ongabonga
27983
1308
29
Sauce:
https://keepandroidopen.org
Viral Edit:
Please help spread this website. The fact that this post went viral shows the lack of visibility. This topic requires visibility so that users and developers start talking about it more, regulators and governments around the world become aware of it, court cases may be built against it.
This is Google's first new step of likely many steps toward a full phone takeover and further exploitation of both users and developers. If we let these things happen silently, we're passive enablers.
Google announcement:
https://developer.android.com/developer-verification
Google's documented track record:
https://www.aclu.org/news/free-speech/app-store-oligopoly
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/11/application-gatekeeping-ever-expanding-pathway-internet-censorship
Contact your regulators:
https://keepandroidopen.org/cta/#consumers
Change.org petition:
https://www.change.org/p/stop-google-from-limiting-apk-file-usage/
Read and share the open letter:
https://keepandroidopen.org/open-letter
Tell Google what you think:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfN3UQeNspQsZCO2ITkdzMxv81rJDEGGjO-UIDDY28Rz_GEVA/viewform?pli=1
F-Droid privacy centric app store:
https://f-droid.org/
Fight back. Don't look away please.
Sauce:
https://keepandroidopen.org
eion85
https://interestingengineering.com/culture/android-developer-verification-sideloading-apps
bbrtki
That's kind of fine tbh.
I rather have a secure platform, where not every ragtag hillbilly would be hacker can push potentially malevolent apps into the play store,. but devs "who we are supposed to be able to trust" are validated to be genuine devs with your best interest at heart.
Yes this makes it harder for basement devs.
Yes this adds more costs and thus more profit to google.
Hrafna55
I was already planning for this to be my last Android. Looking at https://commerce.jolla.com/products/jolla-phone-preorder Will it do less than current Android or iPhones? Yes. That's kinda the point, but while still meeting the vast majority of my requirements.
gon0
Solely for the app Newpipe (youtube without ads, download every video, play in background...) I am willing to de-google my Samsung S21
ongabonga
Newpipe is worth it.
facepalmingestpanda
I've been using Fdroid forever, most of the Fossify apps totally outclass their Google counterparts in terms of usability. I particularly like their Gallery app for photos.
Evenmoreuselessname
Which gallery app you using? I'm still using GalleryKK which has been "unsupported" since like... Android 5 but I sideload it because it's simple, fast, and the editor gives you a proper separate channel curves tool, and a decompose type b&w filter with channel mixing.
ongabonga
I agree with every word you said.
Evenmoreuselessname
Most of the apps on fdroid are ugly, basic, and simple. They're perfect and I love them. Ugly means they use simple widgets and digits, basic means they do exactly what they say and that's it, simple means they're tiny compared with most play store bs. Oh yeah, and ad free. I wonder why Google is trying to kill it??
IOwnTheSpire
Is this only a US thing or does it apply to different countries?
DarkZalgo
It's an Android thing. If your device runs a modern version of Android, it's affected.
Ifekinlovesauerkraut
No, it's not an Android thing. It's a Google Play Store thing. It's right there to read for you.
If it were an Android thing, you could circumvent it by installing one of the alternatives.
DarkZalgo
I meant it was an official Android thing. And GMS is on every official version of Android. And you can circumvent it by installing an alternative, because the alternatives don't all use GMS.
Ibringchocolate
This is especially bad considering that the official Google App store is really shitty. Full of Ads and weird knock of Apps and all sorts of trash.
azureraptor
There are no games in google's crapp whore anymore; there are only dopamine-regulated, microtransaction-fuelled, identity-vacuuming ad delivery programs.
ongabonga
It's been getting worse and worse.
CurbYourClassWar
Goddamn, I fuckin miss the 90s. Everyday now, the tech industry just makes me more and more nauseous.
ongabonga
I can relate to the nausea, dear internet stranger.
RobynMeeps
#5 as an android developer, I don't understand these steps, why wait 24 hours? Developer mode turns on instantly last I checked. Also it's not clear what you are picking for on step 8, there are sooo many settings inside of the developer screen, it needs to be more clear for non-power users.
DunnowForgot
Banks around here have a 4h wait when increasing your transfer limit to make life harder on scammers.
Silent1fd
Supposedly its so "to counter social engineering attacks, where scammers pressure users into urgent actions. i.e. to install an app"
anteyeclimbaxe
The option to allow app side loading - once the lockdown goes into effect - will appear under developer options and that specific setting will have a 24 hour waiting period when it gets added. As of now it doesn't exist so there is nothing to check or change.
michaelfire
Consuistent with an Op designed to tag, tap, track every Android device by the NSA, US Intel. " Google (owned by parent company Alphabet Inc.) has significantly expanded its role as a technology provider for the U.S. military and intelligence community. As of 2025 and 2026, Google is heavily involved in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity contracts for defense and intelligence agencies.
Defense & Intel Contracts: Google is part of the $9 billion Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability (JWCC) 1
michaelfire
In late 2023 and 2024, reports indicated Google signed contracts to support U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOCOM) and provided AI software to defense contractor Lockheed Martin.
Security & AI Expansion: In March 2026, Google completed its acquisition of Wiz, a cloud and AI security firm.
Mask-off" Controversy: Some analysts have described Google's deepening ties with military AI and surveillance projects as a, "mask-off" moment for big tech, moving away from previous, stricter limitations 2
michaelfire
Key Personnel: Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt held prominent roles in US national security AI commissions."-Google AI https://jackpoulson.substack.com/p/brief-google-received-contract">https://jackpoulson.substack.com/p/brief-google-received-cloud-cloud-co">contract">https://jackpoulson.substack.com/p/brief-google-received-cloud-contra">cont">cloud-co">contract">https://jackpoulson.substack.com/p/brief-google-received-cloud-contract https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/google-acquisition-tech-wiz-israel-gaza-8200 https://www.freepress.net/who-owns-media/online-platforms-streaming/who-owns-media-alphabet /gallery/jd-vance-peter-theil-right-wing-cia-contractor-oligarch-who-sponsored-him-arpNy8U
3
DrSchlepenstein
Knew something was up when I received an update saying that Samsung messaging was going to be turned off and if I wanted to continue to receive/send text messages I needed to install Google Messaging.
nocomments14
Yeah i just switched and Google message sucks.
meowingintensifies
1/ that has to do with google's practical monopoly on RCS (hard coded servers), and no one wants to compete with google. google messages
meowingintensifies
2/ stores texts on the cloud. https://old.reddit.com/r/samsung/comments/1scp77b/samsung_messages_will_be_discontinued_in_july_2026/
ongabonga
Is Samsung messaging for SMS only or other types of texts too?
DrSchlepenstein
It's the default messaging app in my phone and it's being turned off come July. According to some notes on the Samsung site, "Once the Samsung Messages app is discontinued, sending messages via Samsung Messages on your phone will no longer be possible, except for emergency service numbers or emergency contacts defined in your device." https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-messages/
ongabonga
At least for SMS Textra seems like a decent replacement.
DrSchlepenstein
One of the other notes says: For Samsung devices released before 2022, switching messaging applications may temporarily disrupt ongoing RCS conversations. However, RCS conversations can resume if both parties switch to Google Messages. MMS/SMS messaging will remain available during this period.
sherlockhooves
Can't wait to hear the EU and other international court cases about this.
bbrtki
i mean,. apple ios has been closed forever and does the same.
Not sure how it took google this long to catch up.
ongabonga
Spread https://keepandroidopen.org for visibility. Can't have court cases without a case.
DunnowForgot
Considering how the EU is working on ID verification lately so nobody will be able to open a nude site without being verified... I don't have high hopes.
Feralkyn
Isn't that just the UK?
DunnowForgot
No, not at all. https://commission.europa.eu/news-and-media/news/european-age-verification-app-keep-children-safe-online-2026-04-15_en & https://www.msn.c">-15_en">https://commission.europa.eu/news-and-media/news/european-age-verification-app-keep-children-safe-online-2026-04-15_en & https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/the-eu-s-age-verification-app-has-a-privacy-problem-and-it-may-be-more-than-just-a-bug-in-an-app/ar-AA21EX5p
Feralkyn
Eugh. I don't see anything there that says it's required for any site, but I imagine that wouldn't take long after the fact. Disgusting
DocFunkenstein
You guys embraced this proprietary bullshit Apple shoved down your throats, and all the companies that following their suit.
There's a reason why "IBM-compatible" PCs started to became popular in the 80s, and why IBM and Apple both swirled down the shitter.
I'm just going to sit over here with my landline, answering machine, and actual PC and point and laugh at you. Reap what you sowed.
YouMagnificentBastard
Do people not have actual pc's? The gaming industry would suggest it's a huge market share or are you meaning simply a device that has a desk/specific space assigned for it. I'd still count laptops though...very little difference in hardware in some cases in all fairness, and in some cases still customisable and upgradeable.
Furyustyles
I wouldn't be surprised if this is related.
https://www.tomshardware.com/software/operating-systems/california-introduces-age-verification-law
Strategicgnomer
Fascist shit by a democrat?! Who would have seen it? Seriously guys, you need to check who you're voting for, just being a dem doesn't make you good mmmkay?
Asadsadsadclown
This law is going to cripple the state. Linux will be legally unusable and take nearly everything that isn't a consumer PC or a phone with it.
xlr82xs
systemd has already implimented an age field, because well, no idea why. I like midnightbsd's solution : Residents of any countries, states, or territories that require age verification for operating systems, are not authorized to use MidnightBSD. This list currently includes Brazil, effective March 17, 2026, California (CA AB1043), effective January 1, 2027, and will include Colorado, Illinois and New York provided they pass their currently proposed legislation.
makesense
That's not related because that is a user side thing, while the app key thing is a developer side thing.
ongabonga
Suspicious timing.
MagicalScientist
Is it? The Google thing was announced at least last August, the OS age verification bullshit is within the past two months.
blaghart
>Signed by Democrat Gavin Newsom< I am Dave's complete lack of surprise
Altqwenta
But hey! Imgur keeps cheering this guy, and speaking of him like is the saviour they need.
blaghart
coincidentally all brand new accounts and/or people who insist things like "sure he's a nazi but if we don't elect him worse nazis might get elected"
makesense
"The law does not require photo ID uploads or facial recognition, with users instead simply self-reporting their age"
Yes, it sucks, but not as if the user has to provide proof. So everyone is at least 18.
heyletsbefriends
its just the first step. authoritarian control comes in small increments, by pushing boudaries. EU is planning its own version of age verification with the "protecting children" smoke screen
WeedlordGoku69
When everyone is breaking the law, authorities have pretense to screw with anyone.
Asadsadsadclown
You need a warrant to search a phone, so lets just pass a law that makes you forcibly broadcast your identifying information to avoid needing a warrant.
makesense
Already been judged in courts that you can be forced to unlock a phone that is secured with biometrics with a warrant.
Asadsadsadclown
"with a warrant"
judyblue
The way the reads to me, though I may be wrong, is that it basically trying to create a definitive liability for tech companies who have always hidden behind the "we can't control what our users do on our platform" excuse.
FeIineDisrespectFromBehind
Which is stupid because it's not their responsibility.
FlatPlutoSociety
Give it a few years. I'm sure we'll all have to provide an ID or face scan sooner or later. You know, to protect the kids.
Furyustyles
Texas already has that for adult sites and app stores. At least just photo id for now.
chansuke
I'm in Texas and haven't had to do shit for app stores. That law was blocked by a federal judge, but other states pushing similar laws, most notably California (due to its size), will potentially weaken the rationale behind it. This isn't happening in one place or with just one political ideology, it's happening from multiple angles. It's happening in other countries too. Wherever you are, make your voice known and fight for your rights.
ExTechOp
I think this Jonik cartoon is from the last century.
https://jonikcartoons.blogspot.com/
rIOsK
Apple did the same since App Store was born. Non devs doesn't have an idea of how many malicious apps are out there.
PunnyTiger
so what's the new motto? They can't be using "Don't be evil" anymore.
tempUser7824
Actually being able to control & own the device I use is the whole reason I have used Android all these years. If I want locked down device I don't actually own, I may as well buy Apple.
TheeKeelhaul
Guess it's time to switch to a Linux phone.
DarkZalgo
So while we obviously have no idea whether this will lead to worse restrictions down the line, this is far from having your device locked down. It just adds a one time 24 hour wait to enable side loading from APKs downloaded on your device. You can still use adb to install applications from a PC without doing that.
GiantFlyingLabia
Android? I switched to iOS a long while ago so I wouldn’t have a device created by an advertising company. Have fun
GiantFlyingLabia
Bring on the downvotes! I stand by my opinion. Apple tries to sell hardware. Google tries to sell you.
Froggie243
Lmao are you living in 2008?
demizu
"people are unhappy about the largest garden In the world getting more walls? Luckily I voluntarily moved to a smaller garden that already has even higher walls. Surely that helps"
2op9k1
imagine being this stupid
GiantFlyingLabia
How am I stupid?
tempUser7824
Okay, I'll give it a try.
OWWWWEEE! The big words make my brian huuuurt.
AtmaDarkwolf
Ya don't do that. Instead get on github or other (there are plenty) places and seek out your phone model and (if it exists) install a clean os (which is still android so likely won't change much on your phone, just removes bloat and 'store connections') or request a build for your phone. It is not that difficult to sideload a new / fresh /custom os, and in a lot of cases, is even more secure than default 'shipped with device' os versions(which are often just clogged full of bloat for the carrier
PathologicalLier
Stop calling it sideloading. It is not. It is simply installing.
warpfactor1
How about this, i'll start calling rooting an android 'jailbreaking' it
🤪
warpfactor1
No
I want my android mostly stock but with the sideload ability
Anything that unlocks the bootloader or enables root, breaks too many banking and streaming apps
If I cant have it like i currently do, then i'm switching to apple
AtmaDarkwolf
I mean, u do get that apple pretty much locks down much of what u want anyways, by default, right? Ya banking apps may work, but streaming? That'll only be via 'paid the right to apple' apps and not anything u may find off f-droid(or similar) which offers as good(or in many cases, 100x better) options and utility than what is 'licensed' (IE paid for, either with ads or sub) - Apple is the 'end result' google wants, and u just switching is a win for them.
warpfactor1
Yeah and?
If google is going to lock down android like an iphone, then i might as well just get an iphone; as far as streaming i mean root breaks official streaming apps in the sense that you are no longer able to stream full quality, only SD
Since it's all about the money, losing users may change google's approach to sideloading
SedatedSl0th
Yoho, yoho.
SchnekPlissken
Is this a US thing, or will it affect others ?
unluckyandbored
It'll affect users worldwide.
ongabonga
Global.
defensivebackhair
Global, but I suspect a larger uproar in the EU than the US
Octocatcreations
Global unless governments take action
makesense
Reminder: 99% of app developers have already probably agreed to do this because they aren't spending much money. Also reminder: Apple has done this forever.
UWAGAGABLAGABLAGABA
Yeah. You can't even punish an app for ios unless it's signed my Mac hardware. They are much worse than Google saying to pay them some money to be a developer.
ongabonga
You're part of the problem. Normalizing it and looking away is part of the problem.
You make a random "99% agreed probably" statement regarding something they're forced to do, then follow up with ApLLe DoNe tHiS fOrEvEr.
Here's a quote from the site:
makesense
Part of what problem? Nothing on my statement said i like it or agree with it. But ignoring that the vast majority of app developers are only interested in making money and thus won't hesitate to sign the agreement only makes one look like an ass. As for Apple, it's been a known process of having to get development tokens from them for years. I'm not just simply reading off some silly site.
tylerlarson
Apple not only requires all iPhone developers give up their privacy and pay for the privilege, they're also required to write the software using apple computers.
People complain and call you evil if you lock down something that was open. But if you start out closed to begin with, then you're innovative and consumer friendly.
bamblebimble
No, I call Apple evil. A lot of people seem to love them though.
Harbltron
Fuck Apple, there's a reason I don't buy their garbage
DarkZalgo
As an android app developer, it's automatic. I was about to register an app for my job, and I got an email saying it was already automatically done for me.
ButtscratchMcPherson
Oh you're going to trigger some kids.
makesense
Probably. And they'll probably think I'm supporting it (which I'm not), but they won't understand that I'm only speaking of a bunch of companies that make a shit-ton of apps that people pay for so they are making tons of money already.
OregonComputerGuy
I have several applications from f-droid, but regardless, all corporations are evil
CyberHexx
Not all corporations are evil, but Capitalism does offer unreasonable incentive to become evil. Non-evil corps include Arizona Tea, Waffle House, Five Guys, and possibly HEB in Texas.
RARusk
Not possibly, definitely. Texas resident here. HEB is cool.
CyberHexx
I work for them. I know some of the internal politics going on. They definitely have some corporate shit happening. But they also have the Emergency Response unit as well.
ongabonga
Yes but it goes much deeper than F-Droid. This hands Google full control over what works and what doesn't. Everything requires registration and approval.
OverwhelmingSurplusOfDiggity
Xennial here. I’m part of the last generation of people who can remember a truly free Internet.
Those were good times.
2op9k1
add me on Friendster
DildoMussolini
Not living in a hellhole nanny state... I miss it so much 😭
FuzzyX
The days before the government cared, the days before the corporations cared, when there was only you, your ISP, then your dive into depravity.
IncognitoEnthusiast
I hate the term Xennial, 1985 was still very analog, and public internet wasnt until 1993, so no you arent part of the last generation.
2op9k1
i hate people like you
IncognitoEnthusiast
Oh no, someone doesn't like me for telling the truth and pointing out how someone is lying.
normalizebeingalone
I was going to say the same thing. I feel Im solidly millenial and my childhood feels pretty cut in half between roaming a library to do research for a school project, to passing notes in computer class that had URLs of funny websites written on them.
SarcasticComment
back when we could watch a beheading video on a pornography website. that's the America I remember
Aranon1183
Or see a man take a hatchet to his crotch.
DildoMussolini
I literally almost made the exact same comment lmao. Stileproject?
cosonfused
haven't heard that name in decades
DYKWTFIA
Rotten.com
TunnelRat13
Unlock developer permissions now? It's the first thing I do on every new Android device I get. Makes sideloading easier, gives me more management options, etc. Can you screw your phone up? Absolutely. Does factory reset fix it? Generally, it's just the exact same pain as having to format your PC (which I hate).
ongabonga
This is only the first step toward a complete phone takeover. First make it harder to enable, then update to even harder, then impossible.
FelonyRaptor
Welp, looks like it's time to find my old Nokia again.
meowingintensifies
Also, Google is a bastard by essentially monopolizing RCS, forcing people to use Google Messages (which stores your texts in their cloud).
Quessir
Surely the EU is going to have something to say about this.
DarkZalgo
Why? At the end of it, all this does is prevent side loading via apks directly downloaded on your device until you wait 24 hours after enabling a setting, and adds increased requirements to applications on Google Play
DuffyMx
yes, this. clearly some people don't understand the shovelware that bloats up the store and keeps you faaar away from the app you actually want.
ongabonga
I sure hope so. Spreading https://keepandroidopen.org sure helps visibility.
GrimleyGraves
Whatever happened to "don't be evil" ?
bbrtki
its done with the user's best interest in mind,. creating a safer, and more secure platform.
People installing random apps with potential virusses is a bad thing. Or so they probably assume.
TheFastpaws
They won't back down. They know nobody will actually stop buying or do anything against them.
ongabonga
That is why we need to spread https://keepandroidopen.org for visiblity so that cases can be built.
TmlpGfdp
Linux phones exists
YouMagnificentBastard
So do degoogled androids and devices running AOSP that this also won't affect, or GrapheneOS etc.
ongabonga
You gonna set this up for the majority of users and keep updating and custom flashing it for them when things break? I'd love to see you do this, but I won't hold my breath.
YouMagnificentBastard
No intention, nor did I suggest it, so no BUT I fully agree with your intention in your post.
Motorola are releasing phones running GrapheneOS in 2027.
Most users won't care/understand, not saying that's good or right, just an observation. If they did they wouldn't use facebook for example. As long as their phone does what they need it to do that's all they'll care about. Most users use 1 email address and reuse passwords and won't know what f-droid or aurora are (both good and bad in a sense)
PutItInNeutral
Will custom firmware be able to get around this?
DarkZalgo
Yeah, they cant do anything if their software isn't running on your device
hellothisispeggy
Obviously but I wouldn't be surprised if it adds the same 24 hour wait for unlocking the bootloader to install one. Assuming your phone even lets you do that.
ongabonga
It's only the first step. I can see them silently cutting deals with phone manufacturers to prevent custom flashing and make modding much harder.
hellothisispeggy
At least here in the US even without any deals the most popular brands already don't allow it and even among the ones that do you typically can't if you bought it through a carrier.