F-Droid Warns It May Die After Mandatory Android Registration Policy for Devs

F-Droid, the open-source Android app repository, announced it would cease to function in its current form if Google enforces mandatory registration of developers and applications. The organization urges users, regulators, and antitrust authorities to oppose measures that restrict the installation of third-party Android apps. Such restrictions, F-Droid states, undermine user freedom and jeopardize alternative app directories that prioritize user interests over commercial gain.

Google’s New Requirements Conflict with F-Droid’s Model

At the end of August, Google revealed plans to allow only registered apps from verified developers on certified Android devices. Third-party app stores like F-Droid would require developers to register their packages and submit personal data to Google. F-Droid cannot comply with this requirement because it compiles most apps directly from source code rather than distributing developer-provided binaries.

The repository digitally signs these self-built packages to guarantee they match the official source code. For projects supporting reproducible builds, F-Droid may host developer-signed packages after verifying build consistency. However, mandatory registration would block distribution of F-Droid-built apps entirely, as the project cannot register third-party applications under its own name without assuming unauthorized control over their identifiers.

Google's Security Claims

Google cites security as justification, aiming to curb malicious apps distributed via deceptive APK downloads outside the Play Store. F-Droid counters that Google Play itself regularly hosts malware despite corporate vetting. Moreover, all certified Android devices already include Play Protect, which scans and blocks harmful apps regardless of installation source.

F-Droid representatives argue that the policy serves to consolidate Google’s control over the Android ecosystem rather than enhance security.

F-Droid's Security Model

F-Droid operates on a transparency-based security model. Every listed application is fully open source, free of hidden tracking or advertising features, and subject to public audit. Build processes and logs remain openly accessible, and reproducible builds ensure published binaries match source code exactly. This approach, F-Droid asserts, offers stronger user trust and greater freedom than closed, centralized platforms.

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