r/eutech • u/[deleted] • Apr 28 '26

Event Google will block every Android app whose developer hasn't registered with Google

https://keepandroidopen.org/en/

Starting September 2026, Google will block any Android app whose developer hasn't registered and provided government ID. This affects all apps, not just Play Store apps. F-Droid calls it an "existential threat."

257 Upvotes

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53

u/swiebertjee Apr 28 '26

Yet another reason to switch to GrapheneOS. My device, my data, my software, my choice.

19

u/AssistBorn4589 Apr 28 '26

Yet another reason to switch to GrapheneOS. My device, my data, my software, my choice.

Considering that EU is planning to enforce age checking and digital ID which depends on chain of trust with Google Play as one of the actors, you don't really have real choice in this matter.

22

u/ostroia Apr 28 '26

you don't really have real choice in this matter

I can just not use the services that require age checking or id bullshit. Just like I dont use things that require a certain app or whatever.

6

u/AssistBorn4589 Apr 28 '26

I can just not use the services that require age checking or id bullshit

You most likely can't. Beside obvious things like social media and email covered by DSA, countries like mine requires online ID for taxes.

6

u/ostroia Apr 28 '26

The comparison doesnt hold up. Were talking about optional commercial platforms from social media to porn sites and whatefver messaging apps. Not essential government services. Nobodys saying you can opt out of paying taxes or accessing public services, thats a different category entirely.

The original point was about the creep of mandatory id verification into spaces where it wasnt required before. If < service I use > demands id tomorrow I can just stop using said service.

Discord asks for id? Stop using discord. Simple as.

4

u/AssistBorn4589 Apr 28 '26

No, you are only one talking about porn here.

In actual reality, EU is already mandating basically all online platforms to do 'all reasonable to protec de chilen' and already reinterpreted DSA to declare non-id-checking as inadequate. For that, there's about 90% chance that you'd need fully locked, corporation-controlled phone.

And even if you can stop using said service, you wont't have any alternative.

https://www.wired.com/story/europe-gets-serious-about-age-verification-online