Apple and Google have long wielded significant influence over the apps available on their platforms, a reality that has recently drawn the attention of various governments, including the U.S. government. These authorities are increasingly employing both legal and extralegal measures to assert control over these tech giants, who, rather than resisting, appear to be accommodating these pressures.
New Developments in App Store Regulation
Apple’s recent decision to remove the ICEBlock app, reportedly in response to threats from the U.S. government, was swiftly followed by Google’s similar action. However, the implications of Google’s upcoming global program, set to launch next year, are far more concerning. This initiative will require developers to register with Google to have their apps available on certified Android devices. This registration process includes a fee and demands personal information, verified by government-issued identification.
Google asserts that this program adds an “extra layer of security” to deter malicious actors. Yet, the connection between these registration requirements and the actual safety or effectiveness of apps remains tenuous. Questions arise: Why does Google need to verify a developer’s identity with a driver’s license to assess app safety? What is the purpose of creating a comprehensive database of Android app developers worldwide?
The ramifications of this policy could be severe, particularly for smaller development communities. Many apps are crafted by volunteers, researchers, and small teams with limited resources. For some developers, the requirement to provide personal information may pose significant risks, potentially dissuading them from contributing to the Android ecosystem altogether. This could lead to a loss of valuable tools for all Android users.
F-Droid, a free and open-source repository for Android applications, has raised alarms regarding the potential devastation this central registration system could inflict on the developer community. The organization highlights that many developers operate without the backing of government-issued identification, and the fear of sharing personal information with Google could stifle innovation and participation.
While Google has mentioned it is “working on” a program tailored for students and hobbyists with different requirements, this promise falls short of addressing the broader concerns raised by the developer community. The need to foster technologies that decentralize and democratize our digital landscape is more pressing than ever, as a centralized registration system threatens to undermine these efforts.
The underlying issue is not necessarily the quality or safety of all apps but the implications of establishing a gatekeeping system. When a gate is erected, it invites authorities to use it to block content they find objectionable. Similarly, the creation of a database invites scrutiny and access requests from governments and private entities alike. The adage “if you build it, they will come” rings true in this context.
Consider a scenario where a developer creates a virtual private network (VPN) app aimed at helping dissidents and journalists evade surveillance. In certain jurisdictions, distributing such an app could lead to legal repercussions. Developers in these regions should not be compelled to trust that Google will safeguard their personal information from government requests simply to ensure their app is accessible to Android users. Likewise, those working on apps that report on sensitive issues, such as ICE activities, should not have to fear that their data could be shared with entities like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The introduction of a registration requirement for developers could inadvertently provide Google with a new mechanism to reinforce its app store monopoly. The current reliance on a limited number of platforms for tech infrastructure creates opportunities for these companies to wield their power in ways that could lead to increased policing and censorship.
Notably, the timing of Google’s announcement coincides with its ongoing legal battle in the Epic Games v. Google lawsuit, which seeks to prevent the company from penalizing developers who choose to distribute their apps through competing app stores. The proposed registration system could further entrench Google’s competitive advantage, granting the company enhanced visibility into app development and distribution processes.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has joined F-Droid in voicing concerns through an open letter. For those invested in reclaiming control over technology, supporting these initiatives is crucial.
