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Google's dev registration plan 'will end the F-Droid project (www.theregister.com)

submitted 1 day ago by schnurrito@discuss.tchncs.de to c/foss@beehaw.org

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[–] Successful_Try543@feddit.org 14 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

As the F-Droid team signs the (not repoducibly built) apks with their own key, Google would have to allow the key of the F-Droid team then.

Yet, as Google currently does not permit apps in their PlayStore that aren't in line with their business model, e.g. NewPipe, they would then force the F-Droid team to do the same.

[–] irotsoma@piefed.blahaj.zone 5 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Possibly, but I don't see Google doing that either. It's not about where the app comes from really. The thing they are going to restrict is the developer. A developer can not have their app installed on a certified phone, regardless of where the user got the app, if the developer is not registered.

So, since there are no regulations to allow a user to install apps from any chosen developer, only from any chosen app store, there likely will be no regulatory recourse like Apple is facing as mentioned by the OP.

[–] Successful_Try543@feddit.org 2 points 1 day ago

My first point is, in other words: From Google's pov, the F-Droid team is "the developer" who's key and personal information Google would request to allow installing apks with their signature on Android devices.