We need to fight Google's new ID requirement for app developers. It isn't like showing ID at the airport. More like showing it at the printing press and only IDed authors are allowed to print books.

What Google doesn't talk about is that they build this ID system to ban developers and their apps.

People saying "But I use a degoogled custom ROM, so I won't be affected" are missing the point. Apps not on Google Play are already a niche. Banning them on most people's devices is a big issue, even if some people can still escape.

Also the general trend of Google becoming more closed may make even custom ROMs impossible eventually.

Under-reported detail: If you don't pay a fee to Google, they limit how many people can install your apps and how many apps you are allowed to have.

Source: https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/guides/android-developer-console

Google asks what we think of their plans to block Android app installs outside of Google Play (unless the developers let Google verify their identity and pay a fee).

Want to tell them your opinion, just submit this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfN3UQeNspQsZCO2ITkdzMxv81rJDEGGjO-UIDDY28Rz_GEVA/viewform?usp=dialog

@grote

Do i understand it right, that having open source Apps from F-Droid would be no longer be technically possible on an Android phone that is not degoogled (like Murena)?
So you'd only be able to download Apps from Playstore if this becomes reality?
And ANY App developer has to pay a fee to google in order to he "verified" as allowed App?
Which gives Google finally complete controll over the App market on Android side from that day on?

@grote

But i would be still able to do sideloading with say a Murena phone?

I doubt that Google will allow sideloading Apps like NewPipe that matter of factly do stuff they don't like, like allowing to watch Youtube with playlists but without showing your own IP.

This plan is complete monopolization to app usage on google and i hope they get sued.

@grote @v_d_richards So on a phone that is not supported by any 3ed party ROM, ADB uninstalling Google Play Services kills this?

That would work for me, though apps from non-ID uploading devs will not be able to coexist on the same phone with Gapps. That might limit the availability of such apps, though it won't effect anyone writing apps for non-Google Play devices only.

I refuse to allow any part of Google Play into any device containing my contacts, files or any sensitive communications apps

@quokka1 @LukefromDC @grote

Fun fact: i also entertained that idea.

And maybe from this workaround could stem a niche gadget alternative.

Like:
A phone, that is simple/small like the old ones. You can phone/SMS/take photos on the Device itself ( + some retro snake games and shit) and it can serve as hotspot.
Combined with
A second device between smartphone and tablet size that uses Linux based software that has a simplified surface for easy access to programms like Signal and Co