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Google's new rules could wipe out sideloading and alternative app stores, F-Droid warns (www.androidauthority.com)

submitted 6 days ago by throws_lemy@reddthat.com to c/tech@programming.dev

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Google’s new developer registration requirements could make it impossible for independent Android app stores like F-Droid to survive, the group behind the open-source repository has warned in a new blog post

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[–] xcjs@programming.dev 11 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (1 children)

I'm highly concerned about this, not only due to lack of control of software I can choose to install, but also what happens once a developer is blacklisted? I haven't seen anyone really address this.

What guidelines will Google use to determine that an app is "safe"? Will Google begin blacklisting developers who modify apps? What about developers who make apps that aren't controversial themselves, but linked to controversial technologies or can be used for controversial means? (Torrent clients, etc.) Google to my knowledge has not provided a list of criteria they will use.

Even if Google claims pure motivations now, I think the amount of control this policy carries will be far too tempting for Google to refuse to utilize in full for any cause.

[–] throws_lemy@reddthat.com 5 points 5 days ago

What guidelines will Google use to determine that an app is "safe"?

the guidlines? as long as you pay goolag for your developer ID