Google developer verification #189
Description
As many folks likely already saw, Google will soon be enforcing developer verification: https://developer.android.com/developer-verification
Once this is in place, Android will refuse to install an app unless the developer has gone through the developer verification process. This applies regardless if the app is installed from Google Play Store, F-Droid, or just opening an .apk file in a file manager. Installing an .apk file without an internet connection will no longer be possible.
The developer verification process requires providing personal information to Google, including the legal address and official government ID. Google can choose to revoke a developer's verification at any time.
I personally view this as an attack on software freedom and will not be participating in this program. I will not provide any personal information to Google nor sign any contract with them just for the privilege of distributing an app outside of Google Play.
This means after Google begins enforcement of this new policy, you will no longer be able to install RSAF or any of my other apps, except via adb install. Google currently exempts adb install from the developer verification restrictions, though there is nothing in the implementation of the verification functionality that guarantees this will always be the case.
Folks with rooted devices or devices running third party OS's will likely not be affected. With root access, it is trivial to disable the developer verification implementation, which exists in a separate proprietary privileged app preinstalled on the device. With third party OS's, the developer verification components likely aren't included in the first place.