Not sure where #Google asked for feedback about their developer verification program, but they surely didn't talk with #FLOSS devs, civil society, privacy organisations or their #Android users
#FDroid did since September, and interacted with folks in the Fediverse, forum, email and in person
They all voiced one opinion: "developer verification must be stopped"
@marcprux has written an open letter, signed by likeminded organisations who want to #keepandroidopen
Click: https://f-droid.org/2026/02/24/open-letter-opposing-developer-verification.html
@fdroidorg China already has many stores. And all are subject to their regulation Google is now copying.
https://www.androidpolice.com/china-regulations-app-registration/
@ohir @fdroidorg It would be good to have more info about that. I don't know much about how things work in China, but isn't Free Software viewed as as good thing there?
@guardianproject @fdroidorg There is plenty of Chinese proxy agencies publishing howtos (and of course advertising their paid support on this bumpy way). IDNK current tightened regulations well. Eight years ago you as an indie developer was expected to give a whole lotta of personal info, and some percentage of your app "core" source code. Then you had to have agreement with local app-shop sites, then some 11 iirc. From article quoted I see now they added the 49% share requirement.