Alas, it is time for more uncomfortable questions, in this case regarding the announced Android developer verification program: https://commonsware.com/blog/2025/08/26/uncomfortable-questions-android-developer-verification.html #AndroidDev
@commonsguy really great questions, thanks for writing this up! Also, this is the kind of stuff the #EuropeanCommission needs to enforce the #DigitalMarketsAct as well as competition authorities in other countries. If you'd like to get involved with providing feedback directly to governments, let me know, and I'll make the introductions!
@commonsguy They are seeking public input from anyone who knows about the technical details of Android (among other things). Writing posts like you do is very helpful, plus that lets other competition authorities, the US's FTA included, find out the details of how things are working. I think it is clear that Apple and Google are using "security" to protect their monopolies. Devs like us are best positioned to make that case.
@eighthave OK, let me know what else I can do!
@eighthave @commonsguy I'm guessing they'd make an exception for EU markets and lock everyone else down.
@lightrush @commonsguy yes, they will do that, but then other countries will know that they have already implemented said feature, and it becomes easy to ask them to enable it for them as well.
@eighthave Happy to help!
Note, though, that I am a US resident, so I don't know how much use I will be for discussions with the EC or other European governments. In particular, I'd feel seriously weird pinging them proactively. If they or European civil society orgs want my input, though, I'm happy to provide it.