🚨 Keep Android Open - Reject App Verification 🚨
For those who didn't know, Google will soon push a nonconsentual update to ALL Android devices (likely including Samsung phones as well) that requires all app developers to:
pay a fee to Google
agree to Google's ToS
list all current and future app identifiers
provide evidence of a private signing key
submit a government ID to Google
The dangers of this include:
The destruction of all alternative app stores, including F-Droid
No privacy for developers and higher barrier to entry for development
Giving Google total control over what software you can install on YOUR device.
All internal betas, first apps, privacy tools, etc. will go through Google's systems.
Google will likely comply with all government requests for app removals.
The sole bypass can be removed at any time by Google with no OS updates.
Censorship, plain and simple.
Removal of the freedom that caused people to use Android in the first place.
So what can I do?
First, reblog this post. Tag at will.
Second, go to https://keepandroidopen.org/ and follow their instructions to voice your concerns.
Third, spread the word and build up opposition. Even if they lock it down, keep fighting.
Fourth, NEVER COMPLY. Don't verify, avoid the update if possible, and generally make implementation hell for Google.
Your phone is about to stop being yours. In 2027, Google will block every Android app whose developer hasn't registered with them.