An open letter has been published calling on Google to reverse its upcoming mandatory developer registration policy for Android. The letter, dated February 24, 2026, is addressed to Google’s senior leadership and signed by dozens of technology organizations and civil society groups, including Free Software Foundation Europe, F-Droid, Proton AG, Nextcloud, The Tor Project, and many others.
It urges Google to withdraw the requirement that all Android app developers must register centrally with Google to distribute applications outside the Google Play Store and to engage with open-source and security communities on alternative approaches.Â
Furthermore, it has asked that Google commit to platform neutrality by keeping Android open. The signatories represent a mix of digital rights advocates, open-source projects, and technology companies united in opposing what they describe as a significant shift in Android’s distribution regime.
For context, Google announced in August 2025 that it would implement a developer verification requirement for Android. Under this policy, from September 2026, Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand will require all apps to be registered by verified developers before they can be installed on certified devices, including those distributed outside the Google Play Store. After this regional rollout, the requirement is planned to be expanded globally in 2027 and beyond.
What does the open letter to Google argue?
Gatekeeping Beyond Play Store
The letter states that Google’s proposed developer registration policy would require all Android developers to seek verification before distributing apps outside Google Play, including via their own websites or third-party stores. It argues that this shifts Google’s authority beyond its own marketplace and into alternative distribution channels. Furthermore, it says centralised registration would give Google the power to disable any app across the Android ecosystem.
Barriers To Entry Rise
The signatories contend that mandatory registration would create barriers for individual developers, small teams, and open-source projects. In addition, they highlight challenges for developers in sanctioned regions, privacy-focused creators, researchers, activists, and humanitarian groups. They argue that additional compliance requirements would reduce diversity in the ecosystem and favour larger, established companies better able to absorb regulatory costs.
Privacy And Surveillance Risks
The letter raises concerns that compulsory registration would create a comprehensive database of Android developers. It questions what personal data Google would collect, how it would store and use that information, and whether governments could access it. Moreover, it highlights potential implications for developers building privacy-preserving or politically sensitive applications.
Enforcement And Termination Concerns
Extending Google’s review…
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