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Google disputes that: https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/09/lets-talk-security-answering-your-top.html https://android-developers.googleblog.com/202

by layer8 1y ago

Google disputes that: https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/09/lets-talk-security-answering-your-top.html https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/09/lets-talk-...

VladVladikoff 1y ago
>Verified developers will have the same freedom to distribute their apps directly to users through sideloading or through any app store they prefer. So it’s the same then. Google can just “unverify” a developer who has published an app the kings don’t approve of.
papercrane 1y ago
For clarity, they're requiring apps to be signed by a verified developer on certified Android devices. You can still side load, but the verification is still required for the side loaded apps.
- fearless1ron 1y ago
  This still means that Google is effectively gatekeeping what can be installed on the hardware you own and what cannot.
- DaiPlusPlus 1y ago
  Future HN headline: Pam Bondi orders Google to revoke verification status and code signing certificates of authors of {partisan/politically-unfavourable Android app}
- deleted 1y ago
  [deleted]
instagib 1y ago
Unverified developers can still use adb to install whatever they choose per the link: “How does developer verification impact my use of Android Studio? We are working to ensure these changes don’t have an impact on your day-to-day workflow so you can continue building your apps as smoothly as possible. Participating in developer verification will not affect your experience in Android Studio, the official IDE for Android app development. You will continue to be able to build and run an app even if your identity is not verified. Android Studio is unaffected because deployments performed with adb, which Android Studio uses behind the scenes to push builds to devices, is unaffected. You can continue to develop, debug, and test your app locally by deploying to both emulators and physical devices, just as you do now.”
- worik 1y ago
  > We are working to ensure these changes don’t have an impact on your day-to-day workflow Lies The workflow of Free Software developers, developing consumer software (a vital part of the software ecosystem) will be entirely jammed up and subject to the capricious whims of Google
- baobun 1y ago
  Non-developers are not considered here. Users without a PC and terminal know-how are left without any options. I don't believe that's an actual oversight...

by layer8 1y ago

Google disputes that: https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/09/lets-talk-security-answering-your-top.html https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/09/lets-talk-...

VladVladikoff 1y ago

>Verified developers will have the same freedom to distribute their apps directly to users through sideloading or through any app store they prefer. So it’s the same then. Google can just “unverify” a developer who has published an app the kings don’t approve of.

papercrane 1y ago

For clarity, they're requiring apps to be signed by a verified developer on certified Android devices. You can still side load, but the verification is still required for the side loaded apps.

fearless1ron 1y ago
This still means that Google is effectively gatekeeping what can be installed on the hardware you own and what cannot.
DaiPlusPlus 1y ago
Future HN headline: Pam Bondi orders Google to revoke verification status and code signing certificates of authors of {partisan/politically-unfavourable Android app}
deleted 1y ago
[deleted]

instagib 1y ago

Unverified developers can still use adb to install whatever they choose per the link: “How does developer verification impact my use of Android Studio? We are working to ensure these changes don’t have an impact on your day-to-day workflow so you can continue building your apps as smoothly as possible. Participating in developer verification will not affect your experience in Android Studio, the official IDE for Android app development. You will continue to be able to build and run an app even if your identity is not verified. Android Studio is unaffected because deployments performed with adb, which Android Studio uses behind the scenes to push builds to devices, is unaffected. You can continue to develop, debug, and test your app locally by deploying to both emulators and physical devices, just as you do now.”

worik 1y ago
> We are working to ensure these changes don’t have an impact on your day-to-day workflow Lies The workflow of Free Software developers, developing consumer software (a vital part of the software ecosystem) will be entirely jammed up and subject to the capricious whims of Google
baobun 1y ago
Non-developers are not considered here. Users without a PC and terminal know-how are left without any options. I don't believe that's an actual oversight...