the poor, it will be the tech and the non-tech. Film at 11:00.... It sounds to me like they could actually put a huge dent in anything we call normal life. Don't let this happen to us. "
"This would mean there's no longer a reason to use android "
"Android giving users choice has been the staple point of android OS. Removing choices like sideloading apps is not the move. I develop apps for myself, I do not want to be "an approved developer" I don't have time nor care for that. This action also is the beginning of censorship, and monopolization of android OS. Android started as an open operating system, you have simply turned it into a reskinned Apple OS. Your choice to go anti-consumer is going to hurt. You are not "protecting" anyone "
"Removing a huge part of why people choose android is certainly a choice. "
"If this goes in effect there's literally no reason for me to stay on android. Would likely either go graphene but that feels up in the air for long term support so I guess that leaves apple. And I already hate walled gardens. Especially when the play store is basically just a malware repository. I'm so tired of corps eroding our freedoms. Why must everything be enshitified this day an age. "
"google take the L "
"not cool google "
"I've always said the reason I was an android user and not an iPhone user was due to the fact that the system was not locked down allowing more advanced use cases. Not to mention allowing individuals to create their own apps and learn without being subjected to fees and restrictions. Can't wait for the linux phone sector to start growing in response just like what is happening to Windows / PC market space. "
"Google wanna eliminate biggest advantage of Android over iOS "
"keeping android open enables far more indie studios to continue to operate on android, and thats what i love, i love finding the most random game, and not having to worry about if its on one store or the other, i can just download it keep it open, please "
"I use android for one and one singular reason. Freedom. If I download malware, that's my own damn fault! Being "approved" by google just means following their political agenda, never these protective measures mean anything good. We didn't asked for this, no consumer wants this, WE DON'T NEED PROTECTION. WE. AREN'T. CHILDREN! "
"Android has always been known as the more freedom option on the market. With this move by Google will shatter that belief and create distrust completely. Keep Android free and always will! "
"Removing Android's freedom of sideloading is bad. People use Android because they have freedom, no matter the brand—Samsung, Google, etc. But now they want to get rid of our freedom; that is horrible. People who are developers who don't want to pay to publish their app on the store could, but with this going through, changes EVERYTHING. Sign this petition, Android can't go down like this. "
"Why are all these companies trying to push me to Linux? Do they not like money? "
"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. "
"The core idea of Android and OSS is threatened. Android will no longer hold the offer of a unique opportunity of freedom for those feeling locked out of their own lives. It will join the likes of other mediocre technologies being force-fed to an unwilling population. This is not the way. "
"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. "
"Inaceitável "
"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. "
"Let's fight for our freedom. "
"then why get an android at this point? "
"Google, which has long positioned itself as a defender of freedom on the internet, now seems to be taking worrying steps by trying to limit the installation of apps outside of the Google Play Store. This move not only restricts users' freedom of choice, but also centralizes even more power in the hands of a single corporation, creating a closed and controlled environment. By forcing developers to comply with its rules and fees, Google eliminates the possibility of cheaper or even free alternatives, making the Android ecosystem more restricted and expensive. Moreover, this decision goes against the very essence of Android, which has always been based on freedom of customization and access. It's a setback for users who seek greater control over their devices and privacy. Limiting app installations outside the Play Store is not just a matter of convenience, but a matter of respecting user autonomy. "
"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! "
"I believe increasingly closed ecosystems lend not only to the monopolization of tech but are a threat to the digital sovereignty of individuals worldwide making them susceptible to government and corporate surveillance. "
"I'll be switching to iPhone if they pass the verification requirements, what's the point of using a locked down os if a better one is around the corner. "
"This ridiculous, anti consumer move from google is going to make me completely stop using their products. it will essentially make android the same as ios, and i specifically bought android phones to have more freedom. i might as well get an iphone now. "
"If wee do not stop this then our computers are next. We will end up the same as other countries who put out the same message to their people to condition them. Our freedom of speech and the right to privacy under the privacy act will be taken away. You do not want this!!! "
"Android has always been defined as the more open platform. What gets people to move away from Apple is to get away from the closed ecosystem from having direct control over their own devices. This runs contrary to Androids original mission statement and what the platform stands for. This is not what I want for my device nor my family wishes for this either. "
"Limiting developer and user freedom in the name of "safety" or whatever will only bring Android down to iOS's level. Don't make this mistake, Google! We must keep the right to make and use APKs freely! "
"Freedom of expression and choice, without filtering. "
"The biggest edge Android has had is choice, control, and openness, which is sorely lacking in competitors like with Apple's operating systems. This is the exact opposite of what consumers, developers, and contributors to AOSP want. This is a gross overstep. "
"Closing off the ability for the average consumer to engage with their device on their terms is outright dystopian and also part of why so many younger people struggle with computer literacy. "
"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. "
"Need to stop Google from controlling us! "
"Android ain’t doing this if we can help it. They CEO types always getting greedy. Let’s keep Android as Android "
"Some people live hard lifes, APKs gave us freedom and versatility with our smartphones, that one of the greatest things that made me buy and use android "
"this would complete googles monopoly "
"We want a free and open Android, or we'll choose a better platform. Android without free and anonymous apk's installation capabilities it's not Android anymore "
"Just saying that Android is not becoming locked down because of sideload restrictions, it closed was from the start, but people don't care if bootloader unlock is not under their control, they are being abused from the born of android but they only now scream that sideload is getting restricted. I'm of course mad at this sideload situation but Android before WASN'T OPEN! "
"If this update is released, I will switch to iPhone. "
"Without the ability to make my own choices on it I have no reason to use android. I am already tired of and furious about censorship if this goes through I will never use android again. "
"Keep android open, or there will be a fork. Open software always prevails "
"I only use android because of the freedom. This change would make android as restrictive as iPhones. "
"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! "
"Google detente. "
"I have been using Android since Eclair, after using Windows Mobile 6 and iOS. I have been seriously considering iOS again lately, and this would absolutely convince me to jump ship. "
"APPLE wAS GONE LONG AGO NOW WHERE WILL WE GO? "
"Google is nothing short of an evil pig! We want free android! "
"Android is an open-source system; this restriction will make Android a closed system. I will switch to iPhone if this update is implemented. "
"Sideloading is what keeps Android as a different thing compared to iOS. Taking that away is like making it the same. Worst, decision, ever. "
"Google will lose so much money from this, and frankly, we know money is all they care about. Not only is this an obvious nosedive into fascism, it's anti-consumer and I hope Google suffers for it. "
"As an Android user for years, I'm honestly outraged by what they're trying to do. This isn't protection, it's control, it's obvious. "
"This is an absolutely ridiculous move on their part. Nothing but censorship and control these past several months. They'll all burn for it. "
"The only reason I've stuck with Android all these years has been its open ecosystem. If that's removed, I'd switch to Apple in a heartbeat. "
"Being able to install what you want on your device is the main selling point of android, I'll fully switch to something else if this change is made "
"Android has always been a symbol of freedom, a system that allowed us to use our devices our own way, without chains or limitations imposed by corporations. Now Google wants to take that away from Android users, to control every detail as if we weren’t capable of deciding what’s best for ourselves. I don’t agree, and I will never agree, with this absurd, authoritarian, and completely insane decision. They are killing the very essence of Android, the open spirit that made millions of people choose this platform. We, users and developers, have always stood for the power of choice. If Google thinks it can simply impose restrictions and hide behind a false narrative of security, it’s deeply mistaken. Android wasn’t born to be a digital prison. It was born to be free. And if Google keeps going down this path, make no mistake: the community will not stay silent. Freedom will always find a way to fight back. "
"Guys, let's join forces and stop Google from putting these restrictions on Android. "
"As someone who regularly uses apk files on my phone to help fight loneliness and to prevent myself from taking my own life, DO NOT TAKE AWAY OUR FILES!! "
"first off i bought this phone i should have the right to put what ever program i want on it, I'm already upset so many things are locked behind root access my wife is a programmer and she fiddles with android programs. this would mean she can't do this anymore. it makes it a lot harder for indie android programmers to get started "
"Freedom to think and develop without cynicism. "
"The entire reason I have stuck with Android phones until now was my ability to INSTALL apps outside of the play store—key word install, not sideload. Even using that term is brainwashed lingo. A phone is just as much of a computer as a PC is, and I should be allowed to download whatever I want on a device a pay for. Especially when, in some cases, a laptop can be cheaper than a phone these days. This has always been a meaningful feature to me. Then there is the fact of censorship & creating a hostile environment for smaller dev teams. Having to pay a fee to Google, having to disclose IDs (this is also counterproductive to privacy focused apps). Any application that Google deems unfit, they can rip from the store. The 3rd party stores that Google will "let us" download from are no different from the Play Store. All those developers will still be subject to what Google is doing. If Android is going to become reskinned IOS, I would rather move to Apple. It's better optimized with many apps that absolutely DO NOT function near as well on Android or get updates way later than Apple. It's a smoother, cleaner product. Though, truly, I want to go to Motorola as they are planning to work with GrapheneOS which is privacy & security focused (which Google isn't! And this move is not making Android more secure!) These practices are anti-consumer AND anti-competition. Monopolistic, dirty practices. It's shameful that Google is still trying to act like they are an "open" system in the slightest while they actively shut out our ability to—again, INSTALL applications on our phone, which is essentially just a computer in our hands. Imagine if Windows did this, or even a Macbook. The free world is about having free choice, and this isn't that. I will absolutely be moving away from Android if this changes take effect. In the meantime, I'll take my in-app purchases to the actual websites behind them, use F-Droid & various places to download APKs to update in place of the Play Store. This is abhorent. TL;DR: Google is awful, hates consumer and developer freedoms, & yearns for censorship and growing it's monopolistic empire. I will be moving to any other phone if this happens. "
"Do not allow this tyranny! Refuse this overeach and help promote free software and your right to be able use your device the way YOU see fit. "
"If it were only Google Pixel devices with such a restriction I would have been somewhat okay. However, going after any official Android device just shows Google's attitude towards the community as well as the monopoly it has over an OS that many people outside of Google have contributed to. Imagine if starting tomorrow the Linux Foundation puts such a restriction on any hardware running Linux? "
"Android should be a free platform, thats why it exists, taking this away is creating a monopoly that Apple has created and has also gotten in trouble for in the EU for consumer rights "
"Google is a monopoly at this point, break it up. "
"It really seems like part of a conspiracy to turn the entire digital world into a tool for psychological and mass control. Let's raise our voices together against this immense idiocy, most likely promoted primarily by governments and not directly by Google. 👁️📐👌⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐❤️ "
"Enough. Google blocking APK usage is an attack on user freedom, innovation, and fair competition. Blocking sideloading centralizes control, stifles small developers, and forces users into a gated ecosystem controlled by one corporate gatekeeper. We deserve the right to choose how we manage our devices, install software we trust, and support independent developers. Security can be improved without stripping choice — transparent warnings and user education. This is about digital sovereignty. Join our petition to demand that Google restore full, responsible APK access now. Defend openness, choice, and the future of a free app ecosystem. Sign now. "
"Google shouldn’t have the power to take away choice from users and developers "
"Only reason I use android instead of iOS. Don't take it away from us. "
"The end for digital freedom is already nearing, with all the new social media and age verification laws. The whole point of a computer is to store and process data, allowing you to do various tasks. You should be able to use a device without having to verify 50 million things and give up your identity, it's all just an excuse for the government to track you, create more censorship, and for the companies to sell more of your data. Android is an open mobile operating system, and it should stay that way. One of the main reasons I strongly prefer Android over iOS is how open Android is. This action Google is doing will not protect anything or anyone, it will just cause more drama. "
"What Google wants to do is simply inhumane, simply unacceptable for those who use our beloved Android. "
"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. "
"Freedom to download and install whatever you want is one of the main reasons people choose AndroidOS over apple products. With how Apple has made steps towards more sustainable hardware, it is getting less and less justifiable to continue using google products. "
"I dropped iOS and moved to Android when I learned the importance of freedom. If Google makes this movement I don't see what sense makes that change anymore. "
"You know, I'm pretty much the only person in my immediate friend group that doesn't have an iPhone. If android turns into just another version of iOS then what's stopping me from just going ahead and getting the iPhone to be in their ecosystem? Nothing. Wouldnt it be easier for me to just be the same as them if there's nothing better about android? "
"The EU should help us "
"If Android no longer allows me to install what I want, how I want, there is no reason for me to not use Apple products. Your company is already going down the wrong path in so many ways with not properly supporting third-party open source Android variants; do not let this be the final nail in your OS's coffin. "
"The openness of the Android is its unique selling point. Keep Android open to keep Android Android. "
"The openness of the platform is one of the determining factors when choosing in favor of Android. "
"hell yea stop google "
"We need to continue to have options on the android platform. Once censorship begins where does it end. Developers need to have freedom and not be oppressed by greed. Side-loading is what makes ANDROID if that is taken, what makes Android unique it’s just like IOS a walled garden. "
"I'm old enough to remember when Google's company montto was "Don't be evil". "
"Creators of all kinds of developers, whether good or bad put so much of their free time into making something that users on an "Open" device that you decide enough is enough just cause of a few bad eggs. By doing this, you are not only combating them but all the developers who are of innocence and crush their dreams just so you can lose to Apple. "
"I use android since I was aware of what is tech, nearly since android started as an OS, customizing every aspect of my phone I was capable to, breaking things, some of the things that make android being the sweet spot between being in complete freedom (what can be dangerous) and a kindergarten for cellphone users. In later years still using some good indie apps that the developers can't afford to put on google play, going back in app versions through public apk repos like apkmirror when something went wrong with the current version of an app, and more recently being a software developer. Today this is nothing but one more barrier to do native mobile apps (adding to resource intensive development tools, excessive boilerplate, steep learning curve, hardware and OS fragmentation, play store current policies, and many more) turning testing and feedback into a headache. I as a developer see a potential loss of talent that could enrich the ecosystem, a place where only startups and companies will survive (driven by capitalism) except for a minority of truly dedicated developers. I'm not a native English speaker however today I wanted my voice to be heard, doing it so in their language despite the misspelling I could make. I have hope for open source (especially indie); we mustn't forget that many of today's software foundations, including Android, originate from it. I hope they allow, and above all, facilitate the preservation of open source through the small innovations of more casual developers who improve the ecosystem day by day. "
"Google is communism, non-google app markets are liberty and freedom. Are you rooting for "One Nation Under God" or "One Store Under Google" "
"I wanted android mainly for its ability to download things in third party app stores, unlike Apple, now that Google is going to be doing this, it makes Google look no better than Apple, Android, infamous for its open sourcability now getting locked down just like iOS. I really hope that this is refuted instead of pushed to Android. "
"I should be allowed to download whatever I want onto the phone I paid for "
"Android was meant to be competion for apple an OPEN SOURCE it's what made android better and not a closed system like the competitor. Read the room Google! "
"We already can't chose our OS and can't choosing the app is discussing. "
"The main reason I always chose to buy Android devices for myself (and my wife and son as well) instead of iOS devices was that Android wasn't a "walled garden." Now that Google is making Android the same as iOS, I'll be looking for alternatives... "
"If google does go through with this I will do everything in my power to convince anyone with an android or google service to stop using it. "
"The idea that any owner of an android device would need permission from Google, or really any other third party, to install an application on his own device is ridiculous. This trend of companies reaching into people's lives, locking up their personal property and appointing themselves as a the nanny with the key that gets to dictate how that property is to be used is a violation of the most basic right to own property. It will not be tolerated and any company embracing this paradigm will find itself increasingly blacklisted. "
"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. "
"I am sad to see this is the way the world is going. We are slowly giving away our rights and freedom and nearly no one is noticing. Liberty dies when no one is looking "
"Android should be free; it was supposed to be the hero of free or open-source applications. "
"I have been an Android user since smartphones became mainstream, and the primary reason I chose Android was the freedom it offers. Unlike other platforms, Android allows users to install applications from outside official stores, enabling innovation, experimentation, and personal control over our own devices. Over the years, I have used open-source applications from platforms like GitHub and F-Droid, many created by independent developers who may not have the resources—or the desire—to publish through centralized stores. In some cases, I have even modified open-source code to suit my personal needs and compiled my own versions of apps. This is not just a niche use case—it represents the very spirit of open computing. Requiring developers to submit personal identification and restricting distribution channels will disproportionately impact: Independent and open-source developers Users in region-restricted environments Applications that are no longer available on official stores This change does not just improve security—it introduces control over who is allowed to distribute software, fundamentally shifting Android away from being an open platform. If users are no longer free to install applications of their choice, Android devices risk becoming restricted ecosystems similar to closed platforms—where functionality is determined not by the user, but by a central authority. The ability to sideload apps is not a loophole—it is a defining feature of Android. Removing or weakening it undermines user autonomy, developer freedom, and the very reason many of us chose this platform in the first place. "
"If the current plan moves forward, the few advantages of freedom on Android will be lost, because inhibiting the use of APKs reduces the user's freedom more than its risks, especially because the lack of security on Android is not limited to using APKs from external sources, but using websites or any file from malicious sources, which are not necessarily an APK. If you really want security, should you also disable Android's access to the internet to avoid downloading malicious files, or are you only interested in APKs? Finally, Google Play is not necessarily better than an external store, because it does not expose the source code of Apps to be investigated and verified, unlike F-Droid, for example, which has numerous criteria for uploading apps and prioritizes verifiable FOSS apps. In my opinion, this change is not aimed at the user... "
"The people will ask if they feel they need to be represented. "
"Google is Google's own worst enemy. If this goes through, I will never use any of their services ever again. GOOGLE IS A BAD ACTOR AND A BAD COMPANY! WHAT HAPPENED TO "DON'T BE EVIL"?!?! "
"Nós vencemos Google idiota 😆😆😆😆😆 "
"We've all feared a day like this might come but it was always on the back burner if you will. My how times have changed. I am even more than just concerned ,so much so that I'm giving 30 a month to GNU. I am a limited income individual but I enjoy the advancement de-googling my life very much. F-droid is where I got my feet wet and I am eternally grateful. I told everyone about FOSS ..... Spread the word spread the word spread the word. L.....!!! It is not something you can consider doing any longer. You should already be doing it... Civil war isn't going to be between the rich and the poor, it will be the tech and the non-tech. Film at 11:00.... It sounds to me like they could actually put a huge dent in anything we call normal life. Don't let this happen to us. "
"This would mean there's no longer a reason to use android "
"Android giving users choice has been the staple point of android OS. Removing choices like sideloading apps is not the move. I develop apps for myself, I do not want to be "an approved developer" I don't have time nor care for that. This action also is the beginning of censorship, and monopolization of android OS. Android started as an open operating system, you have simply turned it into a reskinned Apple OS. Your choice to go anti-consumer is going to hurt. You are not "protecting" anyone "
"Removing a huge part of why people choose android is certainly a choice. "
"If this goes in effect there's literally no reason for me to stay on android. Would likely either go graphene but that feels up in the air for long term support so I guess that leaves apple. And I already hate walled gardens. Especially when the play store is basically just a malware repository. I'm so tired of corps eroding our freedoms. Why must everything be enshitified this day an age. "
"google take the L "
"not cool google "
"I've always said the reason I was an android user and not an iPhone user was due to the fact that the system was not locked down allowing more advanced use cases. Not to mention allowing individuals to create their own apps and learn without being subjected to fees and restrictions. Can't wait for the linux phone sector to start growing in response just like what is happening to Windows / PC market space. "
"Google wanna eliminate biggest advantage of Android over iOS "
"keeping android open enables far more indie studios to continue to operate on android, and thats what i love, i love finding the most random game, and not having to worry about if its on one store or the other, i can just download it keep it open, please "
"I use android for one and one singular reason. Freedom. If I download malware, that's my own damn fault! Being "approved" by google just means following their political agenda, never these protective measures mean anything good. We didn't asked for this, no consumer wants this, WE DON'T NEED PROTECTION. WE. AREN'T. CHILDREN! "
"Android has always been known as the more freedom option on the market. With this move by Google will shatter that belief and create distrust completely. Keep Android free and always will! "
"Removing Android's freedom of sideloading is bad. People use Android because they have freedom, no matter the brand—Samsung, Google, etc. But now they want to get rid of our freedom; that is horrible. People who are developers who don't want to pay to publish their app on the store could, but with this going through, changes EVERYTHING. Sign this petition, Android can't go down like this. "
"Why are all these companies trying to push me to Linux? Do they not like money? "
"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. "
"The core idea of Android and OSS is threatened. Android will no longer hold the offer of a unique opportunity of freedom for those feeling locked out of their own lives. It will join the likes of other mediocre technologies being force-fed to an unwilling population. This is not the way. "
"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. "
"Inaceitável "
"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. "
"Let's fight for our freedom. "
"then why get an android at this point? "
"Google, which has long positioned itself as a defender of freedom on the internet, now seems to be taking worrying steps by trying to limit the installation of apps outside of the Google Play Store. This move not only restricts users' freedom of choice, but also centralizes even more power in the hands of a single corporation, creating a closed and controlled environment. By forcing developers to comply with its rules and fees, Google eliminates the possibility of cheaper or even free alternatives, making the Android ecosystem more restricted and expensive. Moreover, this decision goes against the very essence of Android, which has always been based on freedom of customization and access. It's a setback for users who seek greater control over their devices and privacy. Limiting app installations outside the Play Store is not just a matter of convenience, but a matter of respecting user autonomy. "
"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! "
"I believe increasingly closed ecosystems lend not only to the monopolization of tech but are a threat to the digital sovereignty of individuals worldwide making them susceptible to government and corporate surveillance. "
"I'll be switching to iPhone if they pass the verification requirements, what's the point of using a locked down os if a better one is around the corner. "
"This ridiculous, anti consumer move from google is going to make me completely stop using their products. it will essentially make android the same as ios, and i specifically bought android phones to have more freedom. i might as well get an iphone now. "
"If wee do not stop this then our computers are next. We will end up the same as other countries who put out the same message to their people to condition them. Our freedom of speech and the right to privacy under the privacy act will be taken away. You do not want this!!! "
"Android has always been defined as the more open platform. What gets people to move away from Apple is to get away from the closed ecosystem from having direct control over their own devices. This runs contrary to Androids original mission statement and what the platform stands for. This is not what I want for my device nor my family wishes for this either. "
"Limiting developer and user freedom in the name of "safety" or whatever will only bring Android down to iOS's level. Don't make this mistake, Google! We must keep the right to make and use APKs freely! "
"Freedom of expression and choice, without filtering. "
"The biggest edge Android has had is choice, control, and openness, which is sorely lacking in competitors like with Apple's operating systems. This is the exact opposite of what consumers, developers, and contributors to AOSP want. This is a gross overstep. "
"Closing off the ability for the average consumer to engage with their device on their terms is outright dystopian and also part of why so many younger people struggle with computer literacy. "
"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. "
"Need to stop Google from controlling us! "
"Android ain’t doing this if we can help it. They CEO types always getting greedy. Let’s keep Android as Android "
"Some people live hard lifes, APKs gave us freedom and versatility with our smartphones, that one of the greatest things that made me buy and use android "
"this would complete googles monopoly "
"We want a free and open Android, or we'll choose a better platform. Android without free and anonymous apk's installation capabilities it's not Android anymore "
"Just saying that Android is not becoming locked down because of sideload restrictions, it closed was from the start, but people don't care if bootloader unlock is not under their control, they are being abused from the born of android but they only now scream that sideload is getting restricted. I'm of course mad at this sideload situation but Android before WASN'T OPEN! "
"If this update is released, I will switch to iPhone. "
"Without the ability to make my own choices on it I have no reason to use android. I am already tired of and furious about censorship if this goes through I will never use android again. "
"Keep android open, or there will be a fork. Open software always prevails "
"I only use android because of the freedom. This change would make android as restrictive as iPhones. "
"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! "
"Google detente. "
"I have been using Android since Eclair, after using Windows Mobile 6 and iOS. I have been seriously considering iOS again lately, and this would absolutely convince me to jump ship. "
"APPLE wAS GONE LONG AGO NOW WHERE WILL WE GO? "
"Google is nothing short of an evil pig! We want free android! "
"Android is an open-source system; this restriction will make Android a closed system. I will switch to iPhone if this update is implemented. "
"Sideloading is what keeps Android as a different thing compared to iOS. Taking that away is like making it the same. Worst, decision, ever. "
"Google will lose so much money from this, and frankly, we know money is all they care about. Not only is this an obvious nosedive into fascism, it's anti-consumer and I hope Google suffers for it. "
"As an Android user for years, I'm honestly outraged by what they're trying to do. This isn't protection, it's control, it's obvious. "
"This is an absolutely ridiculous move on their part. Nothing but censorship and control these past several months. They'll all burn for it. "
"The only reason I've stuck with Android all these years has been its open ecosystem. If that's removed, I'd switch to Apple in a heartbeat. "
"Being able to install what you want on your device is the main selling point of android, I'll fully switch to something else if this change is made "
"Android has always been a symbol of freedom, a system that allowed us to use our devices our own way, without chains or limitations imposed by corporations. Now Google wants to take that away from Android users, to control every detail as if we weren’t capable of deciding what’s best for ourselves. I don’t agree, and I will never agree, with this absurd, authoritarian, and completely insane decision. They are killing the very essence of Android, the open spirit that made millions of people choose this platform. We, users and developers, have always stood for the power of choice. If Google thinks it can simply impose restrictions and hide behind a false narrative of security, it’s deeply mistaken. Android wasn’t born to be a digital prison. It was born to be free. And if Google keeps going down this path, make no mistake: the community will not stay silent. Freedom will always find a way to fight back. "
"Guys, let's join forces and stop Google from putting these restrictions on Android. "
"As someone who regularly uses apk files on my phone to help fight loneliness and to prevent myself from taking my own life, DO NOT TAKE AWAY OUR FILES!! "
"first off i bought this phone i should have the right to put what ever program i want on it, I'm already upset so many things are locked behind root access my wife is a programmer and she fiddles with android programs. this would mean she can't do this anymore. it makes it a lot harder for indie android programmers to get started "
"Freedom to think and develop without cynicism. "
"The entire reason I have stuck with Android phones until now was my ability to INSTALL apps outside of the play store—key word install, not sideload. Even using that term is brainwashed lingo. A phone is just as much of a computer as a PC is, and I should be allowed to download whatever I want on a device a pay for. Especially when, in some cases, a laptop can be cheaper than a phone these days. This has always been a meaningful feature to me. Then there is the fact of censorship & creating a hostile environment for smaller dev teams. Having to pay a fee to Google, having to disclose IDs (this is also counterproductive to privacy focused apps). Any application that Google deems unfit, they can rip from the store. The 3rd party stores that Google will "let us" download from are no different from the Play Store. All those developers will still be subject to what Google is doing. If Android is going to become reskinned IOS, I would rather move to Apple. It's better optimized with many apps that absolutely DO NOT function near as well on Android or get updates way later than Apple. It's a smoother, cleaner product. Though, truly, I want to go to Motorola as they are planning to work with GrapheneOS which is privacy & security focused (which Google isn't! And this move is not making Android more secure!) These practices are anti-consumer AND anti-competition. Monopolistic, dirty practices. It's shameful that Google is still trying to act like they are an "open" system in the slightest while they actively shut out our ability to—again, INSTALL applications on our phone, which is essentially just a computer in our hands. Imagine if Windows did this, or even a Macbook. The free world is about having free choice, and this isn't that. I will absolutely be moving away from Android if this changes take effect. In the meantime, I'll take my in-app purchases to the actual websites behind them, use F-Droid & various places to download APKs to update in place of the Play Store. This is abhorent. TL;DR: Google is awful, hates consumer and developer freedoms, & yearns for censorship and growing it's monopolistic empire. I will be moving to any other phone if this happens. "
"Do not allow this tyranny! Refuse this overeach and help promote free software and your right to be able use your device the way YOU see fit. "
"If it were only Google Pixel devices with such a restriction I would have been somewhat okay. However, going after any official Android device just shows Google's attitude towards the community as well as the monopoly it has over an OS that many people outside of Google have contributed to. Imagine if starting tomorrow the Linux Foundation puts such a restriction on any hardware running Linux? "
"Android should be a free platform, thats why it exists, taking this away is creating a monopoly that Apple has created and has also gotten in trouble for in the EU for consumer rights "
"Google is a monopoly at this point, break it up. "
"It really seems like part of a conspiracy to turn the entire digital world into a tool for psychological and mass control. Let's raise our voices together against this immense idiocy, most likely promoted primarily by governments and not directly by Google. 👁️📐👌⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐❤️ "
"Enough. Google blocking APK usage is an attack on user freedom, innovation, and fair competition. Blocking sideloading centralizes control, stifles small developers, and forces users into a gated ecosystem controlled by one corporate gatekeeper. We deserve the right to choose how we manage our devices, install software we trust, and support independent developers. Security can be improved without stripping choice — transparent warnings and user education. This is about digital sovereignty. Join our petition to demand that Google restore full, responsible APK access now. Defend openness, choice, and the future of a free app ecosystem. Sign now. "
"Google shouldn’t have the power to take away choice from users and developers "
"Only reason I use android instead of iOS. Don't take it away from us. "
"The end for digital freedom is already nearing, with all the new social media and age verification laws. The whole point of a computer is to store and process data, allowing you to do various tasks. You should be able to use a device without having to verify 50 million things and give up your identity, it's all just an excuse for the government to track you, create more censorship, and for the companies to sell more of your data. Android is an open mobile operating system, and it should stay that way. One of the main reasons I strongly prefer Android over iOS is how open Android is. This action Google is doing will not protect anything or anyone, it will just cause more drama. "
"What Google wants to do is simply inhumane, simply unacceptable for those who use our beloved Android. "
"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. "
"Freedom to download and install whatever you want is one of the main reasons people choose AndroidOS over apple products. With how Apple has made steps towards more sustainable hardware, it is getting less and less justifiable to continue using google products. "
"I dropped iOS and moved to Android when I learned the importance of freedom. If Google makes this movement I don't see what sense makes that change anymore. "
"You know, I'm pretty much the only person in my immediate friend group that doesn't have an iPhone. If android turns into just another version of iOS then what's stopping me from just going ahead and getting the iPhone to be in their ecosystem? Nothing. Wouldnt it be easier for me to just be the same as them if there's nothing better about android? "
"The EU should help us "
"If Android no longer allows me to install what I want, how I want, there is no reason for me to not use Apple products. Your company is already going down the wrong path in so many ways with not properly supporting third-party open source Android variants; do not let this be the final nail in your OS's coffin. "
Additional calls to action from the source page
You bought your phone. You should decide what runs on it.
That shouldn't require a 9-step process, a 24-hour wait, and Google's ongoing permission.
Share this page. Don't sign up. Don't let them close Android.