F-Droid warns Google’s sideloading rules will kill the project
F-Droid [the most popular open-source app #store for #Android devices, that provides access to free and open-source apps] has warned that Google’s upcoming #sideloading restrictions will likely bring an end to its project, cutting off access to thousands of open source Android #apps. The new rules require all devs to verify their identity by registering with #Google, which involves a fee, strict terms, and government #ID. Under this policy, apps from unregistered developers will be blocked on nearly all certified Android devices, significantly reducing the ability to #sideload software
F-Droid says it cannot force devs to register with Google or take control of app identifiers. If the rules are enforced, this would force the project to shut down after 15 years of operation
#Fdroid #opensource #surveillance
Google is tightening loose ends, so to speak. I wish they will be another way out of this, shutting down after 15 years because of a rule change is a tough call.
Hey Takhar. nice to INLEO you, and thanks for your comment!
Yes, Google loves to exert totalitarian power - they've done the same for 2 decades with email, web ads, searches, etc.
The most fertile way out I see is for more and more citizens to start using the original Android OS on their phones (i.e. LineageOS, Calyx, /e/, eventually GrapheneOS,...) instead of Google's hostage Android version. Or even Linux phones, like the PinePhone or PostmarketOS. There are so many options 😀.
Source:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/9/f-droid-warns-google-s-sideloading-rules-will-kill-the-project-and-several-open-source-apps/