"The measure, which Techzine wrote about in August, means that all apps on certified Android devices must come from a verified developer, even if they are distributed outside the Play Store. Developers must register via a new Android Developer Console and confirm their identity with personal details such as name, address, email, and phone number. For developers who already publish through the Play Store, little will change, as verification has been mandatory there since 2023."
"According to The Register, the petition was set up by software developer Marc Prud'hommeaux. He is a board member of the open-source platform F-Droid and founder of the alternative iOS app store App Fair. Prud'hommeaux published an open letter calling on regulators worldwide to investigate Google's dominant position. According to Prud'hommeaux and other signatories, the new registration requirement represents an unprecedented expansion of Google's control over the Android ecosystem. They believe it threatens innovation, competition, privacy, and user freedom."
Google plans mandatory central registration for all Android app developers and distributors on certified devices starting in 2026, requiring registration via a new Android Developer Console and identity confirmation with name, address, email, and phone number. The requirement applies even to apps distributed outside the Play Store, while Play Store publishers already face verification since 2023. Google frames the step as necessary to combat abuse and malware, especially from apps installed outside the Play Store. Opponents, including F-Droid board members and alternative app store founders, warn that the measure expands corporate control, undermines Android openness, and threatens innovation, competition, privacy, and user freedom.
Read at Techzine Global
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