this post was submitted on 25 Aug 2025
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369
Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store (techcrunch.com)
submitted 19 hours ago by mas@jlai.lu to c/technology@lemmy.world
97 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Starting next year, Google will begin to verify the identities of developers distributing their apps on Android devices, not just those who distribute via the Play Store.

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[–] shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zip 61 points 16 hours ago (2 children)

Any device with Google Play services will enforce this. Any device that does not have Google Apps and services will not enforce this.

In this case, China actually has a leg up over the West because they haven't had Google Play services for a long time.

[–] DeathByBigSad@sh.itjust.works 12 points 7 hours ago* (last edited 7 hours ago) (1 children)

China is pushing in the same direction. The government want to develop Harmony OS that is gonna have compatibility issues with .apk installs and they could design it in such a way to make VPNs unusable. China is a State Capitalist regime, they will learn all the tricks that the west is using and do their capitalism with an even more stronger grip.

China is not FOSS friendly. Remember how Reddit is keep nagging you to install their app and make an account. Well in China, a lot of their platform/services doesn't even have a desktop client, or even a web browser log-in. You can try visiting some of the mainland Chinese websites yourself. They force you to enter a phone number to sign up and some even require you to scan qr code with their phone app to log in to the website (meaning you're supposed to sign up in their phone app first, PC use is considered "secondary"). Almost everything requires an app on a smartphone.

Edit: P.S. Overseas Chinese Citizens need to download a government spyware app on their phone in order to submit an application to renew passports. I know because my father is a PRC citizen.

[–] shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zip 2 points 1 hour ago

We are looking at nothing less than the death of the internet. Needing to give your ID to access Spotify. Not being able to install software on the device you purchase.

[–] Sir_Kevin@lemmy.dbzer0.com 18 points 13 hours ago (1 children)

I'm so glad I degoogled my phone already. Fuck Google!

[–] shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zip 4 points 9 hours ago

I know right. I am degoogle class of 2019, and I'm so glad to have done so.