Google's registration requirement threatens F-Droid's survival

"Google announced that Android developers will now have to register. This not only involves paying a fee, but Google also requires the submission of official identity documents and the unique identifiers of all apps they want to distribute. According to F-Droid, this means that independent developers who make their software available via the platform will no longer be able to operate outside of Google."

"F-Droid argues that this decision is not about security, as Google claims. According to the app store, it is about the concentration of power. In the past, the Play Store has repeatedly offered harmful apps, whereas F-Droid operates with a transparent process, where the source code is publicly available. Every build is verifiable, and apps are only welcome if they are free of ads, trackers, and other hidden features. Moreover, Android already has a security mechanism, Play Protect, that can automatically block apps containing malware."

"The risk is that thousands of apps currently available through F-Droid will soon no longer be distributed or updated. This would eliminate an important alternative for users who value privacy and control over their devices. According to the administrators of F-Droid, this is a matter of principle: anyone who owns a computer or smartphone should have the freedom to decide for themselves what software runs on it. Mandating central registration and identity checks infringes on that freedom and undermines the diversity of the Android ecosystem."

Google requires Android developers to register, pay a fee, and submit official identity documents plus unique app identifiers. F‑Droid warns this will force independent open‑source developers to operate under Google and may prevent distribution and updates for thousands of apps. F‑Droid highlights its transparent model of public source code, verifiable builds, and a policy banning ads, trackers, and hidden features. F‑Droid contends the change concentrates power rather than improving security, noting Play Store history of harmful apps and existing Android protections like Play Protect. A pilot starts in October with registration fees in US dollars, creating a financial barrier.

Read at Techzine Global