Big Tech is at it again.

Some of you might have seen this already. Google has announced a new policy for Android app developers, which would require them to seek Google’s permission if they want to distribute their apps outside of the Google Play Store (on their own website or on alternative app stores). This would entail:

1) agreeing to their terms and conditions
2) paying a fee
3) uploading a government ID

Which is wrong on so many levels. Nobody should be forced to register with Google if they don’t want to use their services.

In doing so they would be extending their gatekeeping (tentacles) into distribution channels where they’re just not a legitimate authority.

At Vivaldi, we believe you have the right to run whatever software you want on a device you own. That’s why we’ve co-signed this open letter, together with other 53 organisations, requesting Google to back off on the proposed policy before it enters into force.

(Plus, they have have a pretty cool logo 😄)

https://keepandroidopen.org/open-letter/

RE: https://discuss.systems/@ricci/116139524030155887

Promote Good #Primary2026 Candidates Here!

There is a lot of complaining here about weak Dems. Well, it is primary season and NOW is your chance to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

If, like Rob Ricci, you are aware of a good Democratic primary candidate in your area, promote them here on Mastodon. Post links, bios, even video!

We are small, but we are everywhere. Help good Democrats get the word out.

EDIT: If you want use #Primary2026 for discovery.

#Primary2026

I'm not watching the Olympics, but I saw what I wanted to see.

P. S. To be accurate, it's not the Olympics. That doesn't make the video any less lovable, though. ❤️

https://www.thedodo.com/daily-dodo/random-dog-unexpectedly-wins-downhill-skiing-race

Thanks @frank

#Olympics #FediDogs

As if I didn't already have enough reason to recommend @TechConnectify, this video is absolutely phenomenal and should be watched by everyone:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtQ9nt2ZeGM

Bigger than jesus coming back to life and laying an egg. Bigger than Santa's birthday. Bigger even than your birthday. It is of course..... #RubberDuckDay. What does this mean? As a symbol of joy and unity, rubber ducks have symbolic importance in the LGBTQ+ community (particularly in the Netherlands, where they feature in pride parades), representing fun, playfulness, and acceptance.

Fun duck facts!... searches for “big yellow duck” were blocked in China in 2013 because activists in China were using the Rubber Duck sculpture and imposing it onto the Tank Man photo of the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

And in 1992, over 28,000 rubber ducks were accidentally spilled into the Pacific Ocean and became subjects of scientific study as they provided useful insights into ocean currents and helped predict storm paths!

So however you're celebrating #RubberDuckieDay.... I hope you've left some PEAS (not bread) out for Father Duckmas and have the whole family round today to.... have a bath together?

Whatever. Have a great day everybody!   

Apparently elevators in North America are substantially more expensive than anywhere else in the world. TIL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or1_qVdekYM