software freedom

Android Developer Verification: Threat masquerading as Protection

a month ago

Google's Android Developer Verifier (ADV) process is a malware-like system service installed on Android 8+ devices, infecting up to 4 billion devices and cannot be removed.
ADV, disguised as protection, is propagated by Google via Play Protect and aims to block software from developers not centrally approved by Google, centralizing control.
Google's developer registration requirement, rationalized as anti-malware, lacks actual malware prevention and uses minor threats to re-engineer Android's open ecosystem.
The Android Developer Console Terms of Service lack a definition of 'malware,' allowing Google to unilaterally define it, potentially banning software like ad blockers.