Google's new developer verification requirements starting September 2026 will force ALL Android app developers to register with Google - even those avoiding the Play Store entirely. F-Droid, the tr...
Telling people to file DMA complaints may be a start, ostensibly it was passed to prevent monopolists from locking things down like this, a stick that has already been used on Apple with some success: https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/contact-dma-team_en
And got away with it, which probably assured Google that they can do something similar (though coming from the opposite direction) without upsetting the EU…
Unfortunately, I think this plays into the EU Cyber Resilience Act, and the developer verification is how Google is trying to comply with it…
Distributors and importers must verify that products comply with CRA standards before selling them. They must review technical documentation, ensure that software does not have known vulnerabilities and comply with update obligations. They must work with vendors to report vulnerabilities and request patches. Finally, they must conduct audits to ensure continued security over time.
[…] Finally, the resilience of mobile apps must be verified through regular testing.
It says distributors and importers. That’s what Google is via the Play Store. Still no reason I can see the disallow side loading, but Google’s lawyers, or the EU’s, may see it differently.
Is there any partition in the E U to stop Google from implementing their developer verification system?
Like Stop Killing Games?
Telling people to file DMA complaints may be a start, ostensibly it was passed to prevent monopolists from locking things down like this, a stick that has already been used on Apple with some success: https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/contact-dma-team_en
Done
When will this game of endless ping pong with big tech overreaching human rights end
As soon as big tech ends, no sooner.
The EU hasn’t even been able to stop Apple, who’s been doing this for 20 years.
And yet the EU did force Apple to goddamn finally use USB-C in their phones. It wasn’t out of their own goodwill.
And to allow installing non-market apps. Apple wasn’t happy about that in the slightest.
And implemented it in the shittiest way possible
And got away with it, which probably assured Google that they can do something similar (though coming from the opposite direction) without upsetting the EU…
Rumor has it that sideloading will still be possible using ADB, that is the shittiest way possibile
There probably will be an exception for the EU. I imagine.
Unfortunately, I think this plays into the EU Cyber Resilience Act, and the developer verification is how Google is trying to comply with it…
Source: https://www.mobisec.com/en/regulatory-compliance/cyber-resilience-act-dispositivi-applicazioni-mobile/
But why would they matter to Google they where not selling those apps. Are computer manufactures going to be blamed for stuff installed on a computer.
It says distributors and importers. That’s what Google is via the Play Store. Still no reason I can see the disallow side loading, but Google’s lawyers, or the EU’s, may see it differently.