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

submitted 4 days ago by schnurrito@discuss.tchncs.de to c/foss@beehaw.org

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[–] Successful_Try543@feddit.org 20 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (2 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.

[–] WalnutLum@lemmy.ml 6 points 3 days ago (1 children)

They said they can't do that in the article:

but at the same time, we cannot 'take over' the application identifiers for the open-source apps we distribute, as that would effectively seize exclusive distribution rights to those applications

[–] Successful_Try543@feddit.org 1 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

They would need to modify the ID then. ~~OSMand, e.g. has different IDs in PlayStore and F-Droid (+ vs. ~ suffix).~~

Edit: It's the names that are different, the IDs are the same.

[–] irotsoma@piefed.blahaj.zone 7 points 4 days 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 5 points 4 days 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.