"I do not trust the judgment of one company to decide what every person on Android is allowed to use on their phones. This is a censorship tactic, and will silence and punish small-time app developers who do not have the time or money to plead their case for the right to host their apps. "

Anna, change.org

"Developer verification can improve security, but requiring centralized registration for all apps on certified devices risks creating new barriers to competition and innovation. Security shouldn’t come at the cost of openness and choice. "

Caleb, change.org

"If this is implemented I will be abandoning the Google sphere and moving my data over to Apple. I have already signed up for an Apple ID and I am good to go if/when this happens. I will drop android and all associated subscriptions and spend my money at Apple. Goodbye Google. It was a good run 2009 to 2026. "

Scott, change.org

"Android was promised and sold as an open platform. As many others, I decided to get Android devices considering that that promise was a serious lifetime commitment from Google. All Google has to do now is honor their own word and keep Android open. "

Leo, change.org

"Remember when google was cool? "

Andrew, change.org

"Assuming Google is acting in good faith, they should respect users' intelligence and not lock down APK usage into a heavily regulated part of the internet. "

Noah, change.org

"FOSS shall not die and we the users shall be free to install what ever software we want "

Erik, change.org

"Android, if you are going to be just like Apple, I think many might as well just switch to Apple devices..... Please reconsider "

Kaleonahe, change.org

"Everything about this software/app lock out is beyond wrong. So is age verification. It is all beyond dystopian. George Orwell is spinning in his grave. My wife works in a major hospital and that hospital is already in a major panic because they have internal apps that can not be put out to apps stores for major security reasons. They have no idea what they are going to do when these apps stop working and can not be installed, used or updated because of these dystopian lockouts (i.e. blocking non app stores' apps from being installed; not to mention the major security risks of age verification). The app monitors many vital operations and medical equipment across three major medical facilities in the same hospital network; among branch facilities. It alerts staff and is used for many areas of communications in the hospital network. If this app can no longer be integrated into the hospital's operations network, the entirety of the hospital's facilities shuts down. I'm sure that if the hospital at which my wife works uses internal apps, then there are many other medical facilities that do also. A neighbor that I check on daily uses an app for necessary medical reasons. This app is not and will never be in any app store. Her doctors and the company that makes the device for thousands of people are in a panic. They can't just put this control/monitoring app out there. They would have to redesign the device's entire system and it could take several years. Plus, there are the major security risks. A friend has advanced diabetes and has a monitoring device stuck in his arm. The monitoring/alert app comes from the device manufacturer and not any app store. I also use medical apps that are not in any app store. I am also diabetic (not as badly as my friend) and disabled. There are several other people in my area that depend on medical apps that are not in any app store and are ONLY provided through a medical facility or medical device manufacturer. These companies do not put these apps out to these app stores for anyone to get their hands on for security reasons. If someone malicious got their hands on these medical device control apps, tampered with it, and re-uploaded it for patients to then obtain, thousands of patients could die. What am I and all these people that depend on proprietary and device specific medical apps across the country going to do when our apps/devices can't be installed or updated and just stop working? These dystopian app lock outs and the risks of age verification will put millions of peoples lives on the line and will have biblical level consequences. This all needs to stop immediately! "

John, change.org

"Don't get rid of the reason I switched from apple in the first place, google. "

Reina, change.org

"Why are these changes a necessity? What scary changes are happening in the technological realm that's causing Google to take these ecosystem changing moves? It appears as if you're ignoring a large section of your fan base. I hope freedom wins, but I think with the ever quickening development of A. I. that this measure may be the new necessity with mobile technology try to keep had actors at bay. "

Gene, change.org

"This is a de facto monopolization strategy and must not be allowed. Censorship and data harvesting are already proliferating, this will make those issues worse. "

Michel, change.org

"I wanted android mainly for its ability to download things in third party app stores, unlike Apple, now that Google is going to be doing this, it makes Google look no better than Apple, Android, infamous for its open sourcability now getting locked down just like iOS. I really hope that this is refuted instead of pushed to Android. "

Joshua, change.org

"then why get an android at this point? "

Kyarie, change.org

"Removing the ability to side-load apps is an egregious deviation from what made Android better. Android should remain free and open, the experience should not be lobotomized into what ends up being just a "cheaper iPhone". "

Luke, change.org

"first off i bought this phone i should have the right to put what ever program i want on it, I'm already upset so many things are locked behind root access my wife is a programmer and she fiddles with android programs. this would mean she can't do this anymore. it makes it a lot harder for indie android programmers to get started "

Joshua, change.org

"Google isn't trying to protect us from malware with these policies; it's simply trying to control the platform it owns to profit from its platform and the data it collects. "

Tiburcio, change.org

"I've relied on a third-party adblocker to disable adverts throughout my entire phone, and pulling this stunt would jeopardise such wishes not to have adverts in literally every single application I use. I do not want the Android OS to become iOS in being unnecessarily strict on sideloading and people's rights to download any apps they want that might not be on the Play Store. Google, you NEED a reality check if you really think being anti-consumer is going to "help" anybody in their lives. "

Finn, change.org

"I choose to use android devices because they provide more freedom and ability to control my own devices and how I use them. I cannot support any measure that limits those freedoms in any way or drives up costs in a world where costs are already increasing due to incompetence and lack of care for the average person. "

Scott, change.org

"The freedom Android offers for young inquisitive minds is the entery way to Dev-Land. Certainly they are aware of how many of their employees started from this basic idea and how many they may loose by taking it away. Not only that do they really believe we won't migrate to something better? But as a consumer we need to try and understand what the future will look like, why this is the decision not just for Android but for Windows and more. "

Joseph, change.org

"Don't be like Apple "

Tom, change.org

"The openness of the Android is its unique selling point. Keep Android open to keep Android Android. "

John, change.org

"I have used android since the begining and the entire reason ive stuck with it (and this has been getting VERY hard lately with all the locking down of android, version by version, more and more like iOS).. this would just be the nail in the coffin for android, for me.. I'd rather daily drive graphene or a very limited linux os than this. Really a shame though when you talk people into using android and all the reasons people choose to switch are being removed. This is something im a single issue voter on, I will cease all google/yt/gemini/etc subscriptions and use the day I can't sideload any app I please.. and this is a complete change for the device, so massive of a change (would have directly affected many of my purchases) that I dont get how they can just do it, literally the stuff that made it special they choose to gut.. "

Joshua, change.org

"The thing that separates an android from an iPhone is the ability to do whatever if they pass this this would kill what it's like to have an android "

Devawn, change.org

"Nobody asked for this. Unrestricted sideloading is the only reason I bought an Android phone. I need to upgrade to a new phone soon, but I will never in a million years consider buying another Android phone unless this decision is reversed. I'm now genuinely tempted to switch careers and devote my life to building sophisticated adblockers just to annoy Sundar. "

Jacob, change.org

"This is an attempt to stifle free and open development because that development has created avenues that subvert Google's bottom line. People are becoming tired of being the product and have the right to their privacy- but Google belives they have a right to force people to become said product by limiting where and how they use their devices. Buzz-words like "a more secure ecosystem" are used to hide their true initiative: their bottom line. Ironically, this corse of action may become the driving force that pushes Linux phones into full maturity, thus amputating the open-source-development community as revenue. I don't subsidize my mobile device purchases so that I may have full control over what I can do with them. Upon this move, I will gladly suffer the inconvenience of a less-mature operating system or less-developed device over a walled garden built by greed mascurading under the guise of "This is what will be best for everyone." "

Jake, change.org

"This is an insane power play that is attempting to force more money into Google's pockets for developer licenses. There are a lot of legitimate uses for sideloading apps that are legal. Certain emulators cannot be on the Play Store, which are 100% legal. Some apps don't release on the Play Store because of region requirements that don't allow it, so APK's are the only option. Plus, there are a lot of firms that likely develop in-house security apps, that don't and CAN'T be published to the Play Store for security reasons, so this will also lock out those companies from their own security systems and applications. Also, sometimes installing a previous version of an app is needed when the latest version is broken. Also, if I want to develop my own app, now I have to have a developer license to even test it? This is absolutely anti-consumer at its finest, and Google will lose a lot of business from this power play. The sad part is that they will be likely facing a lawsuit from many companies that will be affected by this, because this is a huge change that will affect a huge majority of Android users. "

Nathan, change.org

"Google does not deserve more money than they have right now, this is greedy. "

Parker, change.org

"Android making this is just bullshit, the developer thing is just to make more easy to sue devs, and indie games creators that don't want to get near to google greedy ass. It is better they cease and desist "

Michel, change.org

"As a consumer, I bought and use Android platform devices because I care about my privacy and I care about accessing third-party applications that are not strictly on Google's Play Store. I utilize F-Droid and various other third-party app stores, and this would be a major impediment to me. I did not agree to Google pulling the rug from beneath me well after I bought several thousand dollar Android phones and devices. "

Stephen, change.org

"Google, as a US based company, is trying to seize control over who can and who cannot create applications for Android. If you purchase a phone, you should be able to use it however you see fit. But now, if you want to develop a simple app for your daily use or for a small project that doesn't strictly align with Google or the US government's agenda, you could be denied the right to install it and even persecuted or doxxed. "

Ivan, change.org

"Hello, I have been using Android my whole life, and I have always disliked iOS because of how locked down its operating system is. Recently, I have heard that Google may want to lock down Android and restrict third-party creators, and that is very concerning. Android’s openness is one of its biggest strengths. Not everyone can afford the cost and requirements to publish apps on the Google Play Store, and many independent developers rely on the ability to distribute apps outside of it. Android is also the largest operating system worldwide, and many devices such as the Meta Quest depend on Android and their own app stores. Locking down Android could create major problems for these platforms and users. As someone who plans to create and upload Android applications in the near future, this kind of change would be very limiting and would hurt creativity and development. Please keep Android open, and do not turn it into a system like iOS. Thank you for your time. "

charlie, change.org

"We have the right to have a place to escape the clutches of big corporations. "

Miguel, change.org

"As Student and Junior Developer, I find this petition quite concerning on security and privacy for web data, android is not only a platform, it is a framework, a constant transition of metadata across the WEB. Limitating actions on android, even in level 3 is limitating not only user-friendly policy's of privacy, but freedom on networking. I Highly Recommend Sharing this petition! "

Davi Cristopher, change.org

"I switched for freedom - not this. "

Harrison, change.org

"I should be allowed to download whatever I want onto the phone I paid for "

Celia, change.org

"Please don't limit the choice of those users who are either more technically inclined or simply need to use an app that isn't available on a store or signed by a registered developer. This is the kind of thing that really makes me sad. The flexibility of Android is gradually getting chipped away. First you take steps to make it incredibly difficult to have a usable experience on a rooted device via Play Integrity Services, and now you're going to take away our choice to sideload on devices that are supposedly "secure" as well? This is so anti-consumer and so against the spirit of freedom that Android afforded for those who didn't want to be locked in that I just can't find any way to justify it. How can you? "

Dustin, change.org

"Side loading is one of the biggest reasons I used an Android device. I’ll be using an IPhone for the foreseeable future. "

Joey, change.org

"Digital freedom matters! "

Koda, change.org

"I switched to Android to escape Apple's aggressively anti-consumer walled garden. My S20 Ultra (that I paid over $1600 for, after tax) is finally starting to show it's age, but now I have no incentive to get another android device for my next smartphone if you follow through with these changes. I've been a vocal supporter of Android for years, but if you don't scrap this change, I will boycott Alphabet products altogether and do my best to ensure as many others as possible are well-informed on why they should do the same. "

Jacob, change.org

"This is one of the starting points/gates to mass surveillance. If we don't act now it will be too late when there's already multiple structures put in place enabling the next following steps intheir hold on control. "

Dhariuz, change.org

"Control. That is all this is. Protection is a word you use to hide your true intentions, google. Google promised a platform where everybody can choose what they want; Linux does this, Windows does this. But google chose to threaten the very way of technology. We as consumers want freedom over the products we purchase, not "protection" from things "outside" of our control or knowledge. "

Trevor, change.org

"Pure authoritarian control tendency barely even trying to disguise itself as caring for the consumers security. "

Jared, change.org

"The entire reason I chose android over apple was the freedom I had to do what I wanted on the device I paid for. Google enforcing this "lock-down" is just shooting themselves in the foot and giving people more reason to give apple a shot. "

Riley, change.org

"This is a grave mistake and disaster and a true display of tyrannical behavior meant to push away the rights of others under the usual suspect aka the old bs saying "to protect the children" or "to keep you safe" its all a lie and this is just another way for the 4th amendment in my country to lose even more of its value and harm other countries that dont gave as many rights as americans do. First it was collusion and social media tracking, then it was ads and personalizations, then came along biometric security such as face scan or fingerprints arent protected by 4th amendment like passwords are, then we had AI invasiveness and the loss of ownership and shifting to subscriptions and now here we are not knly can we not own digital things now we are to lose our last items the physical things we own now under control as well no longer owned but basically licensed to us as long as we arent deemed dissidants. I only can hope that if you dont change that maybe we have alternatives and keep the will to fight back. "

Avery, change.org

"I remember when Android was a truly open platform, where the user could do anything they wanted to their phone. Now, it seems that this is at risk. I remember getting an Android phone because, as a developer, I thought I could openly install my own apps. But now that's also at risk. Please, remove this horrible change and implement actual security features. "

Jay, change.org

"Ridiculous. Android always has been open source, and by restricting access to downloading APK files, you're removing the freedom that comes with android. You say it's for safety but if that was the case, you would be removing a bunch of terrible apps on YOUR store filled to the brim with viruses and malware. We know this isn't about protection, it's about control and monopolyzing the phone industry. This decision clearly shows how little you understand your own customers, nor actually care about them "

Aiden, change.org

"As a hobbyist and tinkerer I rely on sideloaded apps to manage my smart devices, maintain privacy and access key items on other devices. Many of these services that I have set up would be unavailable if this goes forward. What's more there is no foreseeable reason why one shouldn't be able to modify, edit and change their own devices as they see fit. Every other computer works in this manner and Android has been no different. Maintaining this freedom is a must going forward and has one of the primary draws to the ecosystem. Google's choice to stop sideloading is not fooling anyone, it's a method of control and siloing. I left Apple because of this, don't think I won't leave Android too. "

Matthew, change.org

"Google is a giant monopoly that never should have grown to the size it has in the first place. We wouldn’t be here if they were stopped a long time ago when they should have been. "

Tom, change.org

"This whole security benefit is BS "

Jordan, change.org

"It's a no to big brother and feeling myself fold up when I look at my phone "

William, change.org

"This is a clear overreach of authority on a platform which has hitherto been a champion of freedom in the segment. This sort of restriction on the Android OS will force those of us with the desire for privacy and freedom of choice to alternative providers, or to create our own. Please re-think this decision and understand that by going this route you are furthering the creation of a world of censorship, restriction, and strife. "

D, change.org

"Anyone who wants to write an Android app should be fully allowed, and should never be forced to pay for your own program through fees. "

Keiran, change.org

"On veut pouvoir faire ce que l'on veut quand l'on veux "

Philippe, change.org

"I have Android phones for just one reason: The freedom they provided so far. Some of my main apps are side-loaded. This move of Google is a huge disappointment. It’s a terrible abuse of monopoly power. "

Andreas, change.org

"I've been an Android user since the start of my career and the whole reason I chose it is the freedom — to set it up how I want and load what I want. Locking it down just turns it into another Apple, and if I wanted that I'd have an iPhone. The small developers are where the real innovation comes from, and cutting them out kills that. Don't ruin what makes Android the best. Don't fix what isn't broken. Keep Android open. "

Mike, change.org

"IT'S ABSURD WHAT GOOGLE IS TRYING TO DO ON ANDROID, ANDROID USERS AND ANDROID DEVICES ABOUT LOCKING THE SYSTEM SO WE CAN'T INSTALL APPS DOWNLOADED FROM WEBSITES AND DOWNLOADED FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE. GOOGLE DOES NOT OWN OUR DEVICES AND WE HAVE THE FULL RIGHT TO DO WHAT WE WANT WITH OUR DEVICES BECAUSE WE PAY FOR THEM. "

Wagner, change.org

"One of the core principals of Android has been consumer choice. Especially in the current day, it's more important than ever that the consumer can choose where to get their software from. As a developer myself, I do not want to and WILL NOT sign up for the developer verification program, as Google has no right to tell me what I can do with my device. I do not trust any company to keep me safe, and especially not when they're overreaching into the personal lives and choices of the everyday user. Even from a consumer quality of life perspective, this change is hugely detrimental. Google Play is infested with ads, bad faith apps, sponsorships, and so much more I do not want to see. Alternative storefronts give users the choice to avoid clunky, nasty pieces of software and choose what workflow is best for them. I beg, please reconsider this choice and keep consumer's rights intact. "

Alexander, change.org

"This is a spit in the face of open-source and Android's userbase. "

Mark, change.org

"Products should be made to give the consumer control of the product they purchase. They should not be used for the corporation that manufactured the product to control the consumer use of that product or what the consumer has access to. This is a form of controlled speech and is a violation of the first amendment of the United States of America. "

Mitch, change.org

"Vamos parar essa empresa mercenárias "

Euler, change.org

"The reason why i use android is because of the freedom but if Google lockdown android then there no point on staying and not switching to other ecosystem "

Joel, change.org

"APKs are literally the backbone of everything android. Schools who develop android apps as a class will be out of luck. Please keep android open. "

Zachary, change.org

"This is the entire point of many people using Android in the first place, you take this away and something new will come along and replace you. "

Jacob, change.org

"I think this a terrible thing since what if you're trying to create your own project app but with this you wont be able to create your own app easily with no problem for your own personal self "

Angel, change.org

"I know this sounds crazy, but I just want to be able to use the device I paid for the way that I want to. "

Thomas, change.org

"I have an iPhone currently but hate it because I don’t have the ability to load any application I want. So when this goes into effect I will have zero reason to get another phone with android as it will just be a iPhone knockoff. "

Bill, change.org

"We should not be forced into using Google products. Our society doesn't function without choice and competition "

erik, change.org

"This is unreal, time to change to non android, play store devices.... "

Robert, change.org

"the only reason Android shines is it's customizabe especially app installation. please don't ruin yourself "

John, change.org

"Not allowing users to install the applications of their choosing on their own device and forcing developers to verify themselves with Google, even if they exclusively want to make their applications available on alterntive app stores is outrageous and completely unacceptable. "

Brandon, change.org

"It's serious that Android is doing this to those who make independent games, or stealing our data under the guise of security. I want to speak out because this is unfair. "

Cesar, change.org

"If you are or were a student in information engineering, many of you likely took a class on developing applications for Android devices. However, this specification change is something that will shake the foundations of such courses. Things that could previously be done by simply installing apps onto a physical device will now require cumbersome application procedures, an act that significantly lowers student motivation. "

中院, change.org

"Google needs to stop this. Collecting data in general is terrible "

Wojciech, change.org

"One of the reasons I use android is so I can do what I want unlike an iPhone. Locking it down will make it no different from the competition "

Jonathan, change.org

"We can't back down "

Victor Vitienzo, change.org

"APKs are the lifeblood of Android's open ecosystem. They let developers distribute apps outside the Play Store, free from Google's 30% cut and arbitrary takedown policies. They give users in underserved regions access to apps unavailable in their country's store. They power the emulation community, open-source projects, and beta testers who help improve software before it reaches the masses. When Google restricts APK usage through warnings, permission walls, or outright blocks, it quietly dismantles the very openness that made Android worth choosing over iOS in the first place. It punishes legitimate users for the sins of bad actors, while determined bad actors find workarounds anyway. "

AJ, change.org

"I've been using Apk Apps since I was 6. 6! I'm 18 now. If you do this, your removing something that's a Part of My Life and also maybe some people too. This Is what makes Android Unique, This Is the Gift and the Power of Android! If you take It away, you're also taking away the freedom people believed this system to have, this freedom allows users to truly own their devices! And your only just taking It away like nothing, like this system hasn't existed since the launch of Android! Like Seth mentioned, Android started as an open operating system, you have simply turned It Into a reskinned Apple OS. You're better then this. The stop button Is right there, Just click It... ❤️‍🩹 "

Jonah, change.org

"free is the most important part of Android,no freedom no Android. "

jason, change.org

"I will stop using Android if that actually happens and goes through, because what's the point then? "

Cederick, change.org

"Android has one major thing over apple, and that is the ability to download and use whatever software you want on your device alongside the variety of said software. As someone who enjoys finding projects made by other users, or full apps that can alter your experience for the better, we can't just let Google change that. "

Dakota, change.org

"At that point highkey I'd just use IOS. Why remove one of the main things that lets android be android "

Josue, change.org

"Android has always been about freedom. I've always loved side loading an app made by a line developer to complete a niche task/feature. My music player and compass app were side loaded from F Droid and I think it's super cool to be able to install custom versions of stock phone apps. I've side loaded a modded version of my camera app that brought Google Pixel's photosphere to my phone. How else would I have been able to do this without side loading?? There's no reason Android has to go this direction, it may just as well be called mock iOS if all the reasons I chose Android are taken away. May customization, freedom of how I use my phone, and innovation reign once again in the heart of Google's Android! "

Justin, change.org

"What sets Android apart from other OS' is its open source. This move will make Android just like every other OS. There will be no point in using Android. We'll all take out business to some other OS. "

Evo, change.org

"I currently own an iPhone, but I've always wanted to switch to and Android because I knew that I wouldn't be limited by what their app store says I can have on my phone. With this change, it sets a precedent that I don't have the right to run what programs I want to run on my technology, and I don't want to live like that. There are so many cool projects that aren't on the Play Store for various reasons, and we can't afford to lose those simply because Google wants control. "

O, change.org

"Google wanna eliminate biggest advantage of Android over iOS "

Misa, change.org

"Freedom is fundamental. "

S, change.org

"As an android guru who runs a blog on getting the best out of android who often recommends and personally use many side loaded apps since a lot of the best apps are on places like f droid and sinilar places but not on google. Ultimately its sad to see android and apple be these walled gardens "

L, change.org

"let's go, ! Keep Android alive! "

jorge, change.org

"I am the founder of Yale Privacy Lab, where we have investigated privacy and security issues in Android apps since 2017. I can say without hesitation that this change makes Android users less safe. Android is based upon free and open source software (FOSS) and that has always been defined by user choice. Blocking the capability to install apps directly from trusted sources outside Google Play is not a small tweak. It removes a core freedom. We should not need permission to run software on devices we own. Framing this change as protection does not reflect the reality of the Android ecosystem. Google Play has long allowed unsafe apps, invasive tracker SDKs, and supply chain threats that slip through automated review. Independent audits have consistently revealed these issues inside of Google Play, even *after* Google claims to have scrubbed. For example, the X-mode SDK persisted long after it was banned in the USA by the FTC enforcement action, and was still present in many Google Play apps until Google was called out by my own investigation. Initially, Google responded by saying I was wrong but then acknowledged their error in press. Long after that, other tracker SDKs associated with X-mode and the wider ad-tech surveillance economy have persisted. In many cases, the safer and more privacy-conscious option is to use F-Droid to install apps. F-Droid is just one organization that is much more serious than Google about checking the safety of their catalog of apps. Sometimes, the safest option is installing APKs directly from trusted developers. These methods can avoid ad trackers, surveillance code, and unwanted data sharing. To cut off these options is to put many activists, journalists, whistleblowers, and ordinary users at risk. "

Sean, change.org

"Android must remain a free platform. Google isn't doing this for security reasons. They want to control us, but we can't let that happen. "

Luciano, change.org

"We shouldn't accept the platform being closed and controlled this way, reach out to the anti-monopoly institutions in your respective countries! "

Cristian Nicolas, change.org

"Freedom to install apps not verified by Google is one the main reasons to choose android over IOS. And claims that it's for security is BS. There are plenty of malicious apps on the playstore anyways, and this is going to lead to people who don't necessarily know what they're doing doing things like rooting their device, unaware of the risks. Besides, why is it any of Google's business what apps I install on a device I purchased? "

Cliff, change.org

"If android isn't open source then it's straight up just a worse iOS literally the only reason we use it is the fact that it's open source 💀 "

Natalia, change.org

"Android is about freedom, not control this change will ruin android forever "

Eli, change.org

"There is absolutely no reason for this. Google is once again using its money and influence to bully and suppress independent developers and choke out options for user, all while further its goal to insert itself in every aspect of the digital life. I enjoy having choice. I do not require every aspect of my life to be "verified". And the endless fees heaped on every small independent, be they developer or user, need to stop. "

Cat, change.org

"This is the sole reason that people choose Android over iOS and removing it removes another layer of customization that Android was known for. "

Isaac, change.org

"Google’s decision to end sideloading isn’t about user safety, it’s about control. By banning the ability to install apps outside the Play Store, Google isn’t protecting us it’s protecting its profits. Sideloading is what keeps Android open. It’s what allows small, independent developers to create and share apps without paying Google’s gatekeeping fees or begging for corporate approval. It’s what lets users, creators, and innovators build their own digital spaces, free from monopolized ecosystems. Ending sideloading means the end of true user choice. It hands Google even more power over what software we can access, what tools we can use, and ultimately what voices can reach us. This move strengthens surveillance capitalism, deepens corporate monopolies, and pushes us closer to a future where our devices — and our data — belong to corporations, not people. This is about more than Android. It’s about who controls our technology, our privacy, and our freedom online. We cannot allow one of the wealthiest corporations in history to dictate how billions interact with their own devices under the guise of “security.” Sign this petition to demand that Google stop its plan to remove sideloading in 2026. Defend open-source values, user rights, and digital democracy. The internet should serve people, not profit. Together, we can stand up for an open Android and a free digital future for everyone. "

Cole, change.org

"Android should remain open my device my choice hands off Google.Especially in today’s climate I do not want apps or delvelopers identities forward to authoritarian governments I’m looking at you United States. "

Henry, change.org

"We want to use the devices we bought with our very own money, however we want without corporations force feeding us whatever they want like Google "

Magnolia, change.org

"I do not trust the judgment of one company to decide what every person on Android is allowed to use on their phones. This is a censorship tactic, and will silence and punish small-time app developers who do not have the time or money to plead their case for the right to host their apps. "

Anna, change.org

"Developer verification can improve security, but requiring centralized registration for all apps on certified devices risks creating new barriers to competition and innovation. Security shouldn’t come at the cost of openness and choice. "

Caleb, change.org

"If this is implemented I will be abandoning the Google sphere and moving my data over to Apple. I have already signed up for an Apple ID and I am good to go if/when this happens. I will drop android and all associated subscriptions and spend my money at Apple. Goodbye Google. It was a good run 2009 to 2026. "

Scott, change.org

"Android was promised and sold as an open platform. As many others, I decided to get Android devices considering that that promise was a serious lifetime commitment from Google. All Google has to do now is honor their own word and keep Android open. "

Leo, change.org

"Remember when google was cool? "

Andrew, change.org

"Assuming Google is acting in good faith, they should respect users' intelligence and not lock down APK usage into a heavily regulated part of the internet. "

Noah, change.org

"FOSS shall not die and we the users shall be free to install what ever software we want "

Erik, change.org

"Android, if you are going to be just like Apple, I think many might as well just switch to Apple devices..... Please reconsider "

Kaleonahe, change.org

"Everything about this software/app lock out is beyond wrong. So is age verification. It is all beyond dystopian. George Orwell is spinning in his grave. My wife works in a major hospital and that hospital is already in a major panic because they have internal apps that can not be put out to apps stores for major security reasons. They have no idea what they are going to do when these apps stop working and can not be installed, used or updated because of these dystopian lockouts (i.e. blocking non app stores' apps from being installed; not to mention the major security risks of age verification). The app monitors many vital operations and medical equipment across three major medical facilities in the same hospital network; among branch facilities. It alerts staff and is used for many areas of communications in the hospital network. If this app can no longer be integrated into the hospital's operations network, the entirety of the hospital's facilities shuts down. I'm sure that if the hospital at which my wife works uses internal apps, then there are many other medical facilities that do also. A neighbor that I check on daily uses an app for necessary medical reasons. This app is not and will never be in any app store. Her doctors and the company that makes the device for thousands of people are in a panic. They can't just put this control/monitoring app out there. They would have to redesign the device's entire system and it could take several years. Plus, there are the major security risks. A friend has advanced diabetes and has a monitoring device stuck in his arm. The monitoring/alert app comes from the device manufacturer and not any app store. I also use medical apps that are not in any app store. I am also diabetic (not as badly as my friend) and disabled. There are several other people in my area that depend on medical apps that are not in any app store and are ONLY provided through a medical facility or medical device manufacturer. These companies do not put these apps out to these app stores for anyone to get their hands on for security reasons. If someone malicious got their hands on these medical device control apps, tampered with it, and re-uploaded it for patients to then obtain, thousands of patients could die. What am I and all these people that depend on proprietary and device specific medical apps across the country going to do when our apps/devices can't be installed or updated and just stop working? These dystopian app lock outs and the risks of age verification will put millions of peoples lives on the line and will have biblical level consequences. This all needs to stop immediately! "

John, change.org

"Don't get rid of the reason I switched from apple in the first place, google. "

Reina, change.org

"Why are these changes a necessity? What scary changes are happening in the technological realm that's causing Google to take these ecosystem changing moves? It appears as if you're ignoring a large section of your fan base. I hope freedom wins, but I think with the ever quickening development of A. I. that this measure may be the new necessity with mobile technology try to keep had actors at bay. "

Gene, change.org

"This is a de facto monopolization strategy and must not be allowed. Censorship and data harvesting are already proliferating, this will make those issues worse. "

Michel, change.org

"I wanted android mainly for its ability to download things in third party app stores, unlike Apple, now that Google is going to be doing this, it makes Google look no better than Apple, Android, infamous for its open sourcability now getting locked down just like iOS. I really hope that this is refuted instead of pushed to Android. "

Joshua, change.org

"then why get an android at this point? "

Kyarie, change.org

"Removing the ability to side-load apps is an egregious deviation from what made Android better. Android should remain free and open, the experience should not be lobotomized into what ends up being just a "cheaper iPhone". "

Luke, change.org

"first off i bought this phone i should have the right to put what ever program i want on it, I'm already upset so many things are locked behind root access my wife is a programmer and she fiddles with android programs. this would mean she can't do this anymore. it makes it a lot harder for indie android programmers to get started "

Joshua, change.org

"Google isn't trying to protect us from malware with these policies; it's simply trying to control the platform it owns to profit from its platform and the data it collects. "

Tiburcio, change.org

"I've relied on a third-party adblocker to disable adverts throughout my entire phone, and pulling this stunt would jeopardise such wishes not to have adverts in literally every single application I use. I do not want the Android OS to become iOS in being unnecessarily strict on sideloading and people's rights to download any apps they want that might not be on the Play Store. Google, you NEED a reality check if you really think being anti-consumer is going to "help" anybody in their lives. "

Finn, change.org

"I choose to use android devices because they provide more freedom and ability to control my own devices and how I use them. I cannot support any measure that limits those freedoms in any way or drives up costs in a world where costs are already increasing due to incompetence and lack of care for the average person. "

Scott, change.org

"The freedom Android offers for young inquisitive minds is the entery way to Dev-Land. Certainly they are aware of how many of their employees started from this basic idea and how many they may loose by taking it away. Not only that do they really believe we won't migrate to something better? But as a consumer we need to try and understand what the future will look like, why this is the decision not just for Android but for Windows and more. "

Joseph, change.org

"Don't be like Apple "

Tom, change.org

"The openness of the Android is its unique selling point. Keep Android open to keep Android Android. "

John, change.org

"I have used android since the begining and the entire reason ive stuck with it (and this has been getting VERY hard lately with all the locking down of android, version by version, more and more like iOS).. this would just be the nail in the coffin for android, for me.. I'd rather daily drive graphene or a very limited linux os than this. Really a shame though when you talk people into using android and all the reasons people choose to switch are being removed. This is something im a single issue voter on, I will cease all google/yt/gemini/etc subscriptions and use the day I can't sideload any app I please.. and this is a complete change for the device, so massive of a change (would have directly affected many of my purchases) that I dont get how they can just do it, literally the stuff that made it special they choose to gut.. "

Joshua, change.org

"The thing that separates an android from an iPhone is the ability to do whatever if they pass this this would kill what it's like to have an android "

Devawn, change.org

"Nobody asked for this. Unrestricted sideloading is the only reason I bought an Android phone. I need to upgrade to a new phone soon, but I will never in a million years consider buying another Android phone unless this decision is reversed. I'm now genuinely tempted to switch careers and devote my life to building sophisticated adblockers just to annoy Sundar. "

Jacob, change.org

"This is an attempt to stifle free and open development because that development has created avenues that subvert Google's bottom line. People are becoming tired of being the product and have the right to their privacy- but Google belives they have a right to force people to become said product by limiting where and how they use their devices. Buzz-words like "a more secure ecosystem" are used to hide their true initiative: their bottom line. Ironically, this corse of action may become the driving force that pushes Linux phones into full maturity, thus amputating the open-source-development community as revenue. I don't subsidize my mobile device purchases so that I may have full control over what I can do with them. Upon this move, I will gladly suffer the inconvenience of a less-mature operating system or less-developed device over a walled garden built by greed mascurading under the guise of "This is what will be best for everyone." "

Jake, change.org

"This is an insane power play that is attempting to force more money into Google's pockets for developer licenses. There are a lot of legitimate uses for sideloading apps that are legal. Certain emulators cannot be on the Play Store, which are 100% legal. Some apps don't release on the Play Store because of region requirements that don't allow it, so APK's are the only option. Plus, there are a lot of firms that likely develop in-house security apps, that don't and CAN'T be published to the Play Store for security reasons, so this will also lock out those companies from their own security systems and applications. Also, sometimes installing a previous version of an app is needed when the latest version is broken. Also, if I want to develop my own app, now I have to have a developer license to even test it? This is absolutely anti-consumer at its finest, and Google will lose a lot of business from this power play. The sad part is that they will be likely facing a lawsuit from many companies that will be affected by this, because this is a huge change that will affect a huge majority of Android users. "

Nathan, change.org

"Google does not deserve more money than they have right now, this is greedy. "

Parker, change.org

"Android making this is just bullshit, the developer thing is just to make more easy to sue devs, and indie games creators that don't want to get near to google greedy ass. It is better they cease and desist "

Michel, change.org

"As a consumer, I bought and use Android platform devices because I care about my privacy and I care about accessing third-party applications that are not strictly on Google's Play Store. I utilize F-Droid and various other third-party app stores, and this would be a major impediment to me. I did not agree to Google pulling the rug from beneath me well after I bought several thousand dollar Android phones and devices. "

Stephen, change.org

"Google, as a US based company, is trying to seize control over who can and who cannot create applications for Android. If you purchase a phone, you should be able to use it however you see fit. But now, if you want to develop a simple app for your daily use or for a small project that doesn't strictly align with Google or the US government's agenda, you could be denied the right to install it and even persecuted or doxxed. "

Ivan, change.org

"Hello, I have been using Android my whole life, and I have always disliked iOS because of how locked down its operating system is. Recently, I have heard that Google may want to lock down Android and restrict third-party creators, and that is very concerning. Android’s openness is one of its biggest strengths. Not everyone can afford the cost and requirements to publish apps on the Google Play Store, and many independent developers rely on the ability to distribute apps outside of it. Android is also the largest operating system worldwide, and many devices such as the Meta Quest depend on Android and their own app stores. Locking down Android could create major problems for these platforms and users. As someone who plans to create and upload Android applications in the near future, this kind of change would be very limiting and would hurt creativity and development. Please keep Android open, and do not turn it into a system like iOS. Thank you for your time. "

charlie, change.org

"We have the right to have a place to escape the clutches of big corporations. "

Miguel, change.org

"As Student and Junior Developer, I find this petition quite concerning on security and privacy for web data, android is not only a platform, it is a framework, a constant transition of metadata across the WEB. Limitating actions on android, even in level 3 is limitating not only user-friendly policy's of privacy, but freedom on networking. I Highly Recommend Sharing this petition! "

Davi Cristopher, change.org

"I switched for freedom - not this. "

Harrison, change.org

"I should be allowed to download whatever I want onto the phone I paid for "

Celia, change.org

"Please don't limit the choice of those users who are either more technically inclined or simply need to use an app that isn't available on a store or signed by a registered developer. This is the kind of thing that really makes me sad. The flexibility of Android is gradually getting chipped away. First you take steps to make it incredibly difficult to have a usable experience on a rooted device via Play Integrity Services, and now you're going to take away our choice to sideload on devices that are supposedly "secure" as well? This is so anti-consumer and so against the spirit of freedom that Android afforded for those who didn't want to be locked in that I just can't find any way to justify it. How can you? "

Dustin, change.org

"Side loading is one of the biggest reasons I used an Android device. I’ll be using an IPhone for the foreseeable future. "

Joey, change.org

"Digital freedom matters! "

Koda, change.org

"I switched to Android to escape Apple's aggressively anti-consumer walled garden. My S20 Ultra (that I paid over $1600 for, after tax) is finally starting to show it's age, but now I have no incentive to get another android device for my next smartphone if you follow through with these changes. I've been a vocal supporter of Android for years, but if you don't scrap this change, I will boycott Alphabet products altogether and do my best to ensure as many others as possible are well-informed on why they should do the same. "

Jacob, change.org

"This is one of the starting points/gates to mass surveillance. If we don't act now it will be too late when there's already multiple structures put in place enabling the next following steps intheir hold on control. "

Dhariuz, change.org

"Control. That is all this is. Protection is a word you use to hide your true intentions, google. Google promised a platform where everybody can choose what they want; Linux does this, Windows does this. But google chose to threaten the very way of technology. We as consumers want freedom over the products we purchase, not "protection" from things "outside" of our control or knowledge. "

Trevor, change.org

"Pure authoritarian control tendency barely even trying to disguise itself as caring for the consumers security. "

Jared, change.org

"The entire reason I chose android over apple was the freedom I had to do what I wanted on the device I paid for. Google enforcing this "lock-down" is just shooting themselves in the foot and giving people more reason to give apple a shot. "

Riley, change.org

"This is a grave mistake and disaster and a true display of tyrannical behavior meant to push away the rights of others under the usual suspect aka the old bs saying "to protect the children" or "to keep you safe" its all a lie and this is just another way for the 4th amendment in my country to lose even more of its value and harm other countries that dont gave as many rights as americans do. First it was collusion and social media tracking, then it was ads and personalizations, then came along biometric security such as face scan or fingerprints arent protected by 4th amendment like passwords are, then we had AI invasiveness and the loss of ownership and shifting to subscriptions and now here we are not knly can we not own digital things now we are to lose our last items the physical things we own now under control as well no longer owned but basically licensed to us as long as we arent deemed dissidants. I only can hope that if you dont change that maybe we have alternatives and keep the will to fight back. "

Avery, change.org

"I remember when Android was a truly open platform, where the user could do anything they wanted to their phone. Now, it seems that this is at risk. I remember getting an Android phone because, as a developer, I thought I could openly install my own apps. But now that's also at risk. Please, remove this horrible change and implement actual security features. "

Jay, change.org

"Ridiculous. Android always has been open source, and by restricting access to downloading APK files, you're removing the freedom that comes with android. You say it's for safety but if that was the case, you would be removing a bunch of terrible apps on YOUR store filled to the brim with viruses and malware. We know this isn't about protection, it's about control and monopolyzing the phone industry. This decision clearly shows how little you understand your own customers, nor actually care about them "

Aiden, change.org

"As a hobbyist and tinkerer I rely on sideloaded apps to manage my smart devices, maintain privacy and access key items on other devices. Many of these services that I have set up would be unavailable if this goes forward. What's more there is no foreseeable reason why one shouldn't be able to modify, edit and change their own devices as they see fit. Every other computer works in this manner and Android has been no different. Maintaining this freedom is a must going forward and has one of the primary draws to the ecosystem. Google's choice to stop sideloading is not fooling anyone, it's a method of control and siloing. I left Apple because of this, don't think I won't leave Android too. "

Matthew, change.org

"Google is a giant monopoly that never should have grown to the size it has in the first place. We wouldn’t be here if they were stopped a long time ago when they should have been. "

Tom, change.org

"This whole security benefit is BS "

Jordan, change.org

"It's a no to big brother and feeling myself fold up when I look at my phone "

William, change.org

"This is a clear overreach of authority on a platform which has hitherto been a champion of freedom in the segment. This sort of restriction on the Android OS will force those of us with the desire for privacy and freedom of choice to alternative providers, or to create our own. Please re-think this decision and understand that by going this route you are furthering the creation of a world of censorship, restriction, and strife. "

D, change.org

"Anyone who wants to write an Android app should be fully allowed, and should never be forced to pay for your own program through fees. "

Keiran, change.org

"On veut pouvoir faire ce que l'on veut quand l'on veux "

Philippe, change.org

"I have Android phones for just one reason: The freedom they provided so far. Some of my main apps are side-loaded. This move of Google is a huge disappointment. It’s a terrible abuse of monopoly power. "

Andreas, change.org

"I've been an Android user since the start of my career and the whole reason I chose it is the freedom — to set it up how I want and load what I want. Locking it down just turns it into another Apple, and if I wanted that I'd have an iPhone. The small developers are where the real innovation comes from, and cutting them out kills that. Don't ruin what makes Android the best. Don't fix what isn't broken. Keep Android open. "

Mike, change.org

"IT'S ABSURD WHAT GOOGLE IS TRYING TO DO ON ANDROID, ANDROID USERS AND ANDROID DEVICES ABOUT LOCKING THE SYSTEM SO WE CAN'T INSTALL APPS DOWNLOADED FROM WEBSITES AND DOWNLOADED FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE. GOOGLE DOES NOT OWN OUR DEVICES AND WE HAVE THE FULL RIGHT TO DO WHAT WE WANT WITH OUR DEVICES BECAUSE WE PAY FOR THEM. "

Wagner, change.org

"One of the core principals of Android has been consumer choice. Especially in the current day, it's more important than ever that the consumer can choose where to get their software from. As a developer myself, I do not want to and WILL NOT sign up for the developer verification program, as Google has no right to tell me what I can do with my device. I do not trust any company to keep me safe, and especially not when they're overreaching into the personal lives and choices of the everyday user. Even from a consumer quality of life perspective, this change is hugely detrimental. Google Play is infested with ads, bad faith apps, sponsorships, and so much more I do not want to see. Alternative storefronts give users the choice to avoid clunky, nasty pieces of software and choose what workflow is best for them. I beg, please reconsider this choice and keep consumer's rights intact. "

Alexander, change.org

"This is a spit in the face of open-source and Android's userbase. "

Mark, change.org

"Products should be made to give the consumer control of the product they purchase. They should not be used for the corporation that manufactured the product to control the consumer use of that product or what the consumer has access to. This is a form of controlled speech and is a violation of the first amendment of the United States of America. "

Mitch, change.org

"Vamos parar essa empresa mercenárias "

Euler, change.org

"The reason why i use android is because of the freedom but if Google lockdown android then there no point on staying and not switching to other ecosystem "

Joel, change.org

"APKs are literally the backbone of everything android. Schools who develop android apps as a class will be out of luck. Please keep android open. "

Zachary, change.org

"This is the entire point of many people using Android in the first place, you take this away and something new will come along and replace you. "

Jacob, change.org

"I think this a terrible thing since what if you're trying to create your own project app but with this you wont be able to create your own app easily with no problem for your own personal self "

Angel, change.org

"I know this sounds crazy, but I just want to be able to use the device I paid for the way that I want to. "

Thomas, change.org

"I have an iPhone currently but hate it because I don’t have the ability to load any application I want. So when this goes into effect I will have zero reason to get another phone with android as it will just be a iPhone knockoff. "

Bill, change.org

"We should not be forced into using Google products. Our society doesn't function without choice and competition "

erik, change.org

"This is unreal, time to change to non android, play store devices.... "

Robert, change.org

"the only reason Android shines is it's customizabe especially app installation. please don't ruin yourself "

John, change.org

"Not allowing users to install the applications of their choosing on their own device and forcing developers to verify themselves with Google, even if they exclusively want to make their applications available on alterntive app stores is outrageous and completely unacceptable. "

Brandon, change.org

"It's serious that Android is doing this to those who make independent games, or stealing our data under the guise of security. I want to speak out because this is unfair. "

Cesar, change.org

"If you are or were a student in information engineering, many of you likely took a class on developing applications for Android devices. However, this specification change is something that will shake the foundations of such courses. Things that could previously be done by simply installing apps onto a physical device will now require cumbersome application procedures, an act that significantly lowers student motivation. "

中院, change.org

"Google needs to stop this. Collecting data in general is terrible "

Wojciech, change.org

"One of the reasons I use android is so I can do what I want unlike an iPhone. Locking it down will make it no different from the competition "

Jonathan, change.org

"We can't back down "

Victor Vitienzo, change.org

"APKs are the lifeblood of Android's open ecosystem. They let developers distribute apps outside the Play Store, free from Google's 30% cut and arbitrary takedown policies. They give users in underserved regions access to apps unavailable in their country's store. They power the emulation community, open-source projects, and beta testers who help improve software before it reaches the masses. When Google restricts APK usage through warnings, permission walls, or outright blocks, it quietly dismantles the very openness that made Android worth choosing over iOS in the first place. It punishes legitimate users for the sins of bad actors, while determined bad actors find workarounds anyway. "

AJ, change.org

"I've been using Apk Apps since I was 6. 6! I'm 18 now. If you do this, your removing something that's a Part of My Life and also maybe some people too. This Is what makes Android Unique, This Is the Gift and the Power of Android! If you take It away, you're also taking away the freedom people believed this system to have, this freedom allows users to truly own their devices! And your only just taking It away like nothing, like this system hasn't existed since the launch of Android! Like Seth mentioned, Android started as an open operating system, you have simply turned It Into a reskinned Apple OS. You're better then this. The stop button Is right there, Just click It... ❤️‍🩹 "

Jonah, change.org

"free is the most important part of Android,no freedom no Android. "

jason, change.org

"I will stop using Android if that actually happens and goes through, because what's the point then? "

Cederick, change.org

"Android has one major thing over apple, and that is the ability to download and use whatever software you want on your device alongside the variety of said software. As someone who enjoys finding projects made by other users, or full apps that can alter your experience for the better, we can't just let Google change that. "

Dakota, change.org

"At that point highkey I'd just use IOS. Why remove one of the main things that lets android be android "

Josue, change.org

"Android has always been about freedom. I've always loved side loading an app made by a line developer to complete a niche task/feature. My music player and compass app were side loaded from F Droid and I think it's super cool to be able to install custom versions of stock phone apps. I've side loaded a modded version of my camera app that brought Google Pixel's photosphere to my phone. How else would I have been able to do this without side loading?? There's no reason Android has to go this direction, it may just as well be called mock iOS if all the reasons I chose Android are taken away. May customization, freedom of how I use my phone, and innovation reign once again in the heart of Google's Android! "

Justin, change.org

"What sets Android apart from other OS' is its open source. This move will make Android just like every other OS. There will be no point in using Android. We'll all take out business to some other OS. "

Evo, change.org

"I currently own an iPhone, but I've always wanted to switch to and Android because I knew that I wouldn't be limited by what their app store says I can have on my phone. With this change, it sets a precedent that I don't have the right to run what programs I want to run on my technology, and I don't want to live like that. There are so many cool projects that aren't on the Play Store for various reasons, and we can't afford to lose those simply because Google wants control. "

O, change.org

"Google wanna eliminate biggest advantage of Android over iOS "

Misa, change.org

"Freedom is fundamental. "

S, change.org

"As an android guru who runs a blog on getting the best out of android who often recommends and personally use many side loaded apps since a lot of the best apps are on places like f droid and sinilar places but not on google. Ultimately its sad to see android and apple be these walled gardens "

L, change.org

"let's go, ! Keep Android alive! "

jorge, change.org

"I am the founder of Yale Privacy Lab, where we have investigated privacy and security issues in Android apps since 2017. I can say without hesitation that this change makes Android users less safe. Android is based upon free and open source software (FOSS) and that has always been defined by user choice. Blocking the capability to install apps directly from trusted sources outside Google Play is not a small tweak. It removes a core freedom. We should not need permission to run software on devices we own. Framing this change as protection does not reflect the reality of the Android ecosystem. Google Play has long allowed unsafe apps, invasive tracker SDKs, and supply chain threats that slip through automated review. Independent audits have consistently revealed these issues inside of Google Play, even *after* Google claims to have scrubbed. For example, the X-mode SDK persisted long after it was banned in the USA by the FTC enforcement action, and was still present in many Google Play apps until Google was called out by my own investigation. Initially, Google responded by saying I was wrong but then acknowledged their error in press. Long after that, other tracker SDKs associated with X-mode and the wider ad-tech surveillance economy have persisted. In many cases, the safer and more privacy-conscious option is to use F-Droid to install apps. F-Droid is just one organization that is much more serious than Google about checking the safety of their catalog of apps. Sometimes, the safest option is installing APKs directly from trusted developers. These methods can avoid ad trackers, surveillance code, and unwanted data sharing. To cut off these options is to put many activists, journalists, whistleblowers, and ordinary users at risk. "

Sean, change.org

"Android must remain a free platform. Google isn't doing this for security reasons. They want to control us, but we can't let that happen. "

Luciano, change.org

"We shouldn't accept the platform being closed and controlled this way, reach out to the anti-monopoly institutions in your respective countries! "

Cristian Nicolas, change.org

"Freedom to install apps not verified by Google is one the main reasons to choose android over IOS. And claims that it's for security is BS. There are plenty of malicious apps on the playstore anyways, and this is going to lead to people who don't necessarily know what they're doing doing things like rooting their device, unaware of the risks. Besides, why is it any of Google's business what apps I install on a device I purchased? "

Cliff, change.org

"If android isn't open source then it's straight up just a worse iOS literally the only reason we use it is the fact that it's open source 💀 "

Natalia, change.org

"Android is about freedom, not control this change will ruin android forever "

Eli, change.org

"There is absolutely no reason for this. Google is once again using its money and influence to bully and suppress independent developers and choke out options for user, all while further its goal to insert itself in every aspect of the digital life. I enjoy having choice. I do not require every aspect of my life to be "verified". And the endless fees heaped on every small independent, be they developer or user, need to stop. "

Cat, change.org

"This is the sole reason that people choose Android over iOS and removing it removes another layer of customization that Android was known for. "

Isaac, change.org

"Google’s decision to end sideloading isn’t about user safety, it’s about control. By banning the ability to install apps outside the Play Store, Google isn’t protecting us it’s protecting its profits. Sideloading is what keeps Android open. It’s what allows small, independent developers to create and share apps without paying Google’s gatekeeping fees or begging for corporate approval. It’s what lets users, creators, and innovators build their own digital spaces, free from monopolized ecosystems. Ending sideloading means the end of true user choice. It hands Google even more power over what software we can access, what tools we can use, and ultimately what voices can reach us. This move strengthens surveillance capitalism, deepens corporate monopolies, and pushes us closer to a future where our devices — and our data — belong to corporations, not people. This is about more than Android. It’s about who controls our technology, our privacy, and our freedom online. We cannot allow one of the wealthiest corporations in history to dictate how billions interact with their own devices under the guise of “security.” Sign this petition to demand that Google stop its plan to remove sideloading in 2026. Defend open-source values, user rights, and digital democracy. The internet should serve people, not profit. Together, we can stand up for an open Android and a free digital future for everyone. "

Cole, change.org

"Android should remain open my device my choice hands off Google.Especially in today’s climate I do not want apps or delvelopers identities forward to authoritarian governments I’m looking at you United States. "

Henry, change.org

"We want to use the devices we bought with our very own money, however we want without corporations force feeding us whatever they want like Google "

Magnolia, change.org