Didn't Google say that they're gonna provide an escape hatch for students and hobbyists? So, best case scenario, we just need to tap some label 5 times to enable side-loading again.

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rollcat 5 days ago | parent | next [-]

We have different definitions of an "escape hatch". A user is not an IT specialist. Ordinary people need unobstructed access to lifeboats.

Apple allows developers to self-sign a handful of apps (exclusively from source!) with short-lived certs - it's a complete PITA to maintain a simple app for personal use, and you still need an account. Google is heading in the same direction.

	▲	msgodel 5 days ago \| parent [-]
		Also features that people assume are part of the OS, like push notifications, but are really a service run by Apple that your phone is locked to using cryptography don't work with self-signed apps.

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charcircuit 6 days ago | parent | prev [-]

You are able to get a limited number of app installs for your package for free.

https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/guides/...

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rcxdude 6 days ago | parent | next [-]

Which still requires ID verification.

	▲	surajrmal 5 days ago \| parent [-]
		How many people would that really stop? It wouldn't stop me from feeling comfortable with creating android apps that are capable of being side loaded.

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Y_Y 5 days ago | parent | prev [-]

> You'll need > Your legal name and address. These need to be verified by uploading official identity documents.

I don't have a "legal name". Sounds like some sovcit bullshit. I go by several names, none of which is canonical. Maybe other countries formalize this idea, but the countries where I am a citizen/resident do not.

> A private email address and phone number for Google to contact you. These will need to be verified using a one-time password

I love that email OTP is good enough for this, but apparently not for anything else, where I'll need an approved verified secure attested super official app.

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charcircuit 5 days ago | parent [-]

>I don't have a "legal name". Sounds like some sovcit bullshit.

Considering every country has passports and passports all have the person's legal name on them. And thst the passport standard only supports having one name with a primary and secondary identifier. You must be mistaken.

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immibis 5 days ago | parent | next [-]

Not everyone has a passport. And people with strange or no name may have passports with names that are not theirs.

	▲	charcircuit 5 days ago \| parent [-]
		But it does mean that the country has a way of picking a name to use on one.

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BlueTemplar 5 days ago | parent | prev [-]

They might have several different passports from different countries.

It's also fairly common for instance for women to have multiple names from their marriage(s).

	▲	charcircuit 5 days ago \| parent [-]
		Use the same name as the identification you are submitting. It's not that complicated.