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Починаючи з 2027* року, тихе оновлення, без згоди запущене Google, заблокує всі Android-застосунки, чиї розробники не зареєструвалися в Google, не підписали з ними контракт, не сплатили комісію та не надали державного посвідчення особи.

Кожен застосунок і кожен пристрій у світі, без можливості відмовитись

↓

Що Google робить

У серпні 2025 року компанія Google оголосила про нові вимоги: з 2027 року кожен розробник застосунків для Android повинен буде зареєструватися в централізованій системі Google, перш ніж його програми можна буде встановити на будь-який пристрій. Це правило поширюється не лише на Play Store, а абсолютно на всі застосунки. Навіть на ті, що передаються безпосередньо між друзями, завантажуються через F-Droid або створюються ентузіастами для особистого користування. Відтак незалежні розробники, церковні та громадські організації, а також звичайні ентузіасти втратять можливість вільно створювати й розповсюджувати своє програмне забезпечення.

Реєстрація передбачає:

Якщо розробник не буде дотримуватись цих вимог, його застосунки будуть тихо заблоковані на кожному Android-пристрої у світі

Кого це стосується

Вас

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

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

Незалежних розробників

Перший застосунок підлітка, інструмент для захисту приватності, створений волонтером, чи конфіденційна внутрішня бета-версія застосунку компанії. Не має значення. У 2027 році жоден із них не можна буде встановити без дозволу Google.

F-Droid, домівка для тисяч вільних та відкритих застосунків для Android, назвала це загрозою існування. Корі Докторов називає її "Дарт-Android".

Урядів та громадських організацій

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

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

«Шлях до порятунку» від Google виявився пасткою

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

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

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

Гірше того: цей алгоритм повністю працює через Сервіси Google Play, а не через ОС Android. Google може його змінити, посилити або взагалі вимкнути в будь-який момент, без необхідності оновлення ОС та без будь-якої згоди.

Це більше, ніж просто Android

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

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

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

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

Зачекайте, але це не...

«...просто про безпеку?»

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

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

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

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

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

«...те саме, що робить Apple?»

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

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

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

Дайте відсіч!

Кожен

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

Розробники

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

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

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

Співробітники Google

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

Усі, хто проти…

71 організацій із 23 країн підписали маніфест

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

Прочитати маніфест повністю та подякувати тим, хто його підписав →

Що кажуть інші

Технологічна преса

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

Tuta Blog

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

The Register

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

Benzinga

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

How-To Geek

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

Datamation

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

Android Headlines

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

Reclaim The Net

"Keep Android Open"

Linux Magazine

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

Tom's Guide

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

SlashGear

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

How-To Geek

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

Android Headlines

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

The Register

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

How-To Geek

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

TechRepublic

"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"

The New Stack

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

TechCrunch

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

9to5Google

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

How-To Geek

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

The Verge

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

Ars Technica

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

How-To Geek

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

Techzine EU

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

Android Headlines

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

Bleeping Computer

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

Thom Holwerda, OSnews

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

Android Police

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

TechSpot

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

heise online

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

Ars Technica

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

Infosecurity Magazine

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

Techdirt

"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"

InfoWorld

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

Open Source For U

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

MakeUseOf

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

How-To Geek

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

It's FOSS News

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

Slashdot

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

I-Programmer

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

The Register

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

XDA Developers

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

Hackaday

"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"

Internet Freedom Foundation (India)

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

Cybernews

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

Tom's Guide

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

Gizmochina

Редакційні матеріали та аналізи

Організації та маніфести

"A policy that forces every Android developer to hand their identity to Google, regardless of whether they use Google's services, makes Android a less-open and less-private platform."

Brave

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

AdGuard

"When you set up a gate, you invite authorities to use it to block things they don't like. And when you build a database, you invite governments to try to get access."

Electronic Frontier Foundation

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

ACLU

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

Osservatorio Nessuno

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

Electronic Frontier Foundation

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

F-Droid

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

Tech-ish Kenya

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

AdGuard

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

Tuta

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

AdGuard

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

Nextcloud

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

European Pirate Party

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

Open letter, over 67 signatory organizations

"Google's abusive approach to the Android operating system has only gotten worse in recent years. Software freedom is sorely lacking in the 'computers in our pockets' we call cell phones."

Free Software Foundation

"Google's developer verification policy creates a centralized database, controlled by a single corporation, containing the real-world identity of every person who writes software for Android."

Brave

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

F-Droid Open Letter

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

Open letter, over 67 signatory organizations

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

AdGuard

"If it were to be put into effect, the developer registration decree will end the F-Droid project and other free/open source app distribution sources as we know them today."

F-Droid

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

F-Droid

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

European Parliament

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

Tuta

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

Electronic Frontier Foundation

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

KDE

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

Tuta

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

Nextcloud

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

F-Droid

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

Brave

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

AdGuard

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

Infosecurity Magazine

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

Software Freedom Conservancy

Ютубери та творці контенту

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

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

Techlore – YouTube

"Google keeps getting in as much trouble as Apple when Google is half evil and Apple is full evil. So there are probably people inside Google saying, 'Why not just go full evil?'"

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

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

Tuta Blog – Blog

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

Techlore – YouTube

"A world where two tech companies from the same city that dominate all of our mobile devices both require centralized developer registration is a world with one more lever for surveillance, one more checkpoint for censorship."

Techlore – YouTube

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

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

"Google isn't testing this in the US or Europe first. They're starting in countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Why? Because these are massive growth markets where regulation is weaker. By the time regulators catch up, the damage will already be done."

ChiefGyk3D – YouTube

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

Switched to Linux – YouTube

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

The Linux Experiment – YouTube

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

Techlore – YouTube

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

ChiefGyk3D – YouTube

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

Techlore – YouTube

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

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

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

fireborn – Blog

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

ChiefGyk3D – YouTube

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

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube

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

Rob Braxman Tech – Locals

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

SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – YouTube

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

Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube

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

Techlore – YouTube

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

fireborn – Blog

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

Tuta Blog – Blog

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

Louis Rossmann – YouTube

Розробники та спільнота

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

Max-P, Lemmy

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

askonomm, Hacker News

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

Zak, Lemmy

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

Tiraon, Tildes

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

TheTearMiser, Lemmy

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

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

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

tejtm, Hacker News

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

mwcampbell, Lobsters

"Google has no right to be my parent. As long as I can't reject paternalism, I don't believe for a second this is done with the well-being of scam victims as the main priority."

gspr, Lobsters

"I want to deploy apps on my device. They are my apps, it's my device, and I should not be required to ask for permission to do so."

fsniper, Hacker News

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

paxys, Hacker News

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

jzb, Lobsters

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

nibbleyou (developer in India), Hacker News

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

vala, Lemmy

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

jwr, Hacker News

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

layfellow, Hacker News

"There's an entire genre of scamming where the scammers spend months building rapport with their victims before cashing out. One day is nothing."

free_bip (on the 24-hour wait defeating scammers), Hacker News

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

Apocryphon, Hacker News

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

survirtual, Hacker News

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

harry8, Hacker News

"After 15 years of professional development on Android I too am now thinking about switching my focus to something different. And it sucks."

MrDresden, Hacker News

"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."

masterofn001, Lemmy

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

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

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

yonato, Hacker News

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

hbn, Hacker News

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

afferi300rina, Hacker News

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

gumby271, Hacker News

"Requiring a government ID to distribute software. Holy shit. If you are a kid and want to create a game for your friends, you better get that birth certificate ready!"

llitz, Reddit

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

renshijian, Hacker News

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

gcupc, Lobsters

"I hate this so much. More and more I get the feeling I have no control over the devices I own. My fear is that Windows will eventually follow. For security reasons of course. It's the path we're on now."

cheesyvoetjes, Reddit

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

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

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

Historical-Employ129 (324 upvotes), Reddit

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

MrZander, Hacker News

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

BenjaminRi, Lobsters

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

koala, Lobsters

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

anordal, Lobsters

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

girvo, Hacker News

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

vord (quoting Cory Doctorow), Tildes

"Antitrust action is badly needed. It is ridiculous that I need permission from my device manufacturer to install software on hardware I own."

jim201, Hacker News

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

gthing, Reddit

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

cbrophoto (drone professional), Reddit

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

Zak, Hacker News

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

WaffleMonster, Slashdot

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

wervenyt, Tildes

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

flykespice (developer in Brazil), Hacker News

"This is a war on users that want to keep control of their phones and when it's done, you will not be able to escape the enshittification."

ikidd, Lemmy

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

globular-toast, Hacker News

"If your country is ever in the crosshairs of 'American interests' and bears the brunt of its sanctions, it is possible that you cannot install apps from your fellow citizens. Your own local government, bank, and store apps."

devsda, Hacker News

"If the likes of Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and others have their way, you will not own your computer; those companies will effectively own your computers."

RUs1729, Slashdot

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

chaznabin, Reddit

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

hn92726819, Hacker News

"It is a disgrace how Google has managed this situation. The promised 'advanced flow' hasn't appeared in any Android 16 or 17 betas. Google is quietly proceeding with the original lockdown."

fermigier, Hacker News

"If I go down this path, I will stop all development on Android. I implore all other developers to resist this. This will completely lock down the platform forever, there will be no going back."

BatteryMountain, Hacker News

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

GeekyBear, Hacker News

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

specproc, Hacker News

"Can't come at a worse time. People are just learning to make things through vibe coding, and they're gonna want to put their own apps on their phones. And now Google says no."

Serinus, Lemmy

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

lynxy, Tildes

"I teach digital literacy and 99% of unsavory software I encounter on people's phones come from the Play Store or App Store. I will believe they're serious about protecting users when I see them do something about the crap ton of borderline scam apps infesting their stores."

1995ToyotaCorolla, Lemmy

Думки авторів петиції

"The point of using Android over iOS is it's openness. Google is destroying one of the core tenets of the operating system under the guise of "protecting users." In reality, this is the same monopoly tactics they've already been legally convicted of. Remember: It's not "side-loading." It's "installing apps." Don't let Google trick you into thinking it's weird by foisting different language on you. "

Wesley, change.org

"This is the only reason I've bought android phones all my life, if this passes then I'll either install custom software to avoid it or I'll find an alternative device and stop supporting android at all. If i'm not free to do what I want with my phone, then I don't own it and I don't want it. "

brandon, change.org

"I am concerned for my privacy with this change. I chose Android under the impression that I can customize my device in ways that can help me protect my online privacy. That's something that can't be said for Apple. The decision to change Android to a closed system is going to hurt people like me who care about online privacy. Google, You're not helping your customer base by doing this. Only making them more likely to switch to iphones or flip phones. This is not the Android I've always known, It's another platform falling into the proprietary capitalism that a significant amount of the android customer base has been trying to steer away from since the early days of smartphones. "

Patience, change.org

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

Michael, change.org

"Keep android open! "

Giuseppe, change.org

"At the very least let there be one platform that can stay open, don't close it down like everything else. Let us have this. "

Juno, change.org

"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? "

Aleksandar, change.org

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

Mikka, change.org

"Hold Google accountable to the original vision of Android. Stop Google from limiting APK file usage. "

Jeff, change.org

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

Mitch, change.org

"keeping it brief. There are MANY apps that people depend on for day to day life and this is going to impact that on a drastic scale. "

Bryan, change.org

"Removing the only reason to use Android... "

John, change.org

"What Google is doing seems awful to me; taking away the user's freedom to install any APK app they want is like forcing users to install whatever Google wants. It's deplorable. "

Pedro, change.org

"Android has always been the more free-range mobile OS. Had this not been the case, I would have switched to Apple long ago. Open-source, third-party software has driven the Android ecosystem and app development. It's no coincidence this is coming at a time when surveillance and squashing opposition is rising parallel with fascism. "

Kahina, change.org

"Android has always been about freedom. I've always loved side loading an app made by a line developer to complete a niche task/feature. My music player and compass app were side loaded from F Droid and I think it's super cool to be able to install custom versions of stock phone apps. I've side loaded a modded version of my camera app that brought Google Pixel's photosphere to my phone. How else would I have been able to do this without side loading?? There's no reason Android has to go this direction, it may just as well be called mock iOS if all the reasons I chose Android are taken away. May customization, freedom of how I use my phone, and innovation reign once again in the heart of Google's Android! "

Justin, change.org

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

Quoc Huy, change.org

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

Jonathan, change.org

"Its important to have side stores that protect privacy and not let everything enshitify. "

Augusto, change.org

"When I was around 13 or 14 I had a real dream to be a coder...I tried to use Google to find a way but found that all of the links were funded by Google and directly discouraged fellow coders...I believed them...now at 22 I refuse to lay down and listen I hope this story hits home for a few people because the coding community is one of the few communities I found I am accepted...do not let Google break this community I am begging you - with all love a fellow coder and human being this is Donald signing off "

donald, change.org

"I was thinking about buying an android before hearing about this. Now, I think I’ll stick to apple until the fix this. "

Keaton, change.org

"Google motto used to be "Don't be evil". Today, it doesn't mean anything because they do everything to be evil and greedy. Not many people will follow your restrictions that you like it or not, there is always a way. The Internet is ours, not yours. :) "

Jacob, change.org

"Google is literally taking away our right. Yes we CAN bypass this with there feature allowing us to install unverified apps but making us wait 24 hours BUT they are going to give our devices a "unsafe" mark stopping banking and many other apps from working the same way they did to ROOTED phones. "

yousef, change.org

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

Evela, change.org

"Way to get people Ungoogling "

Martin Moe, change.org

"#NoMoreCensorship "

Russell, change.org

"Openness was supposedly Android's mission to difference itself from iOS and now they're gonna take it away? I don't want a closed system, you're just making a worse version of iOS and throwing away one of the biggest selling points of your OS, keep Android open. "

Ernesto, change.org

"This whole security benefit is BS "

Jordan, change.org

"I do not want Google to get a third monopoly. That is the whole point of this gatekeeping. I'm sick of these corporations doing whatever they want. "

Aidan, change.org

"Dear Google, you are single handedly destroying the whole purpose for which we use Android. Not only will you see a mass exodus from Google devices/services, you will force the creation of alternative operating systems that allow for user privacy and fredom for app developers. You all are making it harder for yourselves and for us. "

Kevin, change.org

"Google should calm down "

Pablo, change.org

"Google is a monopoly at this point, break it up. "

Barton, change.org

"I'm not even an Android app developer, but I've always wanted to be. Now, I'm not sure that I do. Making this change will mean that all apps will funnel through Google Play, which gives Google exclusive control and a censorship chokehold on the entire Android ecosystem. I shouldn't have to explain why that would not be good. The whole thing that made Android different from iOS is that it was OPEN. Now Google's just throwing that out of the window. At this point, I might just switch to iOS because Android has lost all of its character. "

Ethan, change.org

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

Jo, change.org

"Google is shifting from openness and freedom toward a closed feudal system. This represents more than just a setback for software platforms; it is a step backward for human civilization. "

John, change.org

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

Wesley, change.org

"It isn't safe to bottleneck every human user to obey a s>ngle companies whims. This will be fought in court, I'm sure. But in the meantime I will fight this disagreeable motion. This is a freedom of privacy and speech, in the enar future if you have an unsavory opinion, towards Google or other, you will be targeted. "

Kosta, change.org

"Android is the mobile embodiment of freedom. Central registration with any organization is the absolute end to that freedom. This must be stopped. "

Elvira, change.org

"Everything about this software/app lock out is beyond wrong. So is age verification. It is all beyond dystopian. George Orwell is spinning in his grave. My wife works in a major hospital and that hospital is already in a major panic because they have internal apps that can not be put out to apps stores for major security reasons. They have no idea what they are going to do when these apps stop working and can not be installed, used or updated because of these dystopian lockouts (i.e. blocking non app stores' apps from being installed; not to mention the major security risks of age verification). The app monitors many vital operations and medical equipment across three major medical facilities in the same hospital network; among branch facilities. It alerts staff and is used for many areas of communications in the hospital network. If this app can no longer be integrated into the hospital's operations network, the entirety of the hospital's facilities shuts down. I'm sure that if the hospital at which my wife works uses internal apps, then there are many other medical facilities that do also. A neighbor that I check on daily uses an app for necessary medical reasons. This app is not and will never be in any app store. Her doctors and the company that makes the device for thousands of people are in a panic. They can't just put this control/monitoring app out there. They would have to redesign the device's entire system and it could take several years. Plus, there are the major security risks. A friend has advanced diabetes and has a monitoring device stuck in his arm. The monitoring/alert app comes from the device manufacturer and not any app store. I also use medical apps that are not in any app store. I am also diabetic (not as badly as my friend) and disabled. There are several other people in my area that depend on medical apps that are not in any app store and are ONLY provided through a medical facility or medical device manufacturer. These companies do not put these apps out to these app stores for anyone to get their hands on for security reasons. If someone malicious got their hands on these medical device control apps, tampered with it, and re-uploaded it for patients to then obtain, thousands of patients could die. What am I and all these people that depend on proprietary and device specific medical apps across the country going to do when our apps/devices can't be installed or updated and just stop working? These dystopian app lock outs and the risks of age verification will put millions of peoples lives on the line and will have biblical level consequences. This all needs to stop immediately! "

John, change.org

"Please no. This is what makes Android special. But if you do, then fine - it will finally open an opportunity for a 2nd player to enter the market. "

Sam, change.org

"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? "

Danielle, change.org

"Don't make daddy Torvalds mad what you did with his kernel "

Silas, change.org

"My phone, my apps Let me do what I want or else an iPhone will be my phone "

Aaron, change.org

"If this happens then I might as well move over to Apple. Shame on you Google. "

Darren, change.org

"Dear Google, As a life-long Android user, the perspective of this program ever coming into place is simply devastating. The Android Project was built with the promise of open-source software, community-driven development and digital freedom at its core. This promise has been a vital part of its success, from its humble beginnings to the widely popular and prolific ecosystem we have today. Any measure that does not fully respect these core values is a direct threat to the Android Project as a whole and a betrayal of its community. I believe the "Android developer verification requirements" program as it stands is such a measure. Therefore, I urge everybody involved at Google to seriously reconsider this program to the benefit of the Android Project and its community. Sincerely- "

Yoann, change.org

"I choose android for freedom of customisation. I know the risks, I'm not silly. People will jailbreak this but I want Google to understand that it's users are intelligent "

Michael, change.org

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

Benjamin, change.org

"Apple is one of the lamest companies in the world. You have no control on an iPhone. That's always been one of the selling points about Android is that you have basically total control over your device. There's literally no reason to change being able to download independent and open source apps from trusted developers. There are higher chances of getting a sketchy app through the play store. Don't break what isn't broken and then say you fixed something. We already lost our SD card slots. If you see this and you haven't signed the petition, please sign it. Also for more info, go here: https://keepandroidopen.org/ "

Dakota, change.org

"Wow, I sure like it when the operating system touted to be for power-users to make unequivocally theirs gets shut up. If I wanted to play it "your way or the highway", I'd go to Apple. This is my device. And I don't need YOUR approval for that. "

Liam, change.org

"The freedom Android offers for young inquisitive minds is the entery way to Dev-Land. Certainly they are aware of how many of their employees started from this basic idea and how many they may loose by taking it away. Not only that do they really believe we won't migrate to something better? But as a consumer we need to try and understand what the future will look like, why this is the decision not just for Android but for Windows and more. "

Joseph, change.org

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

Kaleonahe, change.org

"There's been a LOT of privacy conscious people out there, that don't want to be tracked everywhere they go, especially when doing personal stuff at the privacy in their own home. Open source apps are also good alternatives, when big tech can censor you or even flag you, for something that ISN'T illegal nor harmful in any way. So what Google is doing is making users more vulnerable and harmful that even violates the 4th Amendment! "

Dan, change.org

"Google already has too much to say on which apps one is allowed to run on their phone. Play Integrity already ruins the Android experience for most custom ROM users and now they're going for side loading, too. This has to stop. "

Alexander, change.org

"I switched to android specifically because I felt like it was truly a device I OWNED. I used Apple in the past but hated the amount of features that were gate kept. Having the ability to download open source apps on my android device has reshaped the way I use my phone and has made my workflows significantly better. This new change will not only completely destroy the open source ecosystem I've become accustomed to, but will actively turn away myself, and Android's main user base. What's the point of ruining your reputation and the only real reason to own an android device? "

Steven, change.org

"I only choose Android because of the openness and flexibility in how I choose to use my device. Locking down Android with paid developer verification and blocking me from installing apps manually is not being open. "

Jason, change.org

"I've installed dozens to hundreds of APKs on my phone for years. Whether it's personal projects or open source tools. It's really the only defining difference between Android and iOS. Why is this even being considered by Google? "

Joseph, change.org

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

jamie, change.org

"I switched from IOS to Android because I value my freedom to choose as a customer. Taking that away is incredibly short-sighted on Google's part. To remove such a huge part of my choice to use my device as I wish, is to remove my reason for going with Android in the first place. Google, if you value your customers, GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT. No one is asking for this. Let customers make their own choice. If people want a locked down ecosystem, they can go to IOS. It has been that way from the beginning. Do not take away the thing that brings people to your ecosystem in the first place. "

Katie, change.org

"Google is making this change for control not for security. these changes will give Google sole control over who can create apps for their platform and by extension it means they have complete control over what apps are allowed. In short this is censorship. "

Drake, change.org

"The entire reason I use Android so much and deal with Google's bull is the fact that I can run my own code along with others. Get rid of that, and you get rid of the point of still using Android. "

Aaron, change.org

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

João, change.org

"I should be allowed to download whatever I want onto the phone I paid for "

Celia, change.org

"A better way to improve Android security is for Google to require all their own code and the code of all Play Store apps to be fully free as in freedom to make security research easier. Ideally, all Google code would also be bootstrappable and reproducible. Without 100% free software all the time, we can only assume there ore backdoors and malicious code in Google products and Play Store apps. "

Seth, change.org

"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 "

lucas, change.org

"Screw Google... That's all. "

Michael, change.org

"I will switch to iOS and get rid of my android devices and Google home setup if this policy is implemented. I use android because it is open. If Google makes it an inferior version of the iPhone then I will switch over to iPhone. "

Scott, change.org

"Google you aren't trying to protect the kids you are not trying to protect your users you are trying to control them and do only what you want closing android will kill it especially in the United States if android is closed there is no reason to have an android no freedom no enjoyment just an iPhone lite "

Garrett, change.org

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

enzo, change.org

"We will not be pushed around. Resend the restrictions and let people use their property as they see fit. "

Daniel, change.org

"Nós vencemos Google idiota 😆😆😆😆😆 "

Bruno, change.org

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

Justin, change.org

"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. "

Joseph, change.org

"The only reason I use android is for the freedoms that it brought, allowing for FOSS apps is literally they only thing that separates you from apple!! "

Joseph, change.org

"You are now a 0. "

İbrahim, change.org

"Third party apps make my phone so much more functional and versatile for my own personal needs. It's why I choose Android over Apple. Giving less options to all of us will only make the user experience worse for everyone. "

Jorri, change.org

"Mobile devices are tools, and tools must serve who uses them, not who makes them. "Sideloading" is what makes android so useful for all sorts of tasks. And if one's not convinced by the danger of letting large and unchangeable companies (or even governments in some cases) be in control of what you use everyday, then one should be convinced by the danger of turning your expensive phone or tablet useless by being allowed to use only a very small and limited set of apps. Android is an operating system! not a service for google to rule over! "

Wolfy, change.org

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

Kaden, change.org

"We should be able to do what we want with the devices we own. Locking everyone into only downloading from the google playstore will just create the walled garden that iPhone has already. "Sideloading" shouldn't be viewed as a bad thing, or something you shouldnt do. Its the same as downloading something on a computer. Im just downloading software on my phone. Imagine if they blocked you being able to downloading anything outside of the Microsoft Store on Windows. This needs to be stopped. The main (and basically only reason) I get an android phone is to have control over it. If this is removed from hs I will have no reason not to use an iPhone instead. "

Steven, change.org

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

Binyomin, change.org

"Everyday Google becomes more and more of a monopoly and governments are letting them get away with it so they can use them to enact censorship and surveillance. "

Ciara, change.org

"I use Android because it's free than OS so what will be the difference between iOS and Android if it's not for "site loading".i am simply user not a developer I like to be able to take a software and install it with my device.Don't be evil but that's not true anymore but remember for where you coming from if you forget this your roots you have no future. "

Krasimir, change.org

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

Doug, change.org

"I object to being forced to use Google "approved" bloatware and non-open source software on my devices. "

Kinene, change.org

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

Steven, change.org

"The whole reason I choose Android over iOS is because of the choices I have when I purchase the device. Android make me feel that I own the device. However, if Android takes iOS's walled garden approach there's little reason to select Android over iOS. "

Tyler, change.org

"👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 "

Cairan Pedro, change.org

"This would simply make me walk away from using android devices, you act like android is the only phone OS out there and it's not. Linux is a powerful tool, so don't be foolish Google. "

Christopher, change.org

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

Gavin, change.org

"We can stand together to save Android and keep downloading what we love on our Android devices! "

Austin, change.org

"I switched to Android for my freedom to install apps. Now that the threat of app verification is looming over us, If this goes through, Android will no longer have a place in my life. Continue to allow (free and fair) APK installs! "

Sebastian, change.org

"We need independent devs and apps to maintain a viberant ecosystem in the face of modern stagnation. Plus people have the right to choose products that align with their own values and needs. "

m, change.org

"Privacy is important! "

Kyle, change.org

"google, queremos continuar livres! "

Vitor, change.org

"I like Android because of the customization and the control you have over YOUR phone. Restricting the openness and freedom you have on Android is an invasion of our rights. https://keepandroidopen.org/ "

Blake, change.org

"Google's attempt to prevent outside app installation on Android is very concerning. Only allowing approved developers will make it so developers will feel less inclined to make new apps. Additionally, this should raise antitrust laws into full affect as there ownership over android and attempted control over the whole market of phones that use the android ecosystem is very wrong. "

Joey, change.org

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

Michael, change.org

"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!! "

Eric, change.org

"one of the best advantages of Android over iOS "

Anderson, change.org

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

Weston, change.org

"Android is and has been the operating system that gives everyone the freedom to install any apps they want. The action of adding in a developer verification is simply redundant, anyone who goes out of the Google Play store to sideload knows its risks and why they are doing it. It is the only mobile operating system that allows us to do so, we won't let Google stop us. "

Yuquan, change.org

"Android has always been my preferred due to the freedom and flexibility it allows developers and consumers like me. To take that away, you're becoming more like apple and deciding what I, the consumer of your devices and software do with my device. If this goes forward, I will utilize an alternative to apple or android. "

Genesis, change.org

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