Keep Android Open: Say No to Google’s 2026 Mandatory Verification
Keep Android Open: Say No to Google’s 2026 Mandatory Verification
Recent signers:
Josh Stuart and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
- I chose Android for its openness and freedom. I often rely on apps outside the Play Store for my work and studies. If Google enforces the 2026 policy of mandatory developer verification for all apps, even those outside the Play Store, I will lose access to tools I depend on every day, and independent developers I support will lose their voice. I don’t want Android to turn into another closed system where the user has no choice.
This proposed policy not only hinders user freedom, but also threatens to stifle innovation by creating a monopoly. By forcing developers to adhere to stringent verification processes, it risks eliminating smaller developers who offer unique and creative solutions not available on the Play Store. Moreover, it diminishes the user's ability to choose apps freely, confining choices to a controlled ecosystem, reminiscent of closed operating systems.
A study by "Platform Monitor" shows that alternative app markets account for over 30% of app downloads on Android devices. This reflects a significant portion of users who prefer or require apps outside Google's marketplace to fulfill their diverse needs. By imposing such a restrictive policy, Google undermines its own ecosystem's diversity, which has notably set Android apart from its competitors.
Rather than erecting barriers, Google should focus on empowering developers and users to maintain Android's legacy of open-source innovation and user freedom. They could promote safe sideloading practices and offer developers incentives to maintain high security standards without stifling creativity and autonomy.
Join me in urging Google to retract this restrictive policy and call on them to keep Android open for everyone. Sign this petition to preserve Android’s commitment to freedom and innovation, and to protect the digital tools we rely on every day.
Ruby .Petition Starter
115
Recent signers:
Josh Stuart and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
- I chose Android for its openness and freedom. I often rely on apps outside the Play Store for my work and studies. If Google enforces the 2026 policy of mandatory developer verification for all apps, even those outside the Play Store, I will lose access to tools I depend on every day, and independent developers I support will lose their voice. I don’t want Android to turn into another closed system where the user has no choice.
This proposed policy not only hinders user freedom, but also threatens to stifle innovation by creating a monopoly. By forcing developers to adhere to stringent verification processes, it risks eliminating smaller developers who offer unique and creative solutions not available on the Play Store. Moreover, it diminishes the user's ability to choose apps freely, confining choices to a controlled ecosystem, reminiscent of closed operating systems.
A study by "Platform Monitor" shows that alternative app markets account for over 30% of app downloads on Android devices. This reflects a significant portion of users who prefer or require apps outside Google's marketplace to fulfill their diverse needs. By imposing such a restrictive policy, Google undermines its own ecosystem's diversity, which has notably set Android apart from its competitors.
Rather than erecting barriers, Google should focus on empowering developers and users to maintain Android's legacy of open-source innovation and user freedom. They could promote safe sideloading practices and offer developers incentives to maintain high security standards without stifling creativity and autonomy.
Join me in urging Google to retract this restrictive policy and call on them to keep Android open for everyone. Sign this petition to preserve Android’s commitment to freedom and innovation, and to protect the digital tools we rely on every day.
Ruby .Petition Starter
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Petition created on August 30, 2025