Alexia Aug 25, 2025
www.androidauthority.com/android-developer-verification-requirements-3590911/

I must reiterate. I really like open systems.

This is the opposite of that. It's yet more infrastructure for Google to force dependence on Google Play Services in the wider Android ecosystem.

It's also a great way to kill off a bunch of independent developers that make zero money from their project from publishing software for your platform.

This idea needs to be canned.
Google wants to make sideloading Android apps safer by verifying developers’ identities

Google wants to make sideloading safer on Android by verifiying the identities of developers who distribute apps outside the Play Store.

Android Authority
Show threadAlexia Aug 25, 2025
Software should not require permission to be written.

Software should not require permission to be distributed.

Software should not have a central entity controlling it.

The future is decentralized, fuck your centralized signature verification checks.
Show threadRyan HydeAug 26, 2025
@alexia @bigzaphod What’s cool about anarchy is that it always works because everyone is altruistic. See also libertarianism.
Show threadSean HeberAug 26, 2025
@RyanHyde @alexia it's not anarchy to want to be free to write and run software without permission. People don't need permission to write a novel or build a contraption in their garage.
Show threadRyan HydeAug 26, 2025
@bigzaphod @alexia False equivalency. Your garage contraption doesn’t have the same potential for harm as software. Your novel can never log my keystrokes.
Show threadfox
@RyanHyde @bigzaphod @alexia Who defines whats a "harmful" software? Google? And even if we assume Google is a good corporation, you are still creating a central checking point for all software. What happens when payment processors start demanding that apps harmful to their reputation are blocked by Google? Now you are at the mercy of anyone that can force Google's hand which includes governments around the world. This is just handing more power to those already in power.
Aug 26, 2025 at 6:30amWeb
Show threadfoxAug 26, 2025
@RyanHyde @bigzaphod @alexia And if you are so afraid of harmful software dont sideload apps, its that simple. All apps on the play store are already verified by Google. And even right now, any app that you try to sideload is scanned by play protect by default, and if Google deems it "unsafe" it gets blocked. That is on top of the switch for sideloading deep in the settings that has to be flipped before you can sideload apps. I dont see how this is not enough security for the ordinary user.