Google Will Require Developer Verification
9 days ago
- #Privacy
- #OpenSource
- #Android
- Google will require developer verification for all apps on certified Android devices, including sideloaded apps and those from alternative stores like F-Droid.
- Verification will involve submitting government ID and contact information, similar to current Google Play Store requirements.
- The changes will be trialed starting October 2025, with global rollout expected by 2027.
- Critics argue this move will eliminate Android as an open alternative to iOS, harming hobbyists and open-source developers.
- Suggestions to use de-googled Android ROMs and open-source alternatives like Linux, Matrix, and Mastodon are provided.
- Comparisons are made to Linux distribution models, highlighting issues with central repositories and maintainer bottlenecks.
- Concerns about privacy, government surveillance, and the erosion of digital freedoms are raised.
- Potential workarounds like using Termux or creating custom repositories are discussed, though with noted limitations.
- The impact on piracy, old apps, and independent developers is questioned.
- The broader trend of tech companies tightening control over devices and software is criticized.