Navigated to Google’s New Policy is an “Extinction Event” (F-Droid Interview)

Google’s New Policy is an “Extinction Event” (F-Droid Interview)

Dec 10, 2025
1h 4m

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Episode Description

Google just announced a policy that could kill F-Droid and open source app distribution on Android. Marc Prud'hommeaux from F-Droid's Board of Directors calls it an "extinction event"—here's why that matters even if you've never used F-Droid.


In this interview, we cover:

- Google's new Developer Registration Program and what it actually does

- Why F-Droid says this is an "extinction event" for open source

- How this impacts ALL Android users (not just F-Droid users)

- Why app stores like F-Droid exist and why they matter

- Concrete actions you can take RIGHT NOW to fight back

- What happens next and how developers are responding


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🔗 TAKE ACTION

Keep Android Open (sign the petition): https://keepandroidopen.org

F-Droid Website: https://f-droid.org


⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro

01:45 - Marc's Journey to Open Source

05:27 - App Store Breakdown (Play Store vs F-Droid vs Apple)

10:39 - Malware & App Store Safety

19:26 - Google's Plans for Android (The Threat)

22:44 - How Bad Is This? (Extinction Event)

26:21 - How This Impacts F-Droid

31:35 - Why Regular Users Should Care

39:45 - Effect on Developers

41:29 - What Are The Next Steps?

48:54 - Why Is Google Doing This?

52:58 - Is Anyone Else Stepping Up?

56:35 - What's Next?

1:01:34 - Final Words


📰 ABOUT TECHLORE TALKS

Deep-dive interviews with experts fighting for digital rights, privacy, and freedom. Hosted by Henry Fisher from Techlore, bringing you insider perspectives on the threats and solutions shaping our digital future.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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