Answering questions about Android developer verification

Seems like that will change soon.

The reaction to this change has truly changed my opinion that developer's opinions on a lot of subjects affecting the public's safety and security shouldn't be valued much (and yes, I realize I am on HN). If this is a bridge too far, then why should anyone listen to devs about "we can't backdoor cryptography" and things like chat control and more? You can't make every hill the hill you die on. I wouldn't even be against requiring a professional certification organization for developers before they're allowed to publish software to the masses. I would very much find it unpleasant, but we live in a society. You need a license to drive, to be a doctor, engineer and just about any profession where people's safety and well being is in jeopardy. Even real estate agents are licensed! and people all up in arms about a simple id verification.

This is just to address malicious code. How does the public know your code isn't full of vulnerabilities, that you're not selling their data to the highest bidder? How do they know that you have a good understanding of secure coding practices and knowledge of privacy laws? Let's talk about that instead, if you publish software for a private group of people, there should be no restrictions. If you're publishing it on a platform that would expose your software to billions of people, get a license after id verification and passing a globally standardized exam (multiple choice and a practical coding exam!).

See, the big disconnect is that most developers see software as something similar to writing a book or selling a home-made item on etsy or ebay. But in reality, it's more like manufacturing a car or a gun, or opening a bank (if your app takes payments), or even opening a restaurant or a food truck. all these things require licensing. The malware and privacy loss people suffer is akin too food poisoning, car accidents,etc.. but since it all happens virtually and there is typically no physical harm, developers are dismissive of it. This isn't the 90's anymore, people's lives and livelihoods are all online, all the security measures you can take, using signal for chat, passkeys and password managers for creds,vpns,etc.. and you're still one legit looking app install away, one convincing phish away from your phone being compromised along with all your accounts, finances , job and your entire life as you recognize it from being harmed or destroyed.

I urge you all to temper passions with reason and practicality.

But no, I think in the case when android is no option any more, I will seriously reconsider if we peaked on some enshitification with smartphones.

Maybe no smartphone or Linux phones will be more interesting for some time for me then.