Google’s new rules could put an end to sideloading and alternative app stores on Android

[Redaktion]

Google is preparing new developer registration rules that could drastically limit sideloading and end independent Android app stores like F-Droid. By requiring every app to be tied to a verified developer identity, Google would take control of app distribution beyond the Play Store. While the company argues this will improve security, F-Droid say it threatens user choice, open-source projects, and Android's long-standing reputation for openness.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Google-s-new-rules-could-put-an-end-to-sideloading-and-alternative-app-stores-on-Android.1126948.0.html

[Dan6]

I never had an iPhone and I'm often asked, why don't I use iOS? Android is spyware! And I answer - because android has sideloading and I can freely experiment with personal apps and share them with friends. So free sideloading is the only major thing holding me on Android and now it will be gone?! If Google wants Android to be locked as iOS - then I better buy an iPhone.
Microsoft literally pushed me to MacOS/Arch because of all stuff they are doing with Windows. And now Google pushes me to iOS.. What a time..