你的手机,将不再属于你。
自 2027 年*起,Google 将强制推送静默更新,若开发者未在 Google 进行注册、未签署协议、付款或上传官方身份证件,其开发的应用就会被封禁。
全世界所有应用、所有设备都不例外。
↓Google 在做什么?
2025 年 8 月,Google 宣布了一条新规:自 2027 年起,所有 Android 开发者都必须集中向 Google 注册,否则开发的软件就无法安装到任何设备上。所有应用均会受影响,包括在小圈子间互传的应用、在 F-Droid 上发布的应用以及由爱好者开发、个人使用的软件,而不仅限于 Play Store 中的应用。独立开发者、社区组织、爱好者等都将被挡在软件开发与分发的大门之外。
而为了注册,开发者们需要:
- 向 Google 支付费用
- 同意 Google 的条款
- 提交政府签发的身份证件
- 证明自己拥有私有签名密钥
- 列出现在和将来所有要使用的应用 ID
若开发者不服从规定,则全球所有 Android 设备会悄然屏蔽他开发的应用。
谁会受害?
你
你购买 Android 手机,是因为 Google 曾承诺它会开放。你可以自由安装想要的软件,这是当初的承诺。
然而,Google 如今要重写这份协议,而且是追溯到你已拥有的设备。更新落地后,你的手机 —— 你的财产,你花钱购买的 —— 将只能运行 Google 许可的软件。你的手机,在事实意义上,将有一部分不再属于你。
独立开发者
无论是求学少年编写的第一个应用、志愿开发者制作的隐私工具,还是公司内部的保密测试版,均难逃一劫。到了 2027 年,以上软件若未获得 Google 许可,都将无法安装。
F-Droid 上有数千个自由开源的 Android 应用,它们认为这次更新堪称“存亡”威胁。Cory Doctorow 称之为 “Darth Android”。
Google 给予的“退路”,实则是陷阱
Google 声称“高级用户”可以“继续安装”未验证的应用。但是,实际情况却是:
- 你需要打开系统设置,找到开发者选项
- 连续点击版本号七次,打开开发者模式
- 关闭“确认你是否受到了胁迫”的恐吓性提示
- 输入设备的 PIN 码
- 重启设备
- 等待 24 小时
- 回到设置,再次关闭恐吓性提示
- 选择“暂时允许”(7 天)或“永久允许”
- 再次确认你清楚所谓的“风险”
*仅仅只是为了在自己的设备上自己安装侧载软件,*你就需要九步操作、等待二十四小时强制冷静期。
然而,祸不单行的是,这一流程完全受Google Play 服务控制,和 Android 系统无关。Google 可以随时改动、收紧甚至废止,无需系统更新,也无需用户同意。
Android 还只是这一切的开始
如果 Google 可以事后锁定数十亿台当初打着“开放平台”旗号售卖出去的设备,那全世界其他硬件制造商也都可能效仿。
Google 此举将确立 “设备制造商有权在消费者购买后决定其能装什么软件” 的规则。软件圈中,这称为“撤梯子”,但至少用户仍可安装其他竞品。而在硬件上,剥夺用户自主权,让用户任由不受制衡的“守门人”、已被判垄断的巨头摆布,即将成为既定事实。
实际上,Android 的开放性从来不仅是一项功能,而是其区别于 iPhone 的承诺。数百万用户正是出于这一承诺选择了 Android。但如今,Google 自恃市场主导地位和监管影响力足以让其逍遥法外,要单方面撕毁承诺,波及用户早已到手的设备。
Ars Technica:“Google 嫉妒苹果,要摧毁 Android 开放的传统。”
但是稍等,这不就是……
“……说到底不就是安全吗?”
安全只是借口。Google Play Protect 本身无需了解开发者的身份即可扫描恶意软件。要求提交身份证件并不能让代码更安全,只能让开发者被识别和监控。恶意软件制作者照样能注册,独立开发者和异见人士却反而未必。EFF 一针见血:以身份为依据的把关是审查手段,而非安全措施。
“……走高级流程,不还是能侧载吗?”
然而,为了侧载,你需要九步操作、等待二十四小时强制冷静期。而且这条通路不仅埋藏在开发者选项中,还依赖 Google 随时可中断的专有服务。这并非侧载,而是劝退机制,意图正是让大多数人都无法侧载。而且因为该功能通过 Play 服务而非系统实现,Google 可以悄然收紧或关停。
“……没什么见不得人的,怕什么?”
威权政府下的吹哨人、记者、活动家将首当其冲。其次会轮到家庭暴力受害者。这些群体有必要在分发或使用软件时不向 Google 数据库提供真实身份,理由正当。匿名贡献开源代码的传统早在 Google 建立前就已形成,但新政策会在 Android 上消灭这一传统。
“……苹果不也这么干吗?”
苹果从一开始就是封闭生态,人们早已习惯。人们选择 Android,正是因为它不一样,它“开放”。“苹果也这样”是竞相逐底的恶性竞争、五十步笑百步。更何况,在欧盟《数字市场法》的监管压力下,连苹果都被迫开放。Google 却反其道而行之,试图进一步巩固自身在 Android 世界的“土皇帝”地位。
“……不就是 25 美元和填几张表而已?”
或许如此,但前提是你身在美国,有信用卡和可以证明你身份的证件(如驾照)。倘若你是撒哈拉以南非洲的学生、缅甸的异见人士或维护社区健康应用的志愿者,成本就远不止于金钱了:还要将身份证件和签名密钥交给某家经常配合政府下架应用、泄露开发者身份的公司。
那我们应当如何反击?
所有人
- 在你拥有的所有 Android 手机上安装 F-Droid。只有人们大量使用,平替应用商店才能存活下来。
- 联系你所在地区的监管部门。全世界的监管部门都在密切关注科技巨头的垄断和集权问题,也想聆听受害者的真实心声。
- 分享这个页面。让 keepandroidopen.org 遍布网络世界。
- 对抗网络水军。开口就是“其实吧……”的那群人已经倾巢而出,别让他们主导舆论风向。
- 签署 change.org 的请愿书。加入已有超 10 万人签名的行列,让我们的声音被听到。
- 阅读并转发我们的公开信
- 在 Google 自己的调查问卷中,填写你的想法 (虽然这大概率无用,但尽力而为)。
开发者
不要注册开发者账号。不要注册 Android 开发者控制台,不要签署 Google 的不可撤销条款,更不要验证身份。不要授人以柄。
Google 的计划只有在开发者配合时才能生效。因此不要配合。
- 劝说其他开发者和组织不要注册。
- 将 FreeDroidWarn 库集成到你的应用中,提醒用户。
- 你在运营网站吗?可以在你运营的网站添加一条倒计时横幅。
Google 员工
如果你了解该计划的技术实现方式或内部逻辑,使用非工作电脑、非 Gmail 账号发送邮件到 tips@keepandroidopen.org。我们保证绝对保密。
所有反对者……
来自 23 个国家的 71 个组织签署了 公开信
OpenMedia openmedia.org
Software Liberty Association of Taiwan slat.org.tw
Proton AG proton.me
Vivaldi Technologies AS vivaldi.com
Data Rights datarights.ngo
Software Freedom Conservancy sfconservancy.org
GNOME Foundation gnome.org
MetaBrainz Foundation metabrainz.org
FULU Foundation fulu.org
Fundación Karisma karisma.org.co
FOSDEM fosdem.org
Digital Rights Watch digitalrightswatch.org.au
GNU/Linux València gnulinuxvalencia.org
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) fsf.org
The Digital Rights Foundation digitalrightsfoundation.pk
Associação Nacional para o Software Livre (ANSOL) ansol.org
Italian Linux Society ils.org
ARTICLE 19 article19.org
Rocky Linux rockylinux.org
April april.org
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) eff.org
Fedimedia fedimedia.it
Techlore techlore.tech
Open Rights Group (ORG) openrightsgroup.org
FUTO futo.org
Digitale Gesellschaft digitale-gesellschaft.ch
Technopolice Bruxelles technopolice.be
Forbrukerrådet forbrukerradet.no
CryptPad cryptpad.org
The Center for Digital Progress (D64) d-64.org
Nextcloud nextcloud.com
The Calyx Institute calyx.org
FACiL facil.qc.ca
GitHub Store github-store.org
F-Droid f-droid.org
Cryptee crypt.ee
European Digital Rights (EDRi) edri.org
Rossmann Group rossmanngroup.com
UnifiedPush unifiedpush.org
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) beuc.eu
Brave brave.com
La Quadrature du Net laquadrature.net
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) fsfe.org
epicenter.works – for digital rights epicenter.works
The Chaos Computer Club (CCC) ccc.de
/e/ Foundation e.foundation
iodé iode.tech 大家怎么说
科技媒体
"Resistance to Google's Android verification grows among developers"
Techzine EU
"Google's developer registration 'decree' means the end for alternative app stores"
Cybernews
"F-Droid says Google's new sideloading restrictions will kill the project"
Ars Technica
"An 'existential' threat to alternative app stores"
The New Stack
"'Keep Android Open' Movement Challenges Google's Developer Verification Rule"
Open Source For U
"Google Clamps down On Android's Openness"
Internet Freedom Foundation (India)
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
How-To Geek
"It effectively makes the Play Store a monopoly without actually mandating that it is a monopoly."
I-Programmer
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
How-To Geek
"Google plans to block side-loading like Apple, declaring war on Android freedom"
Tuta Blog
"Android, Epic, and What's Really Behind Google's 'Existential' Threat to F-Droid"
Slashdot
"Google's New Developer ID Rule Could Harm F-Droid"
Reclaim The Net
"Google will make you wait 24 hours to sideload Android apps"
How-To Geek
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
Android Headlines
"Google's Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android's open legacy"
Ars Technica
"Android app store provider Aptoide hits Google with fresh lawsuit alleging monopoly and anticompetitive chokehold"
Benzinga
"Google's Attack on Sideloading Will Rob Android of One of Its Best Features"
How-To Geek
"Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy"
It's FOSS News
"Keep Android Open – Abwehr gegen Verbot anonymer Apps von Google"
heise online
"F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules"
Bleeping Computer
"Google says it's making Android sideloading 'high-friction' to better warn users about potential risks"
XDA Developers
"I've been an Android user for almost 15 years -- and Google's sideloading changes are pushing me back to iPhone"
Tom's Guide
"Keep Android Open"
Linux Magazine
"Google's Android developer verification program draws pushback"
InfoWorld
"Open-Source Android Apps Threatened by Google's New Policy"
Datamation
"Sideloading is dead for all intents and purposes. The Android you know and love is slowly disappearing."
Android Police
"Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register"
The Register
"F-Droid Slams Google for Misleading Users About Android's App Verification"
Android Headlines
"We all know that's a load of bullshit. Adding a goddamn 24-hour waiting period is batshit insanity."
Thom Holwerda, OSnews
"Google's dev registration plan 'will end the F-Droid project'"
The Register
"F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android"
How-To Geek
"Google's New Developer Rules Threaten to End the F-Droid Open-Source App Store"
How-To Geek
"Over 67 groups urge the company to drop ID checks for apps distributed outside Play"
The Register
"Android's sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet"
MakeUseOf
"Google will verify Android developers distributing apps outside the Play store"
The Verge
"Open letter warns mandatory registration 'threatens innovation, competition, privacy and user freedom'"
Infosecurity Magazine
"Open-Source Android Apps at Risk Under Google's New Decree"
TechRepublic
"Sideloading on Android? Soon It'll Be Like a TSA Check for Apps"
Android Headlines
"This will wipe out Android as an actual alternative to Apple's mobile OS offerings."
Hackaday
"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 new developer rules could threaten sideloading and F-Droid's future"
Gizmochina
"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 ID requirements could destroy independent app stores"
TechSpot
"Google will require developer verification to install Android apps, including sideloading"
9to5Google
"Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store"
TechCrunch
评论和分析
"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."
I-Programmer
"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."
Tuta Blog
"Innovation may be the biggest casualty in all of this. This new rule erodes your right to make informed decisions about your own devices."
MakeUseOf
"This is not a developer account sign-up. This is comprehensive surveillance of the software development ecosystem."
PixelUnion
"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."
Biometric Update
"Android is no longer the scrappy rebel. It's just another empire tightening the drawbridge."
Newsfangled
"Centralizing the registration of all applications worldwide gives Google newfound powers to completely disable any app it wants."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"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."
Arafat Alim, DEV Community
"This is a form of malicious compliance with the court orders stemming from its losses to Epic Games."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"Android is not open anymore. It's not an alternative. It's not even trying. It's iOS with ads and spyware bolted on."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"Freedom of choice is being reframed as a 'security risk.'"
Newsfangled
"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."
AndroidSage
"One US corporation is placing itself between every Android developer and every Android user on earth."
PixelUnion
"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."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"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."
Ken Buckler, Enterprise Management Associates
"Android does not just warn anymore. It enforces."
Youssef Mabrouk, Ostorlab
"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."
Jesse Wilson, PublicObject.com
"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."
Thom Holwerda, OSnews
"This is not about protecting users. This is about control. This is about Google cutting out the last remaining artery of independence in Android."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"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."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"What student is going to upload their passport to a trillion-dollar surveillance corporation just to share their weekend project?"
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"Google is turning sideloading from a right into a permission slip, and the open-source community has until September to convince it otherwise."
Reclaim The Net
"The requirement extends Google's gatekeeping authority from its own Play Store to every alternative distribution channel on Android."
LLM Advocates
"Google's move is not credibly about 'security,' but actually about consolidating power and tightening control over a formerly open ecosystem."
Techdirt
"Google has not removed Android's openness, but it is turning openness from a default right into a conditional, attributable, and tiered capability."
MerchMindAI
"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."
Purism
"The proposed Android Developer Verification program isn't a security update; it's a kill switch for the open ecosystem."
Hillary Keverenge, Tech-ish Kenya
"This could turn Google into the effective gatekeeper for all apps on certified Android devices."
It's FOSS News
"Every additional bureaucratic hurdle reduces diversity in the software ecosystem and concentrates power in large established players."
Mikhail Korotaev, Nextcloud Blog
"Android wasn't supposed to be 'safe.' It was supposed to be free."
fireborn, mataroa.blog
"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."
Maya Posch, Hackaday
"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."
Cory Doctorow, Pluralistic
"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."
agnostic-apollo (Termux developer), GitHub
组织和公开信
"Android's biggest strength has always been its openness. That's what attracted developers and users in the first place."
AdGuard
"Google is turning Android into a walled garden monopoly. We must prevent it."
Osservatorio Nessuno
"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
"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
"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'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
"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
"Your Smartphone, Their Rules: How App Stores Enable Corporate-Government Censorship."
ACLU
"While Android used to be praised for its freedom and independence, it will become a closed shop just like Apple."
Tuta
"We are running out of time until Google becomes the gate-keeper of all users devices."
F-Droid
"Google will cut off independent developers to Android if they do not register with Google first. This will kill independent platforms like F-Droid and severely impede FLOSS devs from creating apps for Android."
KDE
"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
"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
"We unequivocally advise against signing up for this program, now or ever."
F-Droid Open Letter
"Centralised, intransparent security architectures certainly help secure monetization and the market by locking out competitors."
Nextcloud
"Ultimately, Google's plan will stop you from owning your Android phone."
Tuta
"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
"MEP Christel Schaldemose formally questioned whether Google's mandatory central registration is compatible with the Digital Markets Act."
European Parliament
"Remember: It's your phone, your data, your freedom. Don't let Google take it away."
Tuta
"Verification just confirms who's behind the app, it doesn't guarantee clean code or rule out malicious behavior."
AdGuard
"Google Play itself has repeatedly hosted malware, proving that corporate gatekeeping doesn't guarantee user protection."
F-Droid
"Unilaterally consolidating power to approve software into the hands of a single unaccountable corporation is a threat to digital sovereignty everywhere."
Nextcloud
"Nearly 50 organizations published an open letter opposing what they characterize as a 'kill switch for the open ecosystem.'"
Tech-ish Kenya
"The European Pirate Party called for proportionate and transparent measures that ensure security without restricting innovation, limiting anonymity, or distorting competition."
European Pirate Party
"Google's developer verification policy creates a centralized database, controlled by a single corporation, containing the real-world identity of every person who writes software for Android."
Brave
"This 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
"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 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
"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
"Changes would impose barriers to entry for individual developers, small teams and volunteer projects by imposing fees, identity checks and terms that may not align with the principles of an open ecosystem."
Infosecurity Magazine
"When you set up a gate, you invite authorities to use it to block things they don't like. And when you build a database, you invite governments to try to get access."
Electronic Frontier Foundation
YouTube 博主和创作者
"Developers of privacy-focused tools and emulators will have to dox themselves, making them vulnerable to government agencies or legal action."
SomeOrdinaryGamers (Mutahar) – 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
"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
"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
"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
"When you download applications, you've simply installed an application. I don't want to use words like 'sideload.'"
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
"Google decides what's safe for you, and you don't get a say."
fireborn – Blog
"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
"If I'm going to be trapped in a walled garden anyway, I'll take the one that's built properly."
fireborn – Blog
"Android has become what they set out to destroy."
Linus Sebastian, LMG Clips – YouTube
"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
"The fact of the matter is, this is my device. I paid a lot of money for it. I should be able to do with it what I want."
Switched to Linux – YouTube
"Google is doing to Android what Microsoft once tried to do to the web. Embrace, extend, extinguish. Just wrapped in a shinier open-source package."
ChiefGyk3D – YouTube
"This is an iPhone now. I didn't want to buy an iPhone. I use Android because it gives me freedom. If you are not going to give me freedom with my computer, then why would I buy your stuff anymore?"
Louis Rossmann – YouTube
"Your device, their rules. The phone you bought and paid for is no longer really yours."
Tuta Blog – Blog
"Google already can disable malware that they find on your device. It's already a built-in feature. So what is developer registration actually adding here? Is it security or control? You decide."
Techlore – YouTube
"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
"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
"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
"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
"That's not openness. That is control."
ChiefGyk3D – YouTube
"Google is setting a requirement that only they can fulfill, forcing developers to go through Google and killing off thousands of apps. Countless users stranded."
Techlore – YouTube
"Google 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
开发者和社区
"The phrase 'sideload' is psychological propaganda we are all best off rejecting."
WaffleMonster, Slashdot
"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
"Some time in the future, we will look back to this era and ask ourselves what went wrong."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"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
"The war on General Purpose Computing is the death of innovation and a direct attack on digital freedom."
layfellow, Hacker News
"Give me liberty or give me Symbian."
masterofn001, Lemmy
"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
"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
"The open Android I knew and loved is long gone."
girvo, 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
"'Sideload' is like 'jaywalking'; seeks to stigmatize humans being human."
tejtm, 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
"They're boiling the frog -- slowly removing features until all choice is gone."
hn92726819, Hacker News
"I still remember how in the early days of Android vs iOS discussions, the main point was 'but it's OPEN!' The word 'open' was used as a comma by Google people. It was The Thing. The Difference. Good vs Evil and all that."
jwr, Hacker News
"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
"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
"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
"They have stolen a free product and are now actively locking out the people who built it."
TheTearMiser, Lemmy
"There's an entire genre of scamming where the scammers spend months building rapport with their victims before cashing out. One day is nothing."
free_bip (on the 24-hour wait defeating scammers), Hacker News
"Once deployed, there's a near 100% chance of such a mechanism being used for evil."
Zak, Lemmy
"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
"All the banking and payment apps in India refuse to open if you have developer mode on."
nibbleyou (developer in India), Hacker News
"Antitrust action is badly needed. It is ridiculous that I need permission from my device manufacturer to install software on hardware I own."
jim201, Hacker News
"We 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
"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
"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 buy a device with my own money, which I supposedly then own, but then I need to ask some corporation permission to use it."
askonomm, Hacker News
"Android was never actually open and now they are abandoning even the thin pretense."
Tiraon, Tildes
"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
"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 wants the authority of a gatekeeper without the overhead of human accountability."
afferi300rina, Hacker News
"You are essentially a child to them. The difference is society has decided not to step in to protect you from your abusive parents."
globular-toast, Hacker News
"Years ago, I wondered how Google would try to get away with locking down Android and shutting the cage door after capturing such a large dependent user base. Now I see how they are trying to get away with it."
chaznabin, Reddit
"If 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
"It took them 17 years to finally pull the cage all the way shut."
Apocryphon, Hacker News
"Whatever Google is doing kind of scares me. We have a big DIY community of diabetics in Germany running tools like AndroidAPS that cannot ever be distributed through official channels."
pimeys (Type 1 diabetic, DIY medical software), Lobsters
"For 'security' -- always security with these assholes. They're just building the walls of the walled garden higher."
lynxy, Tildes
"We are talking about something categorically worse than vendor lock-in: Collective vendor lock-in."
anordal, Lobsters
"You have no right telling me what I can and cannot run on my own devices."
MrZander, Hacker News
"Brazil government app refuses to operate with developer mode on."
flykespice (developer in Brazil), Hacker News
"Android is for everyone, provided they submit to Google exclusively."
gumby271, 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
"Google seems to actively hate people who develop for their platforms."
hbn, Hacker News
"Twice I have had to deal with Google silently disabling my drone app to the point I had to buy an older phone to perform work. When I purchase a device that works with another device, under no circumstances should I be at the mercy of any updates they make."
cbrophoto (drone professional), Reddit
"Social engineering is destroyed with education, not with restriction and control. Trading freedom for safety eliminates both."
survirtual, Hacker News
"I hate this so much. More and more I get the feeling I have no control over the devices I own. My fear is that Windows will eventually follow. For security reasons of course. It's the path we're on now."
cheesyvoetjes, Reddit
"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
"Play store is full of scam apps, F-Droid isn't, but Play Store is considered secure. It's all theatre."
gcupc, Lobsters
"I teach digital literacy and 99% of unsavory software I encounter on people's phones come from the Play Store or App Store. I will believe they're serious about protecting users when I see them do something about the crap ton of borderline scam apps infesting their stores."
1995ToyotaCorolla, Lemmy
"Google's plan to require developer verification would give Google and governments the ability to ban any app."
Zak, 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
"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
"Anyone else thinking this looks like a precursor to banning Signal and similar? 1) Put Google in control of what you can install. 2) Get Google to block it."
harry8, Hacker News
"It's not cyclic. It's a ratchet and it gets tighter and tighter."
BenjaminRi, Lobsters
"Modern life practically forces you to put all your eggs into a phone controlled by one of two profit-seeking companies."
koala, Lobsters
"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
"Signal, VPNs -- they'll have a list of everyone opting out of government-mandated backdoors."
Max-P, Lemmy
"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
请愿者的呼声
"I am not a dev, I am a Linux user who loves the openness of android. If Android becomes locked down, and the play store is the only option, my sovereignty and freedom is gone. GOOGLE, PLEASE DO NOT CONTINUE YOUR CURRENT COURSE. "
Gabriel, change.org
"I have used my own, or other developers' custom APKs in the past, and do not want to be locked into app store(s) only! "
Collin, change.org
"Android was once the pinacle of freedom, not letting that stay in the past "
Juan, change.org
"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! "
Henrique, change.org
"Another broken Google promise. Keep Android open "
Pero, 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
"As a big android user I love the option to try out apps that people make that dont want to use google play. Or the ability to sideload an app if its not "officially" supported but can run fine. The open nature of it is what makes things great and taking that away will push away people. "
T, change.org
"Google,please don't do that. Because if you do that, millions and millions of Android users will switch to iOS, because that's the point of Android even exists! *I* switched to Android because I did not like iOS So please... Give us the freedom we want! "
Eduardo, change.org
"One of the reasons that I had chosen android over IOS is its open ecosystem, and the ability to side-load my own apps outside of traditional sources to meet my needs, but by locking this down, not only does this destroy the open-source movement, but it also stalls and even halts development all-together, which means that you will no longer be able to gain the advantage of "community" improving upon the various aspects of the android operating system. "
gabi, change.org
"I have Android phones for just one reason: The freedom they provided so far. Some of my main apps are side-loaded. This move of Google is a huge disappointment. It’s a terrible abuse of monopoly power. "
Andreas, change.org
"I have been with Android since the Motorola Droid on Android 2.0 and been with Android all the way till now. The reason I went with Android is because of the openness and freedom I can do with my device that I bought. Throughout the years, I have installed really amazing apps outside the Play Store. I should have the ability to install any app I want and App developers should be able to create any app they want without having to give their information away. Google, please don't become like Apple and lock everything down. "
Rafael, change.org
"We shouldn't have the decision to sideload apps stripped from us so more of our data can be stolen from under our noses. The majority of the apps I use are from small devs. Devs who likely wouldn't have the time to jump through Google's arbitrary hoops, or wouldn't want to the security risks that comes with that compliance. "
Rebecca, change.org
"Google's claim is that this is for trust and security, but this is a move to gain profit from and power over its users, nothing more and most certainly nothing less. I am not willing to give Google the decision as to what kind of app or what kind of information is and is not allowed to exist on *my* personal device, and I do not want to live in a world where tens if not hundreds of millions have their entire worldview curated by Google. Remember when your motto was, "Don't be evil"? Try going back to that philosophy. "
Sean, change.org
"I prefer Andriod because of the freedom to install applications from web and altrenative stores other than Play Store. I've lots of apps that I use on daily basis which were downloaded from F-driod and web. Side loading applications is what makes Andriod better than iOS. Don't take away feature that which makes Andriod Cool and Amazing. "
Zupher, change.org
"We need to stop Google controlling us. "
Carmen, change.org
"I personally knew Android because of it's open nature. Seeing this made me heartbroken. I am all about rooting so sideloading is a crucial part in some rooting operations I do on my device. Now I can't have any more cool mods on my device anymore. Thanks Google. "
chau, change.org
"We installed Android and became developers in good faith, that it was open and not locked/controlled and would stay that way. Google's motto USED to be "don't be evil" and yet they now do exactly that. People that force behaviour onto others are never the good guys. "
Shane, 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 biggest reason I use Android is because I like the fact that it's open and if I don't like something I can just fix it also I like the ability to have my open source apps which you're trying to kill I guess you're just going to help boost The amount of people that are switching over to a true linux-based phone "
Justin, change.org
"The reason I chose Android is for the openness of the software. If Android isn't going to stay that than myself and millions more will find other phones to use and own. Choice matters. "
Andrew, change.org
"I think it is a slap in the face for users and developers alike. "
Timothy, change.org
"I only somewhat recently found open source apps and some of my favorite apps to use for certain services have easily become my favorite ones to use above googles or the play stores apps, and I trust apps from F-droid and other sources more than I would trust apps from the play store or even baked in apps with some that would actually make doing things less easy and enjoyable if suddenly I was unable to use them "
Robert, change.org
"Funny how a principle as straightforward as “don’t be evil” can still turn out to be surprisingly difficult to live up to. "
JV, change.org
"I really liked android phones cause of the freedom they use to have, but with this... they are the same as Apple so.... there's any reason for me to like Android anymore "
Fabián Jhovany, change.org
"ts bullshit fr fr ive been tinkering with Android for a long long long time now and its part of the reason im even into tech so much. the sheer amount of freedom Android allows is truly amazing and so help me god if they take it away "
silly, change.org
"If I wanted a phone that decided what I can and can't do I would have bought an iPhone. "
Tom, 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
"Authoritarians, I know you want the whole pie, but if you aspire for it we will make sure you lose the majority you already hold. "
Josh, change.org
"I don’t want a walled garden on android like iOS it sucks "
Caleb, change.org
"Honestly with having used Android multiple times throughout my life, platforms like F-Droid have provided me with some very good open source applications and I'd hate to see that go away. "
Lucas, change.org
"The whole reason Android is superior to other os is because its an open platform. If you change what makes it great....then its no longer great. Its a copy cat IOS falling in line with everyone else and no longer blazing its own path. "
Michael, change.org
"This OS has been the only place that has felt free, the ability to download anything from anywhere is what a phone should be able to do. They trying to take away my freedom, and I refuse to bend the knee and accept it. "
Austin, 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
"Android's philosophy was based on openness. Google wants to take your freedom. They disguise it as security updates, but in reality, they want to rake even more profits and take control of your personal freedom. "
Tyler, change.org
"Control is what made Android different, taking that away would make it no better than Apple and the rest. "
Matthew, change.org
"In this day and age, most of the rich and powerful are attempting to restrict the choices normal people have, and Google attempting to limit the open-source nature of Android is just one more example of this. What Google is doing is not protecting anyone and only serves to limit what we are allowed to do, and I don't want to idly stand by as the rich become richer. "
Joseph, change.org
"My device is my device. "
arianna, change.org
"User Freedom is the Android standard, what the user chooses to do with his Android device is done under his own accountability. This is an attempt to monopolize and monetize the users "choice" by removing all avenues aside from google's approved path. Sideloading is not a risk that google is trying to protect their users from, it is a risk to their revenue that would come from selling you a tool made of easily copyable code, since all purchases made from apps installed through "normal means" give 30% of that revenue to google. What google wants is money, and they get money by placing their own guiding rails on your attention. they give you a free app that sustains itself with either some "full version purchase/subscription" or google's own ad platform. Their ads are another form of revenue to google, as well as app developers, though they have the downside of attempting to guide your attention away from what you're doing at the time and stimulate you into spending on whatever is being sponsored to be shown to you. There are thousands of apps on the play store, there are thousands more on other sources, and the very ones on the play store are subject to a policy of "update your app within x years or it will be removed from the play store;" this is a death sentence to any developer that simply wants to create a tool to help others by having to constantly update, then having to have some way to make it sustainable by some form of monetization since it's going to have an upkeep. It's either this, or being "doomed to obscurity outside the play store." In every step of the ladder of usage, google wants to have more money, search for an app, sponsored results first, then actual search query response, start downloading an app, the layout changes to show multiple carousels of sponsored apps "tailored to you," open an app, ads, wherever they can be, chosen by years of usage tracking and market control research, making money to google because companies will pay to have their names spread to gather attention, pay for services, subscriptions, and tools, giving 30% of it to google. A company like google measures its success by how much money they make, while the creators of tools, services, and games read through their mail, appreciating good reviews and crying about bad ones because passion is what led them to create. Take GitHub for example, a site comprised entirely to sharing code, entire project libraries free and open-source for anyone to use. Take StackExchange, multiple forums where questions and answers between experts of hundreds of subjects ranging from pure mathematics to writing to Dungeons & Dragons. Take Anna's Archive, a long-standing attempt to preserve literature media and providing methods to acces, preserve, and add to over 63 million books and 95 million papers, all for free. The average person is not me, but the average person includes large numbers of people younger than me that will accept whatever comes to their hands at the end of the day, it includes large numbers of people older than me that will be glad of an oversimplified process that won't take from their time. We need to be lucid enough to not waste time, the old will have too little time to care how they're being led, and the young will be raised into being led and believe it's natural. We need to show that our time is a value to each of us, and be strong enough to not sell our time to the well-oiled machine made to line a distant someone's pockets. "
Carlos, change.org
"As a former iOS dev, this move by Google sickens me. Android is the last major mobile OS that allows for open source development. Paying to become a "verified developer" is anti-consumer and anti-competitive. Google should be ashamed! This will allow them to introduce the same planned obsolescence the Apple uses to keep their users buying new phones when the latest OS isn't compatible with their phone. Users installing apps via 3rd party fully understand the risks. Corporate overreach won't "protect" anyone. We are not stupid Google! Stop treating us like sheep who don't know any better! "
Danielle, change.org
"Users don't deserve the Google jail cell to shrink and encroach "
Ben, change.org
"I use Android phones rather than iphones because it allows for more user end control, including the ability to use/install open-source apk. If the choice is made to restrict this functionality, my next phone will not be an android. "
Rebecca, change.org
"Android users have had the ability to use APKs for so long. It is a major thing that differentiates them from Apple, and something that has prevented me from switching over. Without the freedom of apks, there is nothing keeping me with Android or Google. "
Kayla, change.org
"This would kill a big company steam games from haveing app. "
Timothy, change.org
"Android users should really be given options for how to use their devices. It's unfair that they want to limit us after having given us so much freedom. While I understand it's to protect users, this measure affects independent developers, and even worse, forcing them to use Face ID exposes their faces to potential hacking and data leaks, since this is nothing new. I really hope this reaches more people and that they sign to try to show the community's discontent. "
León 999, change.org
"I can't let them have this. This world and especially these last years, tech companies think they can fully control you, utilized you, abuse you. Pls let this be one win for us "
Isaac, change.org
"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. "
Lewis, change.org
"The main advantage Android had over Apple was it's openness to alternative software other than the Play store. Take that away, and you just have a better battery. "
Zac, change.org
"Android OS IS and SHOULD STAY “my device, my rules,” not “Google’s walled garden with extra steps.” Locking down sideloading and making people become “approved developers” is not safety, it’s control. - F!@# Off -- You control everything else Google .. Leave Android alone! You’re stripping away the one thing that made Android different from Apple, and calling it protection doesn’t make it less anti‑consumer. -- You're just masking it as control in pretty language !! Leave it alone! "
Jon, change.org
"I am one of many developers who rely on Android devices as a primary development environment. Using tools such as AndroidIDE and CodeOnTheGo, I build, test, and experiment with Android applications directly on mobile hardware. However, these workflows are already heavily restricted — particularly due to changes introduced after SDK API 28, where dynamic loading of certain native libraries became limited. As a result, many development-oriented applications are now restricted to sideloading only. In addition, the current Google Play requirement of targeting a minimum SDK level of 31 further limits independent and experimental development workflows. While I understand the importance of platform security and modernization, these changes unintentionally create barriers for developers who build, test, and innovate directly on-device. I also use Termux extensively to set up full Linux-based environments on Android — including complete distributions with XFCE4 and tools such as code-server or code-oss. This allows me to work with compilers, package managers, scripting languages, and development stacks without requiring a separate desktop Linux machine. For many developers, this mobile-first workflow is not a novelty; it is a practical and accessible development setup. Recent platform restrictions risk limiting not only convenience, but also the broader ecosystem of open-source innovation on Android. Numerous open-source contributors have invested significant time and effort into building portable Linux environments, developer tooling, and educational setups that run entirely on mobile devices. These projects lower the barrier to entry for students, independent programmers, and developers who may not have access to traditional computing hardware. If such updates continue to narrow these possibilities, they could effectively undermine years of community-driven work that has enabled Android devices to function as capable, flexible development platforms. Maintaining a balance between security requirements and developer freedom is crucial. Android’s openness has historically been one of its greatest strengths, and preserving that spirit is important for fostering innovation and supporting the global developer community. "
Vkrm, change.org
"Keep android open source, resist surveillance and ID verification. Consider switching to Grapheneos "
Andrew, change.org
"Android has always been a great thing for side loading and having control over YOUR device and removing it like this is terrible. And should be stopped!!! "
John, change.org
"I, as an Android user for 17 years, believe in, and chose Android for, device openness and the freedom of choice. To choose my device, the services I use, from where I download my applications, and to choose FOSS apps that don't require developer registration or sacrificing personal privacy by accepting trackers and/or unnecessary permissions being tied to my app usage. Choice and freedom is what built Android and differentiated it from other platforms, like iOS, Windows Mobile, and other early smartphone operating systems. The trend of destroying user choice through the inability to unlock bootloader and easily root devices, the effective and increasing destruction of the custom ROM community and options, and now the elimination of third party app stores that offer incredible FOSS apps with greater focus on user privacy is one more step Google and Android are taking towards an undesirable ecosystem for many of us who still choose Android for its few remaining, and quickly disappearing, advantages. The argument that Google is requiring developer registration and restricting the ability of alternative app stores, like F-Droid, to continue to thrive as legitimate and worthwhile options is anti-consumer and isn't to protect users. Rather, it's to give users and consumers less control over their devices and data and, in my opinion, that is unacceptable. "
Roger, change.org
"I have always used android for this exact reason. For the freedom to do whatever I want on my device that I paid for. "
Juan, change.org
"Google can't do whatever it wants with Android. I paid for Android precisely for the freedom. If I wanted to stay in a closed system, I would have bought an iPhone. '-' "
Sandro, change.org
"I've always chosen to use Android because I want to have control of how I use my phone. I know installing something might cause problems, but after all it's my decision and my phone too! If I wanted to be "more safe" I'd buy a phone with iOS. Let the users decide how they want to use their phones at their own risk. "
Nicky, change.org
"It's not much, but this is the first steps towards change. "
Alex, change.org
"The only reason I own any Android devices is the ease with which I can load my own self-written programs. Creating friction in the form of forcing me to register or jump through hoops to run my programs will 100% cause me to abandon the platform, as easy, no-contract installation of software is literally the only feature of Android that I actually like (the OS is generally not very reliable, the usability is poor, and easy side loading is the only feature that differentiates the system from iOS.) It sure seems to me that with this plan, Google must really want to help Apple sell iPhones and iPads. If you remove the openness of Android, all Apple will need to do is release a cheaper phone and tablet than what Samsung has in order to destroy Android forever. Google overestimates the degree to which Android users are locked in to the platform; most Android users have it because Android phones are cheaper than iPhones. The rest of us are programmers who like our freedom, and this platform hostility will drive us away, which won't be good for the Google Play Store's selection of effort-free profits for Google. "
Casey, change.org
"I support Signature verification for security, but centralised verification is harmful for open Android ecosystem. "
Wenyi, change.org
"APK ARE IMPORTANT,IT'S SOME GAMES THAT ARE NOT ON PLAYSTORE "
Paulo, change.org
"I switched for freedom - not this. "
Harrison, change.org
"To quote Louis Rossmann: "A phone is essentially a computer, and you should have the autonomy to install whatever programs you want in your computer." (or something like that) Still, we can't deny that this is Google being petty for a multitude of reasons *cough* YouTube ADS *cough* and hopping aboard the "hand over your [government issued ID]" train in their own way. And apparently, they're going after our hardware with this one, since they just realized they can't prevent users from fiddling with software server-side. Again, there are plenty of privacy-invading and data-harvesting apps on the Play Store itself, but the data also goes to Google, so they're buddy-buddy on that. Anyway, you probably already know the rest of the script at this point. Now, onto my personal experience, I love the fact that I can install so many quality and useful open source apps made by developers who, (I'm probably underestimating here) sometimes, made those apps out of a personal need. Third party GApps front-ends, more tools than I can count, NewPipe forks, gallery apps that won't harvest data in the background — all of those, open source, with no trackers and no free data for Google, which is another reason why they're doing this. "
some dude, change.org
"Open Android was a promise to devs and users. Now Google tries to turn Android into a closed shop. That is disapointing. "
Marc, change.org
"Hasn't Google monopolized enough? Let us have a right to our data, identity security, and development. "
Taylor, change.org
"Google is pushing for literally the antithesis of what android alaways promised to be and actually was. This is extremely concerning, it involves and affects ALL people, not just devs. If Google don't back down and the lock down actually happens, who knows how much would it take for them to also start deciding which apps you're ALLOWED to install on YOUR phone. This is the beginning of the path to total user control. WE HAVE TO ACT NOW. "
Raymundo Iván, change.org
"Android used to be all about giving its users freedom over the walled garden approach of iOS. If Google will be following the same path of Apple, they will be losing a major competitive advantage among pro users. "
Freddy, change.org
"Its my phone im doing as i please with it "
Brayden, change.org
"I value the open source initiative deeply. I believe that Google putting up barricades to make this harder to access and use for developers and consumers alike is an act against the freedom of the open source initiative. "
Samuel, change.org
"I choose to use android for the freedom. If thry implement this in such a way that hinders that, I will no longer have a reason to pick android over iPhone. Guess I will see how this plays out. "
James, change.org
"Drastically changing what I can do with MY devices years after the original purchase is peak anti-consumer behavior. This action should be illegal. Can you imagine if your car manufacturer said you can only use Shell gas to fill up years after you purchased it. Same energy here. Let's STOP THE GOOGLEOPOLY. "
Ayiana, 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
"I chose Android over Apple because of its openness and flexibility. I want to be the one who controls my device, not some central decision making body. "
Liana, change.org
"One of the main benefits of owning an Android device is having the freedom of installing any repositories and apps you wish, including those that are open source. If Google goes through with this power grab and monopolizes the Android software, then there will be no benefit compared to owning an iPhone. "
Richard, change.org
"HOW NEXT GENS GONNA INSTALL MINECRAFT?! "
Kyouko, change.org
"Android since it start has its premisse of being a free place that you can do what you want, but with this change it is not possible anymore. This is restricting user freedom and censoring what can and cannot be displayed at android. "
Kaio, change.org
"Many of the apps I use for managing Type 1 diabetes require sideloading. If the hobbyist plan has any restrictions (which it most likely will), it could impact my personal health. We need full transparency about how this will work, or for this to be cancelled. "
1712, change.org
"Android made it possible for free, open source software to be widely used between everyday consumers instead of locking them into subscriptions or high one time payments, and by restricting APK sideloading, this strips people away from being able to use software that more poeple are able to use. This is downright wrong. "
Michael, change.org
"I dislike all the changes that have undergone Android, but this one takes the cake for the worst one i could have ever imagined. "
Pye, change.org
"If this happens then I might as well move over to Apple. Shame on you Google. "
Darren, change.org
"Open means Open Google. You are a Liar Google. Pass this and watch the revolt. There are other options than Google, Google. "
Paul, change.org
"Hello, I have been using Android my whole life, and I have always disliked iOS because of how locked down its operating system is. Recently, I have heard that Google may want to lock down Android and restrict third-party creators, and that is very concerning. Android’s openness is one of its biggest strengths. Not everyone can afford the cost and requirements to publish apps on the Google Play Store, and many independent developers rely on the ability to distribute apps outside of it. Android is also the largest operating system worldwide, and many devices such as the Meta Quest depend on Android and their own app stores. Locking down Android could create major problems for these platforms and users. As someone who plans to create and upload Android applications in the near future, this kind of change would be very limiting and would hurt creativity and development. Please keep Android open, and do not turn it into a system like iOS. Thank you for your time. "
charlie, change.org
"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 "
Joshua, change.org
"Please reconsider "
Calvin, change.org
"Android has always been my favorite platform because I can download apps externally, often community-created apps with various benefits. Removing this option from Android is like erasing its very essence. "
Davi, change.org
"This update will ruin everything great about android "
Parker, change.org
"Keep android app development open! "
Samuel, change.org
"dear android, you are doing what you did to unlimited photo storage and making it limited. i have been eyeing the linux cell phone ecosystem for awhile and hope that is my option if you decide to limit and cripple the ecosystem you helped build. i have been degoogling my services like photos, drive, gmail, and calendar. if you change for the worse, i will change for the better "
michael, change.org
"Android libre. "
Fernando, change.org
"This level of control over a phone i own is unacceptable if i own it i should be allowed to put what ever i want on it whenever i want without googles permission "
Frank, change.org
"The whole reason Android is popular is because it's open source. This undermines both user freedom and the open spirit that originally defined Android. Making this change under the guise of security amounts to manipulation, lying, deceiving your customers, and taking away their rights to use their device in their way. By doing this you are killing what make android great, the fact that everyone can make an app and load it on his phone. Google should not be able to say what apps we can and can’t download on a device we purchased. This change would remove the main reason I even purchase these phones, stop it google. As a developer I want to be able to use and test my own apps. Having a monopoly over the eccosystem is going to hurt developers and create move forced overreaching and breaching of constitutional rights. You are not protecting anyone from forcing them to use the googleplaystore, in fact all the spyware and malware I ever came in contact with was from Google Play itself. Calling it "sideloading" is just villianizing what a normal download is, removing basic freedoms to use my device as I so choose is a far overreaching tactic that shouldn't be even an option let alone seriously implimented. If this does happen, I won't be using andriod, And will also stop using any other google services. I can't support a company that is anti-consumer. Dealing with the amount of bloat and spyware that comes preinstalled on these phones is bad enough, pushing user to have to deal with these orwellian nightmares is completely unethical. Where did your company statement of" don't be evil" go? "
Kaleb, change.org
"Ceasing to monopolize everything under the guise of "user security" only harms millions of independent developers and the users who consume their apps "
Angeles, change.org
"We don’t want Android to be the next IOS —— the well known Anti-GNU softwares. Protection is a cover, Operation of False Flag should not and would not be able to succeed. "
Danny, change.org
"Android should remain free; we are taking more and more steps towards an authoritarian global society and less individual freedom. FREEDOM is a non-negotiable right. "
Farid, change.org
"Android was born as an open-source solution, more free and democratic for users. I believe that if they maintained their stance of freedom, this would continue to strengthen the OS as a good alternative to other closed-source software. "
Felipe, change.org
"Removing the ability to side load apps is taking away owners right to their own devices. As one of the best phones I've owned this is disheartening. I might as well buy an iPhone "
Kamau, change.org
"I have been antagonistic towards the Google play store and its selection of poor-quality apps. By taking away the ease of sideloading apps, I might as well have bought a brick with some precious metals in it. None of us do not have to take Google's mandate. "
Nathan, change.org
"Android, since it's existence, has always been about the user. Removing access to apps that millions of people use every day will shatter that foundation and make android indifferent to its competitors. "
Jack, change.org
"Computers and modern technology was built and advanced by hobbyists who could freely develop for and modify their devices. By limiting APKs and off store software installs we are killing the innovation that built this industry. I stand with FOSS, I stand with hobbyists. "
Paul, change.org
"My money goes to the people with a specific contract implicitly in mind. I own the device, and the manufacturer cedes control to me in totality. If google wishes to contiunue with this course of action, the monetary value of any android phone as a product drops to zero - I cannot own one in totality. I cannot purchase one in truth. I'm only thankful that Linux-based phones are now (more than ever) becoming a viable, if still niche choice. "
Benjamin, change.org
"It is and has always been important to be able to install an app. Countless times I get an app update that breaks something and I have to downgrade to the old version until it is fixed. This simple and necessary fix will not be possible if APKs are limited. "
Michael, change.org
"Keep android open! "
Giuseppe, change.org