Hi cowboys,

A quick post about a not so recent “policy” change within the Android/Google field. Google is quietly introducing what they define as developer verification. As usual, such an authority push down is sold to you using the overused and tiresome “Security” argument.

In Google’s wording;

By making Android safer, we’re protecting the open environment that allows developers and users to confidently create and connect. Android’s new developer verification is an extra layer of security that deters bad actors and makes it harder for them to spread harm.

Starting in September 2026, Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed on certified Android devices.

This basically means that nothing else than Google agreed bits will be tolerated on your device. That clearly isn’t what I’ve acquired while getting an Android based device. I actually elected my choice on this effectively because of the freedom of being able to install and deploy software of my tastes from sources I may chose to trust without the need for Google to filter what I can or cannot.

In any cases, developers should resist this at all costs, it’s a trap that once closing up, means game over. You can find more information here:

https://keepandroidopen.org/

On another end, the geopolitical timeframe to enforce this is not exactly wisely chosen and one of the positive outcome here is that this will extremely boost every efforts of getting a truly Open-Source mobile device Operating System, which I’m particularly looking forward to run and happy about.

Say no to this,
Obruno