Google to block sideloading of apps starting next year.

[altnation]

Steam and Itch.io situation got a lot of attention recently.

As per this article we are in for another fun time.

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As I know a lot of people offer APK files I thought everyone should be made aware of this.

Seriously bad stuff guys.

 

[alonehentain]

Steam and Itch.io situation got a lot of attention recently.

As per this article we are in for another fun time.

You must be registered to see the links

As I know a lot of people offer APK files I thought everyone should be made aware of this.

Seriously bad stuff guys.

I think maybe there is a new way, in the article say they won’t check the content so as long as we register system, it can run on
android phone , and plus we don’t know the guidelines so had to wait

 

[alonehentain]

I think maybe there is a new way, in the article say they won’t check the content so as long as we register system, it can run on
android phone , and plus we don’t know the guidelines so had to wait

And I think some one will make an app that allow the old apk to be verified to run on android

 

[Count Morado]

Steam and Itch.io situation got a lot of attention recently.

As per this article we are in for another fun time.

You must be registered to see the links

As I know a lot of people offer APK files I thought everyone should be made aware of this.

Seriously bad stuff guys.

Devs who create apps that people can install on their phones will need to prove identity to Google in order for the APK to be installed. They've already stated that since they began making app store devs, the amount of malware has measurably decreased. Their identity wouldn't be viewed by the people installing.

Briefly, in your opinion - How is this "seriously bad stuff"?

 

[alonehentain]

Devs who create apps that people can install on their phones will need to prove identity to Google in order for the APK to be installed. They've already stated that since they began making app store devs, the amount of malware has measurably decreased. Their identity wouldn't be viewed by the people installing.

How is this "seriously bad stuff"?

Yeah , they say they don’t check the content so it still safe for us

 

[altnation]

I suspect it will be weaponized to censor content Google does not agree with. As the article states it is like checking IDs at the airport. ID checks aren't in place for our safety.

 

[AdelphiaGaming]

Briefly, in your opinion - How is this "seriously bad stuff"?

You have to appease Google and do everything they say or you'll be unable to install any third-party app. It's highly likely this'll be weaponized against android ports for adult games, or any sort of NSFW app. Ironic that there's apps with literal children twerking and flashing the camera, but third-party apps are the problem? Right. And yes, those identities of developers will come out eventually. Likely from a large breach.

From what I can tell, it'll effectively kill piracy on Android too. At least early on. Which, I feel, is a large reason they're doing this.

Edit: If Google doesn't backpedal, this will probably be the death of Android.

 

[Count Morado]

You have to appease Google and do everything they say or you'll be unable to install any third-party app. It's highly likely this'll be weaponized against android ports for adult games, or any sort of NSFW app. Ironic that there's apps with literal children twerking and flashing the camera, but third-party apps are the problem? Right. And yes, those identities of developers will come out eventually. Likely from a large breach.

From what I can tell, it'll effectively kill piracy on Android too. At least early on. Which, I feel, is a large reason they're doing this.

Removing the "whataboutism" about apps with twerking...

If Google really wanted to weaponize for adult games - all they would have to do is stop allowing any sideloading, like Apple. All adult games would be gone. So this argument doesn't seem to hold water.

If a developer wants to make money (or even give away an app for free) - they should be willing to stand behind it. If no one knows their identity - it removes a very significant level of accountability. The users won't know it - but if there are enough reports of ill-intent - at least this allows some response to keep things under control.

Everyone's data is breached... so that really isn't an argument nowadays.

How will it kill piracy? This argument doesn't make sense. It only would check if the app has a verified identity for the developer and then move on.

I suspect it will be weaponized to censor content Google does not agree with. As the article states it is like checking IDs at the airport. ID checks aren't in place for our safety.

If Google really wanted to weaponize content it doesn't agree with- all they would have to do is stop allowing any sideloading, like Apple. All adult games would be gone. So this argument doesn't seem to hold water.

 

[AdelphiaGaming]

Removing the "whataboutism" about apps with twerking...

It's not whataboutism. Get the kiddy porn off your platform before you worry about supposed malware.

If Google really wanted to weaponize for adult games - all they would have to do is stop allowing any sideloading, like Apple. All adult games would be gone. So this argument doesn't seem to hold water.

That's my point. This is all but a step toward exactly that. Google have always been vocally against sideloading but have kept it due to it effectively being the only clear benefit over Apple if we ignore customization of OS. To be able to install an app under this new guideline, verify your identity and then, "After verifying their identities, developers will have to register the package name and signing keys of their apps.". These apps will be subject to their approval.

It's just another means of censorship and control.

If a developer wants to make money (or even give away an app for free) - they should be willing to stand behind it. If no one knows their identity - it removes a very significant level of accountability. The users won't know it - but if there are enough reports of ill-intent - at least this allows some response to keep things under control.

How will it kill piracy? This argument doesn't make sense. It only would check if the app has a verified identity for the developer and then move on.

Android piracy. Not regular piracy.

Take Vanced/Revanced/Revanced Extended. Google knows exactly what that is. Do you think they just plan to let people who are actively going against Google/YouTube and their premium plans to just waltz through? Of course not. At best they get ignored. At worst, Google takes their ID and sues the ever-living hell out of them.

Stuff like this always smells like the Patriot Act.

 

[Count Morado]

It's not whataboutism. Get the kiddy porn off your platform before you worry about supposed malware.

It is absolutely whataboutism. The two are not connected in any way - nor does what happens with one have anything to do with what happens with the other - except in your mind.

As for the rest of your post - thank you for illuminating me about your opinion. I still 100% disagree with your findings and consider them more paranoia than anything else.

Have a lovely day.

 

[AdelphiaGaming]

It is absolutely whataboutism. The two are not connected in any way - nor does what happens with one have anything to do with what happens with the other - except in your mind.

As for the rest of your post - thank you for illuminating me about your opinion. I still 100% disagree with your findings and consider them more paranoia than anything else.

Have a lovely day.

Fair enough, and likewise.

 

[Sum Gi]

Edit: If Google doesn't backpedal, this will probably be the death of Android.

Might have spent too much time in the porno bubble if you think this is gonna kill android. Average android user is just a standard lazy consumer who's never downloaded a third party app in their life.

I suspect it will be weaponized to censor content Google does not agree with. As the article states it is like checking IDs at the airport. ID checks aren't in place for our safety.

There is no content google doesn't agree with. If it was legal and didn't result in bad press, they'd gleefully sell you snuff films. They're just as much a soulless husk as every other corporation. They just have a very public freakout and overreact every time another conservative karen groups tries to drum up bad press to get porn banned.

 

[AdelphiaGaming]

Might have spent too much time in the porno bubble if you think this is gonna kill android. Average android user is just a standard lazy consumer who's never downloaded a third party app in thei

Not about porno. It's about one of the few bullet points Android had over Apple being removed. Piracy and Sideloading were big draws for Android. This kills that. Just like Vanced/Revanced, this will likely kill emulators as well. People who are drawn to Android are often power users that enjoy the freedom and the customization. The average lazy consumer is almost certainly always on Apple. There's objectively no benefit for them, short of the trendy foldables. If Android becomes a walled garden like Apple, then what's the point of using Android?

There will be a massive dip in Android users, but hey, just my opinion.

 

[Mommysbuttslut]

There will be a massive dip in Android users, but hey, just my opinion.

Unfortunately those power users only make up a small fraction of android users. I'd bet my left testicle people that they won't make up enough of a market for google to feel pressured by them. Best bet is to make a public awareness campaign and hope we can get the normies to buy into it too.

 

[AdelphiaGaming]

Unfortunately those power users only make up a small fraction of android users. I'd bet my left testicle people that they won't make up enough of a market for google to feel pressured by them. Best bet is to make a public awareness campaign and hope we can get the normies to buy into it too.

Fair enough. Maybe I'm just in the minority in that Android doesn't offer enough anywhere else to compete with Apple in a match of walled gardens. iPhone are objectively better phones in places that matter (sans some of the hardware, which is mitigated by better optimization due to being a closed ecosystem. All screens are just Samsung now anyways.). If sideloading is killed, then what benefits does Android offer over Apple/iOS? Customization?

I (clearly) just can't see how Android/Google thinks this is a good idea.

I mean, this all assumes there isn't some workaround that comes into play. Which is entirely possible. Maybe via root, but that's more of an if than it is a when.

 

[Insomnimaniac Games]

If sideloading is killed, then what benefits does Android offer over Apple/iOS? Customization?

Not giving Apple money would be a big one for me.

 

[anne O'nymous]

People who are drawn to Android are often power users that enjoy the freedom and the customization. The average lazy consumer is almost certainly always on Apple.

With a bit more than 70% of the mobiles devices being powered by Android, against a bit less than 29% for iOS, and around 1% for all the others [

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], I have real difficulties to believe your claim.

If Android becomes a walled garden like Apple, then what's the point of using Android?

Well, the fact is that people do not choose between iOS and Android, but between Apple and one of its competitors. They don't really care about the OS, but about the device itself.

There will be a massive dip in Android users, but hey, just my opinion.

People will not starts to buy Apple mobile devices just because Google changed his rules.

 

[Mommysbuttslut]

Fair enough. Maybe I'm just in the minority in that Android doesn't offer enough anywhere else to compete with Apple in a match of walled gardens. iPhone are objectively better phones in places that matter (sans some of the hardware, which is mitigated by better optimization due to being a closed ecosystem. All screens are just Samsung now anyways.). If sideloading is killed, then what benefits does Android offer over Apple/iOS? Customization?

I (clearly) just can't see how Android/Google thinks this is a good idea.

I mean, this all assumes there isn't some workaround that comes into play. Which is entirely possible. Maybe via root, but that's more of an if than it is a when.

Customization, it will still have a more accessible app ecosystem, there'll still be sideloaded apps, just less of them. Probably still going to have access to a more diverse choice of apps through certified or most likely soon to be certified app stores like TapTap or Qooapp.
Then there's diversity. A top of the line android gaming phone will still outperform a top of the line iphone, at least so long as they don't start stuffing M4 chips into them. On the other hand entry level phones will still be way more affordable than entry level iphones. Top of the line Androids outside of Shitsung and Google are cheaper than iPhones.
Then there's brand recognition and loyalty. I've been burned by poor build quality with Pixels, Galaxies and iPhones so I won't touch any of them with a 10 foot pole. I've had great experiences with OnePlus, Poco/Xiaomi and Nubia so even without sideloading I'll be sticking to those brands.
Lastly, as much as google is an absolute garbage brand Apple is an even more garbage brand. If I have to choose between AIDs and syphilis then syphilis wins every time.

 

[ToeLintSwallower]

How is this "seriously bad stuff"?

What a lazy and contrived question.

Hmm I don't know, what could possibly be the issue with a corporation placing more obstacles for creators and restricting user autonomy? Surely this is 100% good news and is not at risk of leading to any sort of content regulation or abuse of power by denying certain authors access to the platform. Nonsense, the pitfalls here are obvious.

 

[joecoe]

For me, it's a strange "coincidence" that this comes at a time when the UK has passed the Online Safety Act and the EU is trying to push through Chat Control, etc. In my opinion, Google has secretly made deals with governments and is trying to limit the possibilities of circumventing government censorship.

Of course, another reason is money, because Google doesn't earn any revenue from sideloaded apps.