Google's Android developer registration requirement will kill F-Droid

8 hours ago

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Google's new developer certification requirement threatens the existence of F-Droid and other open-source Android app repositories.
F-Droid warns that this change could eliminate trusted, verifiable app sources, leaving users without updates or new installations.
Google's actions are seen as an attempt to undermine the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and open-source alternatives.
Regulatory intervention, particularly from the EU under the Digital Markets Act, is suggested as a potential countermeasure.
The decline of open Android ecosystems is lamented by former contributors, highlighting a shift from its original open-source goals.
Criticism is directed at Google's motives, framing the move as profit-driven under the guise of security.
The future of alternative Android-based OSes like LineageOS and /e/OS is questioned amid increasing restrictions.
The lack of viable alternatives in the mobile OS market is highlighted as a loss for consumer choice and open-source development.
Historical context is provided, comparing current Google policies to its past 'do no evil' ethos, with strong criticism of its current direction.

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