Okay but, installing an apk is not the kind of thing a scammer does. They'll just install some standard off the shelf remote access software from the play store

This very much feels like they just needed to come up with a new justification for this process and opted for scammers for some reason. Even though they're completely disconnected

• enable developer options
• confirm that you are not tricked
• restart phone and re-authenticate
• wait one day
• confirm with biometrics that you know what you are doing
• decide if you only want unrestricted installs for 1 week or forever
• confirm that you accept the risks
• enjoy the few apps that still have developers motivated to develop for a user-base willing to put up with this

And again, confirming that my current phone will be the last android device I own.

In addition to the advanced flow we’re building free, limited distribution accounts for students and hobbyists. This allows you to share apps with a small group (up to 20 devices) without needing to provide a government-issued ID or pay a registration fee.

Fuck you sideways, Google.

Just think of all the other things that could benefit from a "protective waiting period" to enhance your safety.

Turning off location tracking, using a web browser other than Chrome, using a mail server other than Gmail, visiting duckduckgo.com — if Google really cared about your privacy and security they'd add a 24-hour delay to all these dangerous activities.

They think this will take some of the heat off of them. Hopefully no one actually thinks this is a reasonable compromise. If I want to help an elderly family member install something on their phone during Thanksgiving dinner or a family reunion, I'm not gonna want to wait a day. Uncle Paul's flying back to Florida tomorrow morning!

I imagine that the demand for linux phones will only grow.

Who are these smooth-talking scammers that can guide a regular-ass user to jump through hoops in settings to install a malicious app?

Maybe I should ask them how they do it, because I cannot convince my family to download and use Signal. You know, the legit app from the official app store.

Rental devices tend to be bad investments for the individuals.

They will just redefine what 24h means!

Don't think for a second that these companies are working in good faith, and would change their evil plans due to some pushback from the rabble. They will just find ways to circumvent things. They have everyone by the nads, there are no competitors.

This would not have affected me since I use Lineage OS without Google Play Services, but I am now more seriously than ever looking into using a Linux phone like Postmarket OS.

Hot Take: Honestly, this is not as bad as I thought it'd be... IMO

(But still, it's kinda a slipperly slope...)

I'm just going to eradicate Google once SteamOS supports mobile devices. Fucking control freak douchebags.

I am already on Graphene OS.. so, do what the fuck u want. I dont care.

Why is it called developer mode if it's supposedly an advanced flow? That has a bad implication.

How will this be accepted by the EU?  Will it comply to the regulations?