A coalition of civil society and scientific and technological organizations has recently urged Google to abandon a proposed policy that requires developers to register for the distribution of the Android application outside Google Play. In an open letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Google, Sandal Pichay, and the founders, Sergei Bryn and Larry Pec, these organizations warned that the plan could undermine the open nature of the Android ecosystem.
Under the proposed policy, developers wishing to publish applications through alternative channels such as third-party application shops, their own websites or enterprise distribution systems need to complete the Google validation process. The letter reads: “We implore Google to reverse this decision, to put an end to the developer’s certification plan and to begin working with the wider community to advance security objectives while preserving the Anjo open principle. The strength of the Andre ecosystem derives from its openness, and Google must work to restore its role as a faithful manager of that trust.”
According to the signatories, this would extend Google ‘ s mandate from its own market to independent distribution channels, which would essentially focus on controlling the distribution of software on Android equipment. They warned that this might allow Google to control the use of Android equipment. These groups also indicated that compulsory registration may create obstacles to the organization of small developers, open source projects and areas where Google services are restricted. In addition, the collection and storage of data around developers raises privacy concerns, especially for those who build sensitive or politically controversial applications. The letter also stated that the request could pose an anti-competitive risk of Google being able to provide insight into the development of the entire Android ecosystem and to obtain information about competing products or emerging business models. It called for Google to withdraw the policy and to work with developers, civil society and regulatory bodies to develop security measures to protect users while maintaining platform openness.
