If I am already using a rooted but proprietary smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S23), downloading my apps from other sources than Google Play, how would Google be able to control what I do with it? If necessary, I could just stay on my current OS build as well. All in all, while politically and philosophically, Google’s new policy is bad, I don’t feel threatened by it with my current understand of the situation and technology…
They reversed course, so it’s not an immediate issue.
But to answer your question, they would have provided an OS update to only allows app installations from verified developers, no matter the source.
To get verified developers have to submit identification to Google and go through a Google process.
So it wouldn’t matter if the install source was a third-party repo, or Google Play, the system would not have installed any applications not signed by a Google authorized certificate.
That becomes very problematic because it gives Google the ability to restrict applications outside of the Google Play Store ecosystem.
They were copying Apple’s playbook from the EU wherein Apple was legally mandated to allow third-party app stores, and in response Apple required all apps to be signed by an Apple verified developer certificate, no matter the repo.
And wouldn’t you know it, Apple either revoked or would not provide certificates to developers of apps Apple didn’t like, such as BitTorrent clients.
Right, then I’ll just stay on my current build, being careful not to flash an OS update 😈
But in all seriousness, couldn’t one manage without OS updates - relying on only proper cyber hygiene and opsec - until a more viable solution comes up? 🤔
Google has partly backed away from this plan, and it was only announced for “certified” Android devices, which yours isn’t after rooting.
It does affect you indirectly though. If open source on Android gets harder, fewer people will do it.
