I am not a typical Google or Android user. I have an iPhone and I use Brave as my daily browser. The only exposure I get to Google is on my work computer where I use Chrome since I can't use Brave. This news though caught me out of left field to say the least and it really is mind blowing that Google is going in this direction. 

Starting in September 2026 every Android app developer must register with Google and upload government-issued ID even if they do not use the Google Play Store. Now this is shocking for a few reasons but to me the biggest is Google only last year dodged a nuclear bomb that would have forced the company to break up. Part of the reason that they were able to dodge this was because of how Android is run. Google kept it open sourced and did not require people, developers, etc. to register or otherwise link up with them. Now they are changing their mind it appears. 

What really stands out about this more than anything is how users who install software outside of Google's Play Store still have to register and upload an ID. This does really nuke the whole freedom of choice on an open platform that Android has become known for. I have looked and even in Europe I cannot find some sort of legislation that maybe would have required this instead this is just something that Google chose which means they are just trying again to get at people's data who have historically leveraged the open platform and not used Google's store. 

Part of me did try to see if I could do the mental gymnastics to make this work but no. Google is just trying to create a list/data base of developers and possibly others that is just wild. Not to mention to get registered you literally have to PAY A FEE to Google along with the whole legal name, physical address, phone number, and government ID. I guess maybe Google is desperate for developers and is wanting to figure out who is popular and try to recruit them cause otherwise I have no idea what the point is. If they want to approach this from the legal angel they can already track apps if some illegal thing was created. 

What a gross attack on privacy. This is just straight up something I would have expected from Apple but not Google. 

Please know I am not a financial advisor and make sure you do your own research! If you enjoyed this article and would like to support me further below are a few referral links that if you used when signing up I would appreciate it! Also, follow me on X here 

GoMining

With BTC looking to rebound for $30 you can get involved actually get involved in BTC mining and it isnt the cloud mining scams of past. GoMining's partners include Binance, Bitmain, and the Bitcoin Mining Council in the effort to allow all to participate! Want to join in on the fun?!?!   

   Here you go! 

Fold App

If you are interested in getting a debit OR soon to be released credit card that pays you back in BTC Fold is the place to go! If you sign up with my referral link here once you make your first purchase with the card you get $10 worth of sats as a bonus!    

Stacker News

Earn Sats on your posts on Stacker News with my referral link here! 

Robinhood

Robinhood is offering an excellent signup deal if you use my link here where we will both be awarded free stock. All that you have to do is sign up and connect your bank account for the award!