Skip to content

Commit c52854a

Browse files
committed
Update draft letter
1 parent 9d45c0a commit c52854a

File tree

1 file changed

+4
-2
lines changed

1 file changed

+4
-2
lines changed

src/content/pages/letter.md

Lines changed: 4 additions & 2 deletions
Original file line numberDiff line numberDiff line change
@@ -55,9 +55,9 @@ While we do recognize the importance of platform security and user safety, the A
5555

5656
**1\. Gatekeeping Beyond Google's Own Store**
5757

58-
Android has historically been characterized as an open platform where users and developers can operate independently of Google's services. The proposed developer registration policy fundamentally alters that relationship by requiring developers who wish to distribute apps through alternative channels — their own websites, third-party app stores, enterprise distribution systems, or direct transfers — to first seek permission from Google through a mandatory verification process, which involves the agreement to Google's terms and conditions, the payment of a fee, and the uploading of government-issued identification.
58+
Android has historically been characterized as an open platform where users and developers can operate independently of Google's services. The proposed developer registration policy fundamentally alters that relationship by requiring developers who wish to distribute apps through alternative channels — their own websites, third-party app stores, enterprise distribution systems, or direct transfers — to first seek permission from Google through a mandatory verification process, which involves the agreement to Google's terms and conditions, the payment of a fee, and the uploading of government-issued identification.
5959

60-
This extends Google's gatekeeping authority beyond its own marketplace into distribution channels where it has no legitimate operational role. Developers who choose not to use Google's services should not be forced to register with, and potentially be judged by, Google.
60+
This extends Google's gatekeeping authority beyond its own marketplace into distribution channels where it has no legitimate operational role. Developers who choose not to use Google's services should not be forced to register with, and potentially be judged by, Google. This also gives Google newfound powers to completely disable any app it wants to, for any reason, for the entire Android ecosystem.
6161

6262
**2\. Barriers to Entry and Innovation**
6363

@@ -68,6 +68,8 @@ Mandatory registration creates friction and barriers to entry, particularly for:
6868
* Developers in regions with limited access to Google's registration infrastructure
6969
* Privacy-focused developers who avoid surveillance ecosystems
7070
* Emergency response and humanitarian organizations requiring rapid deployment
71+
* Activists working on internet freedom in countries that unjustly criminalize that work
72+
* Developers in countries or regions where Google cannot allow them to sign up due to sanctions
7173
* Researchers and academics developing experimental applications
7274
* Internal enterprise and government applications never intended for broad public distribution
7375

0 commit comments

Comments
 (0)