https://keepandroidopen.org/https://keepandroidopen.org/cta/#consumersAt the time of this thread's creation, there are 125 days left until Google pushes a forced update to all available Android phones which block the use of third party apps by developers who have not verified their app using government ID, and place further restrictions on people's ability to download and use third party applications.
This cannot happen. Open Android stores like F-droid will fundamentally be broken, and Google will completely control the Android application ecosystem.
I would sincerely appreciate a moment of your time to take one or more of the following actions to change this outcome:
#0 Do not believe you are useless: if you believe that nothing can be done and this is not able to be changed, think positively! Change can happen with action!
#1 Spread the word: let others know this is happening and what they can do to help out, this could be friends, family, social media, onion forums, other boards, anything.
#2 Make a complaint(s): head to
https://keepandroidopen.org/cta/#consumers, locate a country, and make one or multiple complaints about this issue. Please be sincere and professional in your responses, and use Alphabet Inc or Google in the target business. Most PII in the form is not required or can be faked if you like.
#3 Download a third party store: visit
https://f-droid.org (
http://fdroidorg6cooksyluodepej4erfctzk7rrjpjbbr6wx24jh3lqyfwyd.onion/index.html.en) and download the APK, verification instructions are here:
https://f-droid.org/docs/Verifying_Downloaded_APK. They have an amazing software suite!
#4 Read and share the open letter:
https://keepandroidopen.org/open-letterIf Google gets away with this, it will become the norm. Make your voice heard now. You will be helping yourself and everyone around you who carries an Android phone, and setting a precedent for other handset providers that they cannot follow in Google's footsteps without severe punishment and backlash.