F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules

F-Droid warns that Google's planned 2026 Developer Verification requirement — which would block apps on certified Android devices unless their developers verify identity with Google — could effectively end anonymous distribution and prevent many open-source developers from publishing or updating apps. The project argues this is a policy and competition issue, not a security need, and urges regulators and the community to challenge the rule to protect software freedom.