F-Droid and Google's Developer Registration Decree Overview of F-Droid F-Droid is a free, open-source Android app repository active for 15 years. It differs from commercial stores like Google Play, which are often flooded with spyware, scams, invasive ads, and tracking. F-Droid only distributes vetted apps with fully open-source code, no hidden anti-features (ads, trackers). Apps are built from source by F-Droid’s build service and cryptographically signed to ensure integrity and trustworthiness. Users can find privacy-respecting alternatives like weather apps or scheduling assistants without data exploitation. Google's Developer Registration Decree Google recently announced a requirement forcing all Android developers to: Register centrally with Google. Pay a registration fee. Agree to Google’s evolving terms and submit personal identification documents (e.g. government ID). Register all unique app identifiers with Google. This policy threatens F-Droid’s ability to distribute open-source apps because: F-Droid cannot enforce Google registration on developers. F-Droid cannot claim or take over app identifiers without violating principles. If enforced, this decree could effectively end F-Droid and similar open-source app stores by restricting app installation and updates for users. Critique of Google's Security Justification Google claims registration enhances security, but: Google Play has a history of hosting malware (e.g., ad-fraud apps and malware with millions of installs). F-Droid offers transparency and stronger security through open source audits, public build logs, and reproducible builds. Google Play Protect already scans and disables malware on certified devices, regardless of source. The true motivation appears to be control and monopoly consolidation rather than genuine security. The Right to Run Software Users should have the freedom to run any software on their devices, akin to using any program on a PC. Mandatory developer registration resembles censoring or restricting creative expression. Google’s policy creates a choke point by tying app distribution to personal ID and fees, restricting competition and user freedom. What F-Droid Proposes Regulators and competition authorities should scrutinize Google’s policy. Ensure that security concerns are not used as a pretext for monopolistic control. Protect the rights of alternative app stores, open-source projects, and developers who refuse or cannot comply with exclusionary registration. Users and developers can help by: Contacting their political representatives. Signing petitions defending sideloading and open app distribution. Engaging with the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) team to emphasize the importance of preserving a free and open software commons. --- References and Additional Links Spyware issues on commercial stores: TechCrunch article on spyware apps F-Droid Anti-Features and Reproducible Builds: Anti-Features Reproducible Builds Developer registration details: Google developer verification Google blog on elevating Android security Criticism of “sideloading” restrictions: Pluralistic.net analysis Examples of malware on Google Play: Malwarebytes report The Register report Google Play Protect info: [Google