US EditionGoogle's Dev Registration Plan 'Will End the F-Droid Project
Google's new rules require developer IDs verified by government documents, centralizing app verification and threatening to end alternative stores like F-Droid, which urges regulators to intervene.
- Beginning in September 2026, Google will introduce a developer verification process that will gradually limit the ability to install apps on verified Android devices worldwide, with full implementation expected by 2027.
- This policy aims to improve security by limiting apps to registered developers, but F-Droid and others warn it will end alternative app distribution channels like F-Droid.
- F-Droid vets all apps by inspecting source code and ensuring apps have not been tampered with, providing a transparent, open-source alternative to the commercial Play Store.
- F-Droid contends that Google's actions concentrate control over Android applications and limit user autonomy, emphasizing that individuals should be free to install and use any software they choose on their own devices.
- The new restrictions could force users off F-Droid on certified devices, prompting appeals to regulators and calls for political pressure to protect open app ecosystems.
13 Articles
13 Articles
F-Droid warns Google’s developer rules could end independent Android app stores - Mobile Marketing Reads
Open-source app repository F-Droid has issued a strong warning that Google’s newly announced developer registration requirements could spell the end of independent app distribution on Android. The group argues that the policy, set to take effect in 2026, would make it impossible for projects like F-Droid to continue operating, effectively consolidating control of app distribution […] More The post F-Droid warns Google’s developer rules could end…
Since the announcement in late August of a new mandatory identity verification process for all Android developers, discontent has been growing. Many suspect Google of wanting to prevent the free circulation of apps outside the official store. The well-known third-party store F-Droid is sounding the alarm with regulators.
Open-source Android app store F-Droid says Google's upcoming requirement for all Android devs to verify their identity threatens to kill alternative app stores
Ryan Whitwam / Ars Technica: Open-source Android app store F-Droid says Google's upcoming requirement for all Android devs to verify their identity threatens to kill alternative app stores — Google plans to begin testing its recently announced verification scheme for Android developers in the coming weeks …
Open Source Android Repository F-Droid Says Google's New Rules Will Shut It Down
F-Droid has warned that Google's upcoming developer verification program will kill the free and open source app repository. Google announced plans several weeks ago to force all Android app developers to register their apps and identity with the company. Apps not validated by Google will not be installable on certified Android devices. F-Droid says it cannot require developers to register with Google or take over app identifiers to register for…
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