Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices

2026-01-25T21:39:21Z

Meep: /* Mitsubishi (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance) */

This page details specific car models that either collect and sell user data or lock certain features behind an additional paywall or subscription. It is still actively being added to and is currently very incomplete. Please help by adding specific car models to the page along with the specific years of models that have features locked behind subscriptions or additional charges.

==Acura (Honda Motor Company)==

==Afeela (Sony Honda Mobility)==

==Alpine (Renault)==

==Alfa Romero (Stellantis)==

==Audi (Volkswagen Group)==

==BMW (BMW Group)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
!Model!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|3 Series (G20)||2019 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Advanced navigation features
*Consierge services
*Remote vehicle controls
*Adaptive cruise control enhancements
||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

==Bentley (Volkswagen Group)==

==Buick (General Motors)==

==Cadillac (General Motors)==

==Chevrolet (General Motors)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Years
!Features
!Price
|-
|Silverado 1500
|2019 - Present
|
*Automatic crash response
*Remote start via mobile app
*Vehicle diagnostics
*Real-time navigation
*Stolen vehicle assistance
*Wi-Fi hotspot
*Cloud based navigation
*Voice-to-text functions
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|}

==Chrysler (Stellantis)==

==Cupra (Volkswagen AG)==

==Defender (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Discovery (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Dodge (Stellantis)==

==Fiat (Stellantis)==

==Fisker (Fisker Inc.)==

==Ford (Ford Motor Co.)==

==GMC (General Motors)==

==Genesis (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Honda (Honda Motor Co.)==

==Hyundai (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Infiniti (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Jaguar (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Jeep (Stellantis)==

==Kia (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Land Rover (Tata Motors)==

==Lexus (Toyota Motor Corp.)==

==Lincoln (Ford Motor Co.)==

==Lotus (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==Lucid (Lucid Motors)==

==Maserati (Stellantis)==

==Mazda (Mazda Motor Corp.)==

==Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+Caption text
|-
!Models!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|E-Class (W213)||2016 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Remote start
*Vehicle tracking
*Advanced navigation requirements
*Active lane keeping assist
*Adaptive cruise control w/ stop and go functionality
||Example
|-
| ||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

==Mercury (Ford Motor Co.)==

==Mini (BMW Group)==

==Mitsubishi (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Years
!Features
!Price
|-
|Outlander
|2023
|
* Stolen vehicle assistance
* Horn from app
* SOS emergency assistance
* Security alarm from app
* Vehicle finder
* Unlock & lock from app
* Curfew alert
* Automatic collision notification
* Lights from app
* Climate stop & start from app
* Geofence alert
* Climate control
* Roadside assistance and dispatch (manual or automatic)
* Factory reset
|Safeguard & Remote Package: $228 per year
|-
|
|
|
|
|-
|
|
|
|
|}

==Nissan (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Polestar (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==Pontiac (General Motors)==

==Porsche (Volkswagen Group)==

==Ram (Stellantis)==

==Range Rover (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Rivian (Rivian Automotive [Investments from Amazon and Ford, among others]==

==Rolls-Royce (BMW Group)==

==Saab (Brand owned by Saab AB. Assets owned by National Electric Vehicle Sweden)==

==Saturn (General Motors)==

==Scion (Toyota Motor Corp)==

==Scout (Volkswagen AG)==

==Slate (Slate)==

==Smart (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)==

==Subaru (Subaru Corp.)==

==Suzuki (Suzuki Motor Corp [Toyota owns small stake in company])==

==Tesla (Tesla Inc.)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Years
!Features
!Cost
|-
|Model S
|2012 - Present
|
*Full Self Driving (FSD)
*Satellite-view maps
*In-car video streaming
*Live traffic visualization
*Internet browsing
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|}

==Toyota (Toyota Motor Corp.)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Years
!Features
!Cost
|-
|Toyota Tundra
|2022 - Present
|
*Remote start
*Cloud based navigation
*Voice assistant integration
*Wi-Fi hotspot access
*Real time navigation routing
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|}

==VinFast (VinGroup)==

==Volkswagen (Volkswagen AG)==

==Volvo (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==='''''Sources (will organize later):'''''===
*https://www.cars.com/articles/what-automakers-offer-app-subscriptions-and-how-much-do-they-cost-520637/
*Who Owns Which Car Brands? - Consumer Reports
*5 Vehicles Where Tech Updates Are Free And 5 That Charge Subscription Fees - DAX Street

List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices

2026-01-25T21:32:42Z

Meep: /* Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes-Benz Group AG) */

This page details specific car models that either collect and sell user data or lock certain features behind an additional paywall or subscription. It is still actively being added to and is currently very incomplete. Please help by adding specific car models to the page along with the specific years of models that have features locked behind subscriptions or additional charges.

==Acura (Honda Motor Company)==

==Afeela (Sony Honda Mobility)==

==Alpine (Renault)==

==Alfa Romero (Stellantis)==

==Audi (Volkswagen Group)==

==BMW (BMW Group)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
!Model!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|3 Series (G20)||2019 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Advanced navigation features
*Consierge services
*Remote vehicle controls
*Adaptive cruise control enhancements
||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

==Bentley (Volkswagen Group)==

==Buick (General Motors)==

==Cadillac (General Motors)==

==Chevrolet (General Motors)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Years
!Features
!Price
|-
|Silverado 1500
|2019 - Present
|
*Automatic crash response
*Remote start via mobile app
*Vehicle diagnostics
*Real-time navigation
*Stolen vehicle assistance
*Wi-Fi hotspot
*Cloud based navigation
*Voice-to-text functions
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|}

==Chrysler (Stellantis)==

==Cupra (Volkswagen AG)==

==Defender (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Discovery (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Dodge (Stellantis)==

==Fiat (Stellantis)==

==Fisker (Fisker Inc.)==

==Ford (Ford Motor Co.)==

==GMC (General Motors)==

==Genesis (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Honda (Honda Motor Co.)==

==Hyundai (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Infiniti (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Jaguar (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Jeep (Stellantis)==

==Kia (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Land Rover (Tata Motors)==

==Lexus (Toyota Motor Corp.)==

==Lincoln (Ford Motor Co.)==

==Lotus (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==Lucid (Lucid Motors)==

==Maserati (Stellantis)==

==Mazda (Mazda Motor Corp.)==

==Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+Caption text
|-
!Models!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|E-Class (W213)||2016 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Remote start
*Vehicle tracking
*Advanced navigation requirements
*Active lane keeping assist
*Adaptive cruise control w/ stop and go functionality
||Example
|-
| ||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

==Mercury (Ford Motor Co.)==

==Mini (BMW Group)==

==Mitsubishi (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Nissan (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Polestar (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==Pontiac (General Motors)==

==Porsche (Volkswagen Group)==

==Ram (Stellantis)==

==Range Rover (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Rivian (Rivian Automotive [Investments from Amazon and Ford, among others]==

==Rolls-Royce (BMW Group)==

==Saab (Brand owned by Saab AB. Assets owned by National Electric Vehicle Sweden)==

==Saturn (General Motors)==

==Scion (Toyota Motor Corp)==

==Scout (Volkswagen AG)==

==Slate (Slate)==

==Smart (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)==

==Subaru (Subaru Corp.)==

==Suzuki (Suzuki Motor Corp [Toyota owns small stake in company])==

==Tesla (Tesla Inc.)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Years
!Features
!Cost
|-
|Model S
|2012 - Present
|
*Full Self Driving (FSD)
*Satellite-view maps
*In-car video streaming
*Live traffic visualization
*Internet browsing
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|}

==Toyota (Toyota Motor Corp.)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Years
!Features
!Cost
|-
|Toyota Tundra
|2022 - Present
|
*Remote start
*Cloud based navigation
*Voice assistant integration
*Wi-Fi hotspot access
*Real time navigation routing
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|}

==VinFast (VinGroup)==

==Volkswagen (Volkswagen AG)==

==Volvo (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==='''''Sources (will organize later):'''''===
*https://www.cars.com/articles/what-automakers-offer-app-subscriptions-and-how-much-do-they-cost-520637/
*Who Owns Which Car Brands? - Consumer Reports
*5 Vehicles Where Tech Updates Are Free And 5 That Charge Subscription Fees - DAX Street

List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices

2026-01-25T21:31:40Z

Meep: /* Chevrolet (General Motors) */ Silverado

This page details specific car models that either collect and sell user data or lock certain features behind an additional paywall or subscription. It is still actively being added to and is currently very incomplete. Please help by adding specific car models to the page along with the specific years of models that have features locked behind subscriptions or additional charges.

==Acura (Honda Motor Company)==

==Afeela (Sony Honda Mobility)==

==Alpine (Renault)==

==Alfa Romero (Stellantis)==

==Audi (Volkswagen Group)==

==BMW (BMW Group)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
!Model!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|3 Series (G20)||2019 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Advanced navigation features
*Consierge services
*Remote vehicle controls
*Adaptive cruise control enhancements
||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

==Bentley (Volkswagen Group)==

==Buick (General Motors)==

==Cadillac (General Motors)==

==Chevrolet (General Motors)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Years
!Features
!Price
|-
|Silverado 1500
|2019 - Present
|
* Automatic crash response
* Remote start via mobile app
* Vehicle diagnostics
* Real-time navigation
* Stolen vehicle assistance
* Wi-Fi hotspot
* Cloud based navigation
* Voice-to-text functions
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|}

==Chrysler (Stellantis)==

==Cupra (Volkswagen AG)==

==Defender (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Discovery (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Dodge (Stellantis)==

==Fiat (Stellantis)==

==Fisker (Fisker Inc.)==

==Ford (Ford Motor Co.)==

==GMC (General Motors)==

==Genesis (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Honda (Honda Motor Co.)==

==Hyundai (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Infiniti (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Jaguar (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Jeep (Stellantis)==

==Kia (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Land Rover (Tata Motors)==

==Lexus (Toyota Motor Corp.)==

==Lincoln (Ford Motor Co.)==

==Lotus (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==Lucid (Lucid Motors)==

==Maserati (Stellantis)==

==Mazda (Mazda Motor Corp.)==

==Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+Caption text
|-
!Models!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|E-Class (W213)||2016 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Remote start
*Vehicle tracking
*Advanced navigation requirements
*Active lane keeping assist
*Adaptive cruise control w/ stop and go functionality
||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

==Mercury (Ford Motor Co.)==

==Mini (BMW Group)==

==Mitsubishi (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Nissan (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Polestar (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==Pontiac (General Motors)==

==Porsche (Volkswagen Group)==

==Ram (Stellantis)==

==Range Rover (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Rivian (Rivian Automotive [Investments from Amazon and Ford, among others]==

==Rolls-Royce (BMW Group)==

==Saab (Brand owned by Saab AB. Assets owned by National Electric Vehicle Sweden)==

==Saturn (General Motors)==

==Scion (Toyota Motor Corp)==

==Scout (Volkswagen AG)==

==Slate (Slate)==

==Smart (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)==

==Subaru (Subaru Corp.)==

==Suzuki (Suzuki Motor Corp [Toyota owns small stake in company])==

==Tesla (Tesla Inc.)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Years
!Features
!Cost
|-
|Model S
|2012 - Present
|
*Full Self Driving (FSD)
*Satellite-view maps
*In-car video streaming
*Live traffic visualization
*Internet browsing
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|}

==Toyota (Toyota Motor Corp.)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Years
!Features
!Cost
|-
|Toyota Tundra
|2022 - Present
|
*Remote start
*Cloud based navigation
*Voice assistant integration
*Wi-Fi hotspot access
*Real time navigation routing
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|}

==VinFast (VinGroup)==

==Volkswagen (Volkswagen AG)==

==Volvo (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==='''''Sources (will organize later):'''''===
*https://www.cars.com/articles/what-automakers-offer-app-subscriptions-and-how-much-do-they-cost-520637/
*Who Owns Which Car Brands? - Consumer Reports
*5 Vehicles Where Tech Updates Are Free And 5 That Charge Subscription Fees - DAX Street

List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices

2026-01-25T21:25:56Z

Meep: /* Tesla (Tesla Inc.) */ Added Model S

This page details specific car models that either collect and sell user data or lock certain features behind an additional paywall or subscription. It is still actively being added to and is currently very incomplete. Please help by adding specific car models to the page along with the specific years of models that have features locked behind subscriptions or additional charges.

==Acura (Honda Motor Company)==

==Afeela (Sony Honda Mobility)==

==Alpine (Renault)==

==Alfa Romero (Stellantis)==

==Audi (Volkswagen Group)==

==BMW (BMW Group)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
!Model!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|3 Series (G20)||2019 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Advanced navigation features
*Consierge services
*Remote vehicle controls
*Adaptive cruise control enhancements
||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

==Bentley (Volkswagen Group)==

==Buick (General Motors)==

==Cadillac (General Motors)==

==Chevrolet (General Motors)==

==Chrysler (Stellantis)==

==Cupra (Volkswagen AG)==

==Defender (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Discovery (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Dodge (Stellantis)==

==Fiat (Stellantis)==

==Fisker (Fisker Inc.)==

==Ford (Ford Motor Co.)==

==GMC (General Motors)==

==Genesis (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Honda (Honda Motor Co.)==

==Hyundai (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Infiniti (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Jaguar (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Jeep (Stellantis)==

==Kia (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Land Rover (Tata Motors)==

==Lexus (Toyota Motor Corp.)==

==Lincoln (Ford Motor Co.)==

==Lotus (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==Lucid (Lucid Motors)==

==Maserati (Stellantis)==

==Mazda (Mazda Motor Corp.)==

==Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+Caption text
|-
!Models!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|E-Class (W213)||2016 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Remote start
*Vehicle tracking
*Advanced navigation requirements
*Active lane keeping assist
*Adaptive cruise control w/ stop and go functionality
||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

==Mercury (Ford Motor Co.)==

==Mini (BMW Group)==

==Mitsubishi (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Nissan (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Polestar (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==Pontiac (General Motors)==

==Porsche (Volkswagen Group)==

==Ram (Stellantis)==

==Range Rover (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Rivian (Rivian Automotive [Investments from Amazon and Ford, among others]==

==Rolls-Royce (BMW Group)==

==Saab (Brand owned by Saab AB. Assets owned by National Electric Vehicle Sweden)==

==Saturn (General Motors)==

==Scion (Toyota Motor Corp)==

==Scout (Volkswagen AG)==

==Slate (Slate)==

==Smart (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)==

==Subaru (Subaru Corp.)==

==Suzuki (Suzuki Motor Corp [Toyota owns small stake in company])==

==Tesla (Tesla Inc.)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Years
!Features
!Cost
|-
|Model S
|2012 - Present
|
* Full Self Driving (FSD)
* Satellite-view maps
* In-car video streaming
* Live traffic visualization
* Internet browsing
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|}

==Toyota (Toyota Motor Corp.)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Years
!Features
!Cost
|-
|Toyota Tundra
|2022 - Present
|
*Remote start
*Cloud based navigation
*Voice assistant integration
*Wi-Fi hotspot access
*Real time navigation routing
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|}

==VinFast (VinGroup)==

==Volkswagen (Volkswagen AG)==

==Volvo (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==='''''Sources (will organize later):'''''===
*https://www.cars.com/articles/what-automakers-offer-app-subscriptions-and-how-much-do-they-cost-520637/
*Who Owns Which Car Brands? - Consumer Reports
*5 Vehicles Where Tech Updates Are Free And 5 That Charge Subscription Fees - DAX Street

List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices

2026-01-25T21:22:47Z

Meep: /* Toyota (Toyota Motor Corp.) */

This page details specific car models that either collect and sell user data or lock certain features behind an additional paywall or subscription. It is still actively being added to and is currently very incomplete. Please help by adding specific car models to the page along with the specific years of models that have features locked behind subscriptions or additional charges.

==Acura (Honda Motor Company)==

==Afeela (Sony Honda Mobility)==

==Alpine (Renault)==

==Alfa Romero (Stellantis)==

==Audi (Volkswagen Group)==

==BMW (BMW Group)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
!Model!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|3 Series (G20)||2019 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Advanced navigation features
*Consierge services
*Remote vehicle controls
*Adaptive cruise control enhancements
||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

==Bentley (Volkswagen Group)==

==Buick (General Motors)==

==Cadillac (General Motors)==

==Chevrolet (General Motors)==

==Chrysler (Stellantis)==

==Cupra (Volkswagen AG)==

==Defender (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Discovery (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Dodge (Stellantis)==

==Fiat (Stellantis)==

==Fisker (Fisker Inc.)==

==Ford (Ford Motor Co.)==

==GMC (General Motors)==

==Genesis (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Honda (Honda Motor Co.)==

==Hyundai (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Infiniti (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Jaguar (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Jeep (Stellantis)==

==Kia (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Land Rover (Tata Motors)==

==Lexus (Toyota Motor Corp.)==

==Lincoln (Ford Motor Co.)==

==Lotus (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==Lucid (Lucid Motors)==

==Maserati (Stellantis)==

==Mazda (Mazda Motor Corp.)==

==Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+Caption text
|-
!Models!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|E-Class (W213)||2016 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Remote start
*Vehicle tracking
*Advanced navigation requirements
*Active lane keeping assist
*Adaptive cruise control w/ stop and go functionality
||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

==Mercury (Ford Motor Co.)==

==Mini (BMW Group)==

==Mitsubishi (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Nissan (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Polestar (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==Pontiac (General Motors)==

==Porsche (Volkswagen Group)==

==Ram (Stellantis)==

==Range Rover (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Rivian (Rivian Automotive [Investments from Amazon and Ford, among others]==

==Rolls-Royce (BMW Group)==

==Saab (Brand owned by Saab AB. Assets owned by National Electric Vehicle Sweden)==

==Saturn (General Motors)==

==Scion (Toyota Motor Corp)==

==Scout (Volkswagen AG)==

==Slate (Slate)==

==Smart (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)==

==Subaru (Subaru Corp.)==

==Suzuki (Suzuki Motor Corp [Toyota owns small stake in company])==

==Tesla (Tesla Inc.)==

==Toyota (Toyota Motor Corp.)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Years
!Features
!Cost
|-
|Toyota Tundra
|2022 - Present
|
*Remote start
*Cloud based navigation
*Voice assistant integration
*Wi-Fi hotspot access
*Real time navigation routing
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|-
|Example
|
|
|
|}

==VinFast (VinGroup)==

==Volkswagen (Volkswagen AG)==

==Volvo (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==='''''Sources (will organize later):'''''===
*https://www.cars.com/articles/what-automakers-offer-app-subscriptions-and-how-much-do-they-cost-520637/
*Who Owns Which Car Brands? - Consumer Reports
*5 Vehicles Where Tech Updates Are Free And 5 That Charge Subscription Fees - DAX Street

List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices

2026-01-25T21:22:05Z

Meep: /* Toyota (Toyota Motor Corp.) */ Added Toyota Tundra to list

This page details specific car models that either collect and sell user data or lock certain features behind an additional paywall or subscription. It is still actively being added to and is currently very incomplete. Please help by adding specific car models to the page along with the specific years of models that have features locked behind subscriptions or additional charges.

==Acura (Honda Motor Company)==

==Afeela (Sony Honda Mobility)==

==Alpine (Renault)==

==Alfa Romero (Stellantis)==

==Audi (Volkswagen Group)==

==BMW (BMW Group)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
!Model!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|3 Series (G20)||2019 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Advanced navigation features
*Consierge services
*Remote vehicle controls
*Adaptive cruise control enhancements
||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

==Bentley (Volkswagen Group)==

==Buick (General Motors)==

==Cadillac (General Motors)==

==Chevrolet (General Motors)==

==Chrysler (Stellantis)==

==Cupra (Volkswagen AG)==

==Defender (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Discovery (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Dodge (Stellantis)==

==Fiat (Stellantis)==

==Fisker (Fisker Inc.)==

==Ford (Ford Motor Co.)==

==GMC (General Motors)==

==Genesis (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Honda (Honda Motor Co.)==

==Hyundai (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Infiniti (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Jaguar (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Jeep (Stellantis)==

==Kia (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Land Rover (Tata Motors)==

==Lexus (Toyota Motor Corp.)==

==Lincoln (Ford Motor Co.)==

==Lotus (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==Lucid (Lucid Motors)==

==Maserati (Stellantis)==

==Mazda (Mazda Motor Corp.)==

==Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+Caption text
|-
!Models!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|E-Class (W213)||2016 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Remote start
*Vehicle tracking
*Advanced navigation requirements
*Active lane keeping assist
*Adaptive cruise control w/ stop and go functionality
||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

==Mercury (Ford Motor Co.)==

==Mini (BMW Group)==

==Mitsubishi (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Nissan (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Polestar (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==Pontiac (General Motors)==

==Porsche (Volkswagen Group)==

==Ram (Stellantis)==

==Range Rover (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Rivian (Rivian Automotive [Investments from Amazon and Ford, among others]==

==Rolls-Royce (BMW Group)==

==Saab (Brand owned by Saab AB. Assets owned by National Electric Vehicle Sweden)==

==Saturn (General Motors)==

==Scion (Toyota Motor Corp)==

==Scout (Volkswagen AG)==

==Slate (Slate)==

==Smart (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)==

==Subaru (Subaru Corp.)==

==Suzuki (Suzuki Motor Corp [Toyota owns small stake in company])==

==Tesla (Tesla Inc.)==

==Toyota (Toyota Motor Corp.)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Years
!Features
!Cost
|-
|Toyota Tundra
|2022 - Present
|
* Remote start
* Cloud based navigation
* Voice assistant integration
* Wi-Fi hotspot access
* Real time navigation routing
|
|-
|
|
|
|
|-
|
|
|
|
|}

==VinFast (VinGroup)==

==Volkswagen (Volkswagen AG)==

==Volvo (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==='''''Sources (will organize later):'''''===
*https://www.cars.com/articles/what-automakers-offer-app-subscriptions-and-how-much-do-they-cost-520637/
*Who Owns Which Car Brands? - Consumer Reports
*5 Vehicles Where Tech Updates Are Free And 5 That Charge Subscription Fees - DAX Street

List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices

2026-01-25T21:18:12Z

Meep:

This page details specific car models that either collect and sell user data or lock certain features behind an additional paywall or subscription. It is still actively being added to and is currently very incomplete. Please help by adding specific car models to the page along with the specific years of models that have features locked behind subscriptions or additional charges.

==Acura (Honda Motor Company)==

==Afeela (Sony Honda Mobility)==

==Alpine (Renault)==

==Alfa Romero (Stellantis)==

==Audi (Volkswagen Group)==

==BMW (BMW Group)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
!Model!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|3 Series (G20)||2019 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Advanced navigation features
*Consierge services
*Remote vehicle controls
*Adaptive cruise control enhancements
||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

==Bentley (Volkswagen Group)==

==Buick (General Motors)==

==Cadillac (General Motors)==

==Chevrolet (General Motors)==

==Chrysler (Stellantis)==

==Cupra (Volkswagen AG)==

==Defender (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Discovery (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Dodge (Stellantis)==

==Fiat (Stellantis)==

==Fisker (Fisker Inc.)==

==Ford (Ford Motor Co.)==

==GMC (General Motors)==

==Genesis (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Honda (Honda Motor Co.)==

==Hyundai (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Infiniti (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Jaguar (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Jeep (Stellantis)==

==Kia (Hyundai Motor Group)==

==Land Rover (Tata Motors)==

==Lexus (Toyota Motor Corp.)==

==Lincoln (Ford Motor Co.)==

==Lotus (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==Lucid (Lucid Motors)==

==Maserati (Stellantis)==

==Mazda (Mazda Motor Corp.)==

==Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)==
{| class="wikitable"
|+Caption text
|-
!Models!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|E-Class (W213)||2016 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Remote start
*Vehicle tracking
*Advanced navigation requirements
*Active lane keeping assist
*Adaptive cruise control w/ stop and go functionality
||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

==Mercury (Ford Motor Co.)==

==Mini (BMW Group)==

==Mitsubishi (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Nissan (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)==

==Polestar (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

==Pontiac (General Motors)==

==Porsche (Volkswagen Group)==

==Ram (Stellantis)==

==Range Rover (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)==

==Rivian (Rivian Automotive [Investments from Amazon and Ford, among others]==

==Rolls-Royce (BMW Group)==

==Saab (Brand owned by Saab AB. Assets owned by National Electric Vehicle Sweden)==

==Saturn (General Motors)==

==Scion (Toyota Motor Corp)==

==Scout (Volkswagen AG)==

==Slate (Slate)==

==Smart (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)==

==Subaru (Subaru Corp.)==

==Suzuki (Suzuki Motor Corp [Toyota owns small stake in company])==

==Tesla (Tesla Inc.)==

==Toyota (Toyota Motor Corp.)==

==VinFast (VinGroup)==

==Volkswagen (Volkswagen AG)==

==Volvo (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)==

=== '''''Sources (will organize later):''''' ===
*https://www.cars.com/articles/what-automakers-offer-app-subscriptions-and-how-much-do-they-cost-520637/
*Who Owns Which Car Brands? - Consumer Reports
*5 Vehicles Where Tech Updates Are Free And 5 That Charge Subscription Fees - DAX Street

List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices

2026-01-25T21:17:06Z

Meep:

This page details specific car models that either collect and sell user data or lock certain features behind an additional paywall or subscription. It is still actively being added to and is currently very incomplete. Please help by adding specific car models to the page along with the specific years of models that have features locked behind subscriptions or additional charges.

== Acura (Honda Motor Company) ==

== Afeela (Sony Honda Mobility) ==

== Alpine (Renault) ==

== Alfa Romero (Stellantis) ==

== Audi (Volkswagen Group) ==

== BMW (BMW Group) ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
!Model!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|3 Series (G20)||2019 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Advanced navigation features
*Consierge services
*Remote vehicle controls
*Adaptive cruise control enhancements
||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

== Bentley (Volkswagen Group) ==

== Buick (General Motors) ==

== Cadillac (General Motors) ==

== Chevrolet (General Motors) ==

== Chrysler (Stellantis) ==

== Cupra (Volkswagen AG) ==

== Defender (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors) ==

== Discovery (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors) ==

== Dodge (Stellantis) ==

== Fiat (Stellantis) ==

== Fisker (Fisker Inc.) ==

== Ford (Ford Motor Co.) ==

== GMC (General Motors) ==

== Genesis (Hyundai Motor Group) ==

== Honda (Honda Motor Co.) ==

== Hyundai (Hyundai Motor Group) ==

== Infiniti (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance) ==

== Jaguar (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors) ==

== Jeep (Stellantis) ==

== Kia (Hyundai Motor Group) ==

== Land Rover (Tata Motors) ==

== Lexus (Toyota Motor Corp.) ==

== Lincoln (Ford Motor Co.) ==

== Lotus (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group) ==

== Lucid (Lucid Motors) ==

== Maserati (Stellantis) ==

== Mazda (Mazda Motor Corp.) ==

== Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes-Benz Group AG) ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+Caption text
|-
!Models!!Years!!Features!!Price
|-
|E-Class (W213)||2016 - Present||
*Real time traffic updates
*Remote start
*Vehicle tracking
*Advanced navigation requirements
*Active lane keeping assist
*Adaptive cruise control w/ stop and go functionality
||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|-
|Example||Example||Example||Example
|}

== Mercury (Ford Motor Co.) ==

== Mini (BMW Group) ==

== Mitsubishi (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance) ==

== Nissan (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance) ==

== Polestar (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group) ==

== Pontiac (General Motors) ==

== Porsche (Volkswagen Group) ==

== Ram (Stellantis) ==

== Range Rover (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors) ==

== Rivian (Rivian Automotive [Investments from Amazon and Ford, among others] ==

== Rolls-Royce (BMW Group) ==

== Saab (Brand owned by Saab AB. Assets owned by National Electric Vehicle Sweden) ==

== Saturn (General Motors) ==

== Scion (Toyota Motor Corp) ==

== Scout (Volkswagen AG) ==

== Slate (Slate) ==

== Smart (Mercedes-Benz Group AG) ==

== Subaru (Subaru Corp.) ==

== Suzuki (Suzuki Motor Corp [Toyota owns small stake in company]) ==

== Tesla (Tesla Inc.) ==

== Toyota (Toyota Motor Corp.) ==

== VinFast (VinGroup) ==

== Volkswagen (Volkswagen AG) ==

== Volvo (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group) ==

Sources (will organize later):
*https://www.cars.com/articles/what-automakers-offer-app-subscriptions-and-how-much-do-they-cost-520637/
*Who Owns Which Car Brands? - Consumer Reports
*5 Vehicles Where Tech Updates Are Free And 5 That Charge Subscription Fees - DAX Street

List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices

2026-01-25T21:12:56Z

Meep: This page is very incomplete. Please help me add to it. I am looking for specific models and specific years. The idea is that a viewer can check this site quickly to see if a car model they want to buy will have features only available via subscriptions or additional charges

This page details specific car models that either collect and sell user data or lock certain features behind an additional paywall or subscription.

Acura (Honda Motor Company)

Afeela (Sony Honda Mobility)

Alpine (Renault)

Alfa Romero (Stellantis)

Audi (Volkswagen Group)

BMW (BMW Group)
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
! Model !! Years !! Features !! Price
|-
| 3 Series (G20) || 2019 - Present ||
* Real time traffic updates
* Advanced navigation features
* Consierge services
* Remote vehicle controls
* Adaptive cruise control enhancements
|| Example
|-
| Example || Example || Example || Example
|-
| Example || Example || Example || Example
|}

Bentley (Volkswagen Group)

Buick (General Motors)

Cadillac (General Motors)

Chevrolet (General Motors)

Chrysler (Stellantis)

Cupra (Volkswagen AG)

Defender (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)

Discovery (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)

Dodge (Stellantis)

Fiat (Stellantis)

Fisker (Fisker Inc.)

Ford (Ford Motor Co.)

GMC (General Motors)

Genesis (Hyundai Motor Group)

Honda (Honda Motor Co.)

Hyundai (Hyundai Motor Group)

Infiniti (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)

Jaguar (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)

Jeep (Stellantis)

Kia (Hyundai Motor Group)

Land Rover (Tata Motors)

Lexus (Toyota Motor Corp.)

Lincoln (Ford Motor Co.)

Lotus (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)

Lucid (Lucid Motors)

Maserati (Stellantis)

Mazda (Mazda Motor Corp.)

Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Caption text
|-
! Models !! Years !! Features !! Price
|-
| E-Class (W213) || 2016 - Present ||
* Real time traffic updates
* Remote start
* Vehicle tracking
* Advanced navigation requirements
* Active lane keeping assist
* Adaptive cruise control w/ stop and go functionality
|| Example
|-
| Example || Example || Example || Example
|-
| Example || Example || Example || Example
|}
Mercury (Ford Motor Co.)

Mini (BMW Group)

Mitsubishi (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)

Nissan (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance)

Polestar (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)

Pontiac (General Motors)

Porsche (Volkswagen Group)

Ram (Stellantis)

Range Rover (Jaguar Land Rover / Tata Motors)

Rivian (Rivian Automotive [Investments from Amazon and Ford, among others]

Rolls-Royce (BMW Group)

Saab (Brand owned by Saab AB. Assets owned by National Electric Vehicle Sweden)

Saturn (General Motors)

Scion (Toyota Motor Corp)

Scout (Volkswagen AG)

Slate (Slate)

Smart (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)

Subaru (Subaru Corp.)

Suzuki (Suzuki Motor Corp [Toyota owns small stake in company])

Tesla (Tesla Inc.)

Toyota (Toyota Motor Corp.)

VinFast (VinGroup)

Volkswagen (Volkswagen AG)

Volvo (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group)

Sources (will organize later):
*https://www.cars.com/articles/what-automakers-offer-app-subscriptions-and-how-much-do-they-cost-520637/
*Who Owns Which Car Brands? - Consumer Reports
*5 Vehicles Where Tech Updates Are Free And 5 That Charge Subscription Fees - DAX Street

List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices

2026-01-25T20:47:52Z

Meep:

This page details specific car models that either collect and sell user data or lock certain features behind an additional paywall or subscription.

{| class="wikitable"
|+Car Models
|-
!Brand!!Parent Company!!Paywalled Features?!!Models That Have Paywalled Features!!Features Paywalled!!Cost of Unlocking Features!!Collect User Data?!!Ability to opt out?
|-
|Mitsubishi||Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Tesla||Tesla|| || || || || ||
|-
|BMW||BMW Group||Yes||
*BMW 3 Series (G20, 2019–Present)
|| || || ||
|-
|Hyundai|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|KIA|| || || || || || ||
|-
|Nissan|| || || || || || ||
|-
|Honda|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Toyota|| ||Yes||
*Toyota Tundra (2022–Present)
|| || || ||
|-
|Mercedes-Benz|| ||Yes||
*Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213, 2016–Present)
|| || || ||
|-
|Aston Martin|| ||None||N/A||N/A||N/A|| ||
|-
|Audi||Volkswagon Group||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Bently|| ||No|| || || || ||
|-
|Genesis|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Ford|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Buick|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Cadillac|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Chevorlet|| ||Yes||
*Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2019–Present)
|| || || ||
|-
|GMC|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Acura||Honda Motor Company||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Infiniti|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Jaguar|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Land Rover|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Lexus|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Lincoln|| ||No|| || || || ||
|-
|Mazda|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Mini|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Polestar|| ||No|| || || || ||
|-
|Porsche|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|BYD|| || || || || || ||
|-
|Xiaomi|| || || || || || ||
|-
|Rivian|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Subaru|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Chrysler|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Dodge|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Fiat|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Jeep|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Maserati|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Ram|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Volkswagon|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|-
|Volvo|| ||Yes|| || || || ||
|}

Sources (will organize later):
*https://www.cars.com/articles/what-automakers-offer-app-subscriptions-and-how-much-do-they-cost-520637/
*Who Owns Which Car Brands? - Consumer Reports
*5 Vehicles Where Tech Updates Are Free And 5 That Charge Subscription Fees - DAX Street

List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices

2026-01-25T20:44:15Z

Meep: Created page with "This page details specific car models that either collect and sell user data or lock certain features behind an additional paywall or subscription. {| class="wikitable" |+ Car Models |- ! Brand !! Parent Company !! Paywalled Features? !! Models That Have Paywalled Features !! Features Paywalled !! Cost of Unlocking Features !! Collect User Data? !! Ability to opt out? |- | Mitsubishi || Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance || Yes || Example || Example || Example || Exam..."

This page details specific car models that either collect and sell user data or lock certain features behind an additional paywall or subscription.

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Car Models
|-
! Brand !! Parent Company !! Paywalled Features? !! Models That Have Paywalled Features !! Features Paywalled !! Cost of Unlocking Features !! Collect User Data? !! Ability to opt out?
|-
| Mitsubishi || Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance || Yes || Example || Example || Example || Example || Example
|-
| Tesla || Example || Example || Example || Example || Example || Example || Example
|-
| BMW || Example || Yes ||
* BMW 3 Series (G20, 2019–Present)
|| Example || Example || Example || Example
|-
| Hyundai || Example || Yes || Example || Example || Example || Example || Example
|-
| KIA || Example || Example || Example || Example || Example || Example || Example
|-
| Nissan || Example || Example || Example || Example || Example || Example || Example
|-
| Honda || Example || Yes || Example || Example || Example || Example || Example
|-
| Toyota || Example || Yes ||
* Toyota Tundra (2022–Present)
|| Example || Example || Example || Example
|-
| Mercedes-Benz || Example || Yes ||
* Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213, 2016–Present)
|| Example || Example || Example || Example
|-
| Aston Martin || Example || None || N/A || N/A || N/A || Example || Example
|-
| Audi || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Bently || Example || No || || || || ||
|-
| Genesis || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Ford || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Buick || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Cadillac || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Chevorlet || Example || Yes ||
* Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2019–Present)
|| || || ||
|-
| GMC || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Acura || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Infiniti || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Jaguar || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Land Rover || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Lexus || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Lincoln || Example || No || || || || ||
|-
| Mazda || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Mini || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Polestar || Example || No || || || || ||
|-
| Porsche || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| BYD || Example || || || || || ||
|-
| Xiaomi || Example || || || || || ||
|-
| Rivian || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Subaru || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Chrysler || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Dodge || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Fiat || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Jeep || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Maserati || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Ram || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Volkswagon || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|-
| Volvo || Example || Yes || || || || ||
|}

Sources (will organize later):
* https://www.cars.com/articles/what-automakers-offer-app-subscriptions-and-how-much-do-they-cost-520637/

Google Android restrict app sideloading

2025-11-04T21:40:20Z

Meep: Corrected a spelling mistake

{{OngoingEvent}}
On 25 August 2025, '''[[Google]]''' announced that starting in 2026, the company will block the installation of Android apps from outside the Play Store unless the developer has verified their identity with Google. The policy will first roll out in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026 with global enforcement targeted for 2027.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Frey |first=Suzanne |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=A new layer of security for certified Android devices |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Android Developers Blog}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/25/google-will-require-developer-verification-for-android-apps-outside-the-play-store/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=TechCrunch}}</ref> This marks a significant change to Android's long-standing support for sideloading apps and has sparked debate among developers, consumers, and digital rights advocates.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=2025-08-26 |title=Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829170329/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=The Register}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |first= |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/810335/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=BleepingComputer}}</ref>

==Background==
The open-source Android operating system has historically allowed [[sideloading]], the installation of apps from outside the Google Play Store. Users would need to enable "unknown sources" in their device settings to make this possible. This level of openness distinguished Android OS from Apple's restrictive iOS that does not allow sideloading. Alternative android app stores, such as F-Droid, Amazon's Appstore, and web downloads from sites like APKMirror, thrived under this model.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Dallas |date=14 Sep 2024 |title=The Wild West days of sideloading on Android are officially over in this week's news |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/weekly-android-news-roundup-september-14-2024/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Android Police}}</ref>

Over time, Google introduced restrictions to the open-source operating system citing security concerns. In 2023, Google began requiring Play Store developers to verify their identities in order to reduce "impersonation and malware."<ref name=":0" /> Android versions 13 and 15 further limited what sideloaded apps could do, blocking access to sensitive permissions for apps not installed through Google's channels.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Rahman |first=Mishaal |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=Google wants to make sideloading Android apps safer by verifying developers' identities |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/android-developer-verification-requirements-3590911/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> These steps appear to have laid the groundwork for Google's new, broader enforcement.

==Timeline==
On 25 August 2025, Google announced that '''apps can only be installed on certified Android devices if their developers have verified their personal identity with Google'''.<ref name=":0" /> Developers must register through a new Android Developer Console, pay a one-time $25 fee (except for hobbyists or students, who will have a separate free path), and provide identifying details such as legal name, address, and government-issued ID.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Apps must also be registered with their signing keys to prove ownership.<ref name=":2" />

The rollout will proceed in stages:

*'''October 2025:''' Early access program for select developers.
*'''March 2026:''' Verification opens for all developers worldwide.
*'''September 2026:''' Enforcement begins in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.<ref name=":0" />
*'''2027:''' Targeted global rollout, eventually covering nearly all certified Android devices.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

The new system applies to certified Android devices which are phones and tablets that ship with Google Mobile Services (e.g., Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi). Devices running uncertified AOSP builds or custom ROMs (e.g., GrapheneOS, LineageOS) are not subject to this restriction.<ref name=":2" /> However, uncertified devices often face their own sideloading and app compatibility due to SafetyNet/Play Integrity checks.<ref name=":2" />

==Google's response==
Google framed this new policy as a necessary security measure to reduce malware, fraud, and impersonation. The company stated that malware is "50× more common outside the Play Store" and that anonymity allows bad actors to evade accountability.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> Suzanne Frey, VP of Product for Android, likened the change to an ID check at the airport: verifying who the developer is without inspecting app content.<ref name=":0" />

Google emphasized that it will not review or police apps distributed outside the Play Store for content, only verify developer identities.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Google's move gained support from some industry and institutions, including the Developers Alliance, Brazil's banking federation FEBRABAN, and Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Informatics, all of which praised the move as protecting users from fraud.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

As backlash mounted, Google took steps to clarify the changes. In late September 2025, an Android Developers Blog Q&A by Android security director Matthew Forsythe reiterated that sideloading is "fundamental to Android" and "absolutely not" going away, stressing the policy's focus on verifying developer identities rather than limiting user choice.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2025-09-30 |title=Let's talk security: Answering your top questions about Android developer verification |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/09/lets-talk-security-answering-your-top.html |url-status=live |access-date=2025-10-27 |website=Android Developers Blog}}</ref> Google assured developers that common workflows remain unaffected; for example, installing test apps via '''ADB''' (Android's debugging tool) will not require verification.<ref name=":7" /> The company also introduced a free "'''limited distribution'''" developer account as well as a new Android Developer Console for students, teachers, and hobbyists, allowing them to publish apps without paying a fee or providing government ID.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Rahman |first=Mishaal |date=2025-10-02 |title=We finally know how Android's new app verification rules will actually work |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/how-android-app-verification-works-3603559/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-10-28 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> However, these accounts come with significant app distribution restrictions, namely a strict cap on the number of devices that can install their apps. To enforce this restriction, any user of a hobbyist app must retrieve a unique device identifier, and the developer must whitelist that device in the Android Developer Console before the app can be installed.<ref name=":8" /> This two-way device registration limits "free tier" apps to a small, known group of people, whereas anyone aiming to reach a broad audience will need to upgrade to a fully verified paid account.<ref name=":8" />

Google also detailed how the verification enforcement will work. A new system service called the '''Android Developer Verifier''' will check each app at installation to confirm its package name and signing certificate are registered with Google.<ref name=":8" /> Common apps from verified developers can be installed offline thanks to a cached on-device list, but an active internet connection will be required to verify less common apps that aren't in the cache.<ref name=":8" /> To accommodate third-party app stores, Google is developing a "'''pre-auth token'''", a cryptographically signed blob that an alternative app store can pass to the system to pre-verify apps without repeated network calls.<ref name=":8" /> Enforcement of these rules will debut in '''Android 16 QPR2''' (the second quarterly update of Android 16, expected in late 2026), and Google will also update Play Protect on older Android versions to implement similar checks via Google Play Services.<ref name=":8" /> Notably, Google is carving out exceptions for enterprise scenarios: apps deployed through enterprise mobile management on managed work devices will install without developer verification (the assumption being that an organization's IT admin is taking responsibility for those apps' safety).<ref name=":8" /> However, truly offline use cases may prove tricky. Google has noted that entities with devices kept entirely off the internet will need to "determine for themselves" how to handle verification requests (i.e. such devices must periodically connect online to update the trusted app list).<ref name=":8" />

==Consumer response==
The announcement sparked backlash in online communities. On [[Reddit]], users accused Google of gradually eroding Android's openness.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/1n0f5zt/google_will_block_sideloading_of_unverified/ |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> Many argued that Android is becoming indistinguishable from iOS, with some stating that they may switch to operating systems from Apple or Linux since Android's openness was its key advantage.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schenck |first=Stephen |date=27 Aug 2025 |title=With developer verification, I'm struggling to think of Android as a proper smartphone platform |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/android-developer-registration-3591988/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250828113543/https://www.androidauthority.com/android-developer-registration-3591988/ |archive-date=28 Aug 2025 |access-date=28 Aug 2025 |website=Android Authority}}</ref>

Independent developers raised concerns that hobby projects or sensitive apps (e.g., protest tools, ad-blockers) would be stifled since not all creators are willing to submit government IDs to Google.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=Google will allow only apps from verified developers to be installed on Android |url=https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45017028 |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=Hacker News}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google wants to verify all app developers' identities |url=https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/25235-google-wants-to-verify-all-app-developers-identities |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=GrapheneOS Discussion Forum}}</ref> Open-source communities, including GrapheneOS developers, argued this would discourage FOSS development and give Google exclusive control over Android's ecosystem.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sarang |first= |date=2025-08-26 |title=Finally Over: Google Blocks Sideloading of Android Apps |url=https://www.androidsage.com/2025/08/26/google-blocks-sideloading-of-android-apps/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250827201805/https://www.androidsage.com/2025/08/26/google-blocks-sideloading-of-android-apps/ |archive-date=2025-08-27 |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=Android Sage}}</ref>

Conversely, some security experts and industry groups welcomed the move, calling it a reasonable compromise that still allows third-party distribution while deterring anonymous malware authors.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> Critics countered that determined attackers could still exploit stolen IDs, and that this introduces a "choke point," giving Google leverage over all app installs.<ref name=":3" />

Regulators had not formally responded within the first 24 hours, but commentators noted that the change resembles Apple's Developer ID system on macOS and that it may be Google's way of tightening control while remaining compliant with the EU's {{Wplink|Digital Markets Act}}.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6" />

By late September 2025, open-source app developers escalated their opposition. The volunteer-run F-Droid app repository warned that Google's plan, if implemented, "will end the F-Droid project and other free/open-source app distribution sources as we know them today."<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=2025-09-29 |title=Google's dev registration plan 'will end the F-Droid project' |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/09/29/googles_dev_registration_plan_will/ |access-date=2025-10-28 |website=The Register}}</ref> F-Droid cannot comply with a centralized registration regime; its team builds apps from source code and signs them with its own cryptographic keys so it cannot simply have each apps' original author register and hand over a signing identity without fundamentally changing F-Droid's model.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Prud'hommeaux |first=Marc |date=2025-09-29 |title=F-Droid and Google's Developer Registration Decree |url=https://f-droid.org/2025/09/29/google-developer-registration-decree.html |url-status=live |access-date=2025-10-27 |website=F-Droid}}</ref>

Google offered a limited concession for situations where the same app exists in multiple stores: in rare cases, it will allow duplicate package names if one version has a significantly smaller user base (meaning the developer of the less-installed version might be asked to change their app's identifier).<ref name=":8" /> In practice this would do little to help F-Droid. Many apps on F-Droid share a package name with a more popular Google Play version, so Google's policy would effectively treat the Play developer as the rightful owner and force the F-Droid variant to disappear or rebrand, an outcome that violates F-Droid's core philosophy.<ref name=":8" />

The F-Droid team argued that Google is using security as a pretext to consolidate power over software distribution, especially since even the Play Store has repeatedly hosted malware despite all its checks.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" /> In an official statement, F-Droid appealed to regulators and competition authorities around the world, citing the EU's Digital Markets Act, to scrutinize Google's proposal and protect the ability of alternative app stores and open-source developers to operate freely.<ref name=":10" />

Privacy and free-speech advocates also raised concerns. Requiring every app developer to verify their real-world identity would eliminate anonymity for creators of apps used in sensitive contexts, for example by political dissidents or whistleblowers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holwerda |first=Thom |date=2025-10-02 |title=Google details Android developer certification requirement, and it's as bad as we feared |url=https://www.osnews.com/story/143467/google-details-android-developer-certification-requirement-and-its-as-bad-as-we-feared/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251009112107/https://www.osnews.com/story/143467/google-details-android-developer-certification-requirement-and-its-as-bad-as-we-feared/ |archive-date=2025-10-09 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=osnews}}</ref> Google acknowledged that legitimate reasons for developer anonymity exist and stated it won't publicly disclose developer information, but the company did not promise to withhold that information from governments should they seek it.<ref name=":8" /> Google's stance is that the status quo (allowing anonymous app distribution) poses risks it can no longer accept.<ref name=":8" />

Some former Android team members have also lamented the platform's direction. Jean-Baptiste Quéru, a founding Android engineer who led the Android Open Source Project, remarked that when he worked on Android, goals included keeping the app ecosystem "as open as the web" and letting users run their own builds, but "12 years later, this seems to have all died".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holwerda |first=Thom |date=2025-09-29 |title=Google's Android developer registration requirement will kill F-Droid |url=https://www.osnews.com/story/143450/googles-android-developer-registration-requirement-will-kill-f-droid/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251009111928/https://www.osnews.com/story/143450/googles-android-developer-registration-requirement-will-kill-f-droid/ |archive-date=2025-10-09 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=osnews}}</ref>

A website titled https://keepandroidopen.org/ was created to push back against Google's decision. It was endorsed by F-Droid in a blog post as a way for users to take action.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Android]]
[[Category:Google]]

Android

2025-11-04T21:39:08Z

Meep: Added info on Samsung locking down their bootloaders

{{StubNotice}}
{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = Android
| Release Year = 2008 (Android 1.0)
| Product Type = Software
| In Production = Yes
| Official Website = https://android.com/
| Logo = Android Logo.png
}}

[[wikipedia:Android_(operating_system)|'''Android''']] is an operating system which started in 2003, got acquired by '''[[Google]]''' in 2005<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elgin |first=Ben |date=2005-08-17 |title=Google Buys Android for Its Mobile Arsenal |url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050817_0949_tc024.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227182929/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050817_0949_tc024.htm |archive-date=2011-02-27 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Bloomberg Businessweek}}</ref>, and made its first official release (Android 1.0) in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-09-23 |title=Announcing the Android 1.0 SDK, release 1 |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2008/09/announcing-android-10-sdk-release-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/tW5WL |archive-date=2025-07-12 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Android Developers Blog}}</ref> It is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen-based mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, but is also used in smart TVs, cameras, in-car infotainment systems, etc.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Why Android? |url=https://www.android.com/why-android/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/DZ17U |archive-date=2025-07-12 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Android}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
With over 3.5 billion active users, open-source flexibility, affordability, and extensive device ecosystems continue to shape consumer behavior, regional adoption, and technological advancements.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=G |first=Nick |date=September 4, 2024 |title=Android Market Share in 2025: Global Dominance and Key Insights|url=https://techjury.net/industry-analysis/android-market-share |website=TechJury |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250629102621/https://techjury.net/industry-analysis/android-market-share/ |archive-date=June 29, 2025 }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Trend of Newly Released Android |url=https://www.accio.com/business/trend-of-newly-released-android |website= |archive-url= |archive-date= }}</ref> Android’s global reach, affordability, and device diversity make it the preferred OS for billions, particularly in emerging economies. It remains the world’s most widely used mobile operating system, but its dominance has been accompanied by controversies from security vulnerabilities and privacy concerns to accusations of anti-competitive behavior and declining open-source commitments.

===Global market share===
Android remains the world’s dominant mobile operating system (OS) as of 2025, holding a 72.23% global market share compared to iOS with 27.39%.<ref name=":0"></ref>
*Asia & Africa: Android dominates with 95.16% in India, 86.8% in Indonesia, and 80.88% in Africa due to affordability and device variety.<ref name=":0"></ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last1=Qadir |first1=Salam |last2=Shaikh |first2=Sohaib |date=April 20, 2025 |title=Android vs iOS Statistics 2025: Users, Revenue, and Global Trends |url=https://www.tekrevol.com/blogs/android-vs-ios-statistics/ |website=Tekrevol |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250515022542/https://www.tekrevol.com/blogs/android-vs-ios-statistics/ |archive-date=May 15, 2025 }}</ref>
*North America: Android holds 45% market share, trailing iOS (57.68%) in the U.S.<ref name=":0"></ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Howarth |first=Josh |date=April 24, 2025 |title=iPhone vs Android User Stats (2025 Data) |url=https://explodingtopics.com/blog/iphone-android-users |website=ExplodingTopics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250709235506/https://explodingtopics.com/blog/iphone-android-users |archive-date=July 9, 2025 }}</ref>
*Europe: Android leads with 65% market share, though iOS is strong in the UK (52.29%).<ref name=":0"></ref><ref name=":3"></ref>
*Affordability: Android devices range from $100 budget phones to premium flagships, making them accessible in emerging markets.<ref name=":0"></ref><ref name=":2"></ref>
*Device Variety: Multiple manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO) offer diverse options, unlike Apple’s closed ecosystem.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Frąckiewicz |first=Marcin |date=May 16, 2025 |title=Smartphone Wars 2025: Inside the Global Market Shake-Up, Trends, and Future Tech Disruptions |url=https://ts2.tech/en/smartphone-wars-2025-inside-the-global-market-shake-up-trends-and-future-tech-disruptions/ |website=Ts2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250720045846/https://ts2.tech/en/smartphone-wars-2025-inside-the-global-market-shake-up-trends-and-future-tech-disruptions/ |archive-date=July 20, 2025}}</ref>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this software. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Data collection===
{{Main|Android Data Collection}}
Android mobile devices, even when minimally configured, collect and share extensive user data with Google and provide few options for opting-out, raising privacy concerns. Settings for opting-out of sharing data with Google are generally hard to find, requiring users to search the device's settings and Google's settings to locate and toggle the settings on/off. The data shared with Google is sensitive user data including call logs, messages, data recorded from the device's microphone and camera, and more. This data is used by Google to improve the targeting of personalized advertisements and as training data for [[Google Gemini]].

===Android System Safety Core silent install===
{{Main|Android System SafetyCore}}
On January 22, 2025, Google quietly rolled out Android System SafetyCore to all Android devices. The installation of the program neither informed consumers that it was installed, nor did it request consumers to install it onto their devices.

===OEM Locked Bootloaders===
{{Main|Motorola}}
In North America, many Android devices like phones or tablets will not allow consumers to unlock and do what they want to modify the software. Therefore, it has been incredibly difficult and nearly impossible to root and install custom ROMs on the device unless an exploit has been found. Some OEMs like Samsung are now completely blocking bootloader unlocking on their phones regardless of region.

===Blocking third-party programs===
{{Main|Google blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps}}
Starting at September 2026, third-party apps will no longer be able to install on a unmodified Android in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand without "verified identities"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitwam |first=Ryan |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/08/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826032858/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/08/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year/ |archive-date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=ArsTechnica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google's plan to end sideloading on Android |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/googles-plan-to-end-sideloading-on-android.4756353/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826161809/https://xdaforums.com/t/googles-plan-to-end-sideloading-on-android.4756353/ |archive-date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=XdaForums}}</ref>. The affected regions will expand globally in 2027. Devices without Google Mobile Service (GMS) or running a third-party ROM won't be affected. However it's hard for users to bypass/spoof [[Google Play Integrity API|Google Play Integrity]] to hide their ROM or root status to use utility apps such as most of banking apps<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 Apr 2022 |title=[Discussion] The root-and-mod-hiding/fingerprint-spoofing/keybox-stealing cat-and-mouse game |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/discussion-the-root-and-mod-hiding-fingerprint-spoofing-keybox-stealing-cat-and-mouse-game.4425939/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823095950/https://xdaforums.com/t/discussion-the-root-and-mod-hiding-fingerprint-spoofing-keybox-stealing-cat-and-mouse-game.4425939/ |archive-date=23 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=XdaForums}}</ref>.

===Android Cast restricted to Google -signed receivers===
In Android, streaming over network is referred as "Casting". In Android 4.4 Miracast support was introduced. Miracast is an open standard by the Wi-Fi -alliance which makes it possible to stream screen contents as well as high quality multichannel audio over wireless networks.

In Android 9, Miracast was fully replaced with proprietrary Chromecast -protocol. Chromecast protocol includes signing key verification of both the Cast source and receiver device, meaning that since Android 9 it is no longer possible to cast high quality content to receivers which aren't signed by Google. This means that unlike AirPlay on Apple devices, there's no way to stream multichannel Hi-Fi audio on Android unless the receiver has a valid vendor signature.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weiske |first=Christian |date=2025-08-31 |title=Android/Lineage OS and Screen mirroring ("Cast") |url=https://p.cweiske.de/669 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250831142415/https://p.cweiske.de/669 |archive-date=2025-08-31 |access-date=2025-08-31}}</ref>

==='''Google delaying AOSP 16 QPR1 update without proper explanation'''===
Google is releasing Android 16 QPR1 update for Pixel devices on September 3, 2025, normally AOSP will get QPR1 update in 24-48 hours after Pixel devices. But until now, there still no QPR1 update for AOSP. Google later told Android Authority said they will release the source code “in the coming weeks.” But they doesn't explain why they delaying QPR1 update for AOSP 16<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rahman |first=Mishaal |date=September 10, 2025 |title=Android 16 QPR1’s source code is nowhere to be found, but Google swears it’s coming |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-qpr1-source-code-delay-3596650/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911142548/https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-qpr1-source-code-delay-3596650/ |archive-date=September 11, 2025 |access-date=October 18, 2025 |work=Android Authority}}</ref>

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Sideloading

2025-11-04T21:36:44Z

Meep: Added extra context about iOS and sideloading

{{Stub}}
'''Sideloading''' refers to the act of downloading and installing mobile apps without the restrictions of designated app stores.

==Background==
[[Android]] is an open-source operating system that allows app downloads irrespective of the source of the app file. When Android was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built a software repository, the [[Google Play Store]], on top of the android framework, leading to most app installations taking place via the Play Store.

On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow installation of apps outside their official [[Apple App Store]], except for within the European Union, where regulations forced them to allow alternative app stores such as Altstore to run on their phones.

The term ''sideloading'' denotes the practice of downloading external app files by means other than the official stores, though it assumes that the ecosystem lock-in is the standard protocol while alternative means are "unofficial."

==Why it happens==
Without meaningful competition, monopoly providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation. A single store means another single point of failure for a platform. When a provider stops support, perfectly serviceable devices may be bricked. Many other platforms, like Windows and Linux have a variety of stores, repositories, and individual sites for getting software. Open platforms and choice allow devices to succeed, even when a particular manufacturer's software store is not well run.

Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.

==Related incidents==

===Google announces plan to restrict app downloads===
''Main article:'' [[Google plans to restrict sideloading of Android apps]].

Google claims that this will increase security, however they have a history of allowing unsafe and low quality content on their platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abrams |first=Lawrence |date=September 16, 2025 |title=Google nukes 224 Android malware apps behind massive ad fraud campaign |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-nukes-224-android-malware-apps-behind-massive-ad-fraud-campaign/}}</ref>

It is unclear how moving to a single authority for trust would improve user experience on Android devices. For example, the [https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid] project, a repository of open source apps where, unlike in Google's store, volunteers actually inspect the source code of every single app to ensure that they are safe and tracking free, announced the announced changes would mean the end for them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=marcprux |date=2025-09-25 |title=F-Droid and Google's Developer Registration Decree |url=https://f-droid.org/en/2025/09/29/google-developer-registration-decree.html |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=F-Droid}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]

Google Android restrict app sideloading

2025-11-04T21:26:09Z

Meep: I added a link to the website https://keepandroidopen.org/, which is a movement endorsed by F-Droid

{{OngoingEvent}}
On 25 August 2025, '''[[Google]]''' announced that starting in 2026, the company will block the installation of Android apps from outside the Play Store unless the developer has verified their identity with Google. The policy will first roll out in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026 with global enforcement targeted for 2027.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Frey |first=Suzanne |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=A new layer of security for certified Android devices |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Android Developers Blog}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/25/google-will-require-developer-verification-for-android-apps-outside-the-play-store/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=TechCrunch}}</ref> This marks a significant change to Android's long-standing support for sideloading apps and has sparked debate among developers, consumers, and digital rights advocates.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=2025-08-26 |title=Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829170329/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=The Register}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |first= |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/810335/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=BleepingComputer}}</ref>

==Background==
The open-source Android operating system has historically allowed [[sideloading]], the installation of apps from outside the Google Play Store. Users would need to enable "unknown sources" in their device settings to make this possible. This level of openness distinguished Android OS from Apple's restrictive iOS that does not allow sideloading. Alternative android app stores, such as F-Droid, Amazon's Appstore, and web downloads from sites like APKMirror, thrived under this model.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Dallas |date=14 Sep 2024 |title=The Wild West days of sideloading on Android are officially over in this week's news |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/weekly-android-news-roundup-september-14-2024/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Android Police}}</ref>

Over time, Google introduced restrictions to the open-source operating system citing security concerns. In 2023, Google began requiring Play Store developers to verify their identities in order to reduce "impersonation and malware."<ref name=":0" /> Android versions 13 and 15 further limited what sideloaded apps could do, blocking access to sensitive permissions for apps not installed through Google's channels.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Rahman |first=Mishaal |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=Google wants to make sideloading Android apps safer by verifying developers' identities |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/android-developer-verification-requirements-3590911/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> These steps appear to have laid the groundwork for Google's new, broader enforcement.

==Timeline==
On 25 August 2025, Google announced that '''apps can only be installed on certified Android devices if their developers have verified their personal identity with Google'''.<ref name=":0" /> Developers must register through a new Android Developer Console, pay a one-time $25 fee (except for hobbyists or students, who will have a separate free path), and provide identifying details such as legal name, address, and government-issued ID.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Apps must also be registered with their signing keys to prove ownership.<ref name=":2" />

The rollout will proceed in stages:

*'''October 2025:''' Early access program for select developers.
*'''March 2026:''' Verification opens for all developers worldwide.
*'''September 2026:''' Enforcement begins in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.<ref name=":0" />
*'''2027:''' Targeted global rollout, eventually covering nearly all certified Android devices.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

The new system applies to certified Android devices which are phones and tablets that ship with Google Mobile Services (e.g., Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi). Devices running uncertified AOSP builds or custom ROMs (e.g., GrapheneOS, LineageOS) are not subject to this restriction.<ref name=":2" /> However, uncertified devices often face their own sideloading and app compatibility due to SafetyNet/Play Integrity checks.<ref name=":2" />

==Google's response==
Google framed this new policy as a necessary security measure to reduce malware, fraud, and impersonation. The company stated that malware is "50× more common outside the Play Store" and that anonymity allows bad actors to evade accountability.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> Suzanne Frey, VP of Product for Android, likened the change to an ID check at the airport: verifying who the developer is without inspecting app content.<ref name=":0" />

Google emphasized that it will not review or police apps distributed outside the Play Store for content, only verify developer identities.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Google's move gained support from some industry and institutions, including the Developers Alliance, Brazil's banking federation FEBRABAN, and Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Informatics, all of which praised the move as protecting users from fraud.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

As backlash mounted, Google took steps to clarify the changes. In late September 2025, an Android Developers Blog Q&A by Android security director Matthew Forsythe reiterated that sideloading is "fundamental to Android" and "absolutely not" going away, stressing the policy's focus on verifying developer identities rather than limiting user choice.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2025-09-30 |title=Let's talk security: Answering your top questions about Android developer verification |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/09/lets-talk-security-answering-your-top.html |url-status=live |access-date=2025-10-27 |website=Android Developers Blog}}</ref> Google assured developers that common workflows remain unaffected; for example, installing test apps via '''ADB''' (Android's debugging tool) will not require verification.<ref name=":7" /> The company also introduced a free "'''limited distribution'''" developer account as well as a new Android Developer Console for students, teachers, and hobbyists, allowing them to publish apps without paying a fee or providing government ID.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Rahman |first=Mishaal |date=2025-10-02 |title=We finally know how Android's new app verification rules will actually work |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/how-android-app-verification-works-3603559/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-10-28 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> However, these accounts come with significant app distribution restrictions, namely a strict cap on the number of devices that can install their apps. To enforce this restriction, any user of a hobbyist app must retrieve a unique device identifier, and the developer must whitelist that device in the Android Developer Console before the app can be installed.<ref name=":8" /> This two-way device registration limits "free tier" apps to a small, known group of people, whereas anyone aiming to reach a broad audience will need to upgrade to a fully verified paid account.<ref name=":8" />

Google also detailed how the verification enforcement will work. A new system service called the '''Android Developer Verifier''' will check each app at installation to confirm its package name and signing certificate are registered with Google.<ref name=":8" /> Common apps from verified developers can be installed offline thanks to a cached on-device list, but an active internet connection will be required to verify less common apps that aren't in the cache.<ref name=":8" /> To accommodate third-party app stores, Google is developing a "'''pre-auth token'''", a cryptographically signed blob that an alternative app store can pass to the system to pre-verify apps without repeated network calls.<ref name=":8" /> Enforcement of these rules will debut in '''Android 16 QPR2''' (the second quarterly update of Android 16, expected in late 2026), and Google will also update Play Protect on older Android versions to implement similar checks via Google Play Services.<ref name=":8" /> Notably, Google is carving out exceptions for enterprise scenarios: apps deployed through enterprise mobile management on managed work devices will install without developer verification (the assumption being that an organization's IT admin is taking responsibility for those apps' safety).<ref name=":8" /> However, truly offline use cases may prove tricky. Google has noted that entities with devices kept entirely off the internet will need to "determine for themselves" how to handle verification requests (i.e. such devices must periodically connect online to update the trusted app list).<ref name=":8" />

==Consumer response==
The announcement sparked backlash in online communities. On [[Reddit]], users accused Google of gradually eroding Android's openness.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/1n0f5zt/google_will_block_sideloading_of_unverified/ |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> Many argued that Android is becoming indistinguishable from iOS, with some stating that they may switch to operating systems from Apple or Linux since Android's openness was its key advantage.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schenck |first=Stephen |date=27 Aug 2025 |title=With developer verification, I'm struggling to think of Android as a proper smartphone platform |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/android-developer-registration-3591988/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250828113543/https://www.androidauthority.com/android-developer-registration-3591988/ |archive-date=28 Aug 2025 |access-date=28 Aug 2025 |website=Android Authority}}</ref>

Independent developers raised concerns that hobby projects or sensitive apps (e.g., protest tools, ad-blockers) would be stifled since not all creators are willing to submit government IDs to Google.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=Google will allow only apps from verified developers to be installed on Android |url=https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45017028 |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=Hacker News}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google wants to verify all app developers' identities |url=https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/25235-google-wants-to-verify-all-app-developers-identities |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=GrapheneOS Discussion Forum}}</ref> Open-source communities, including GrapheneOS developers, argued this would discourage FOSS development and give Google exclusive control over Android's ecosystem.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sarang |first= |date=2025-08-26 |title=Finally Over: Google Blocks Sideloading of Android Apps |url=https://www.androidsage.com/2025/08/26/google-blocks-sideloading-of-android-apps/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250827201805/https://www.androidsage.com/2025/08/26/google-blocks-sideloading-of-android-apps/ |archive-date=2025-08-27 |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=Android Sage}}</ref>

Conversely, some security experts and industry groups welcomed the move, calling it a reasonable compromise that still allows third-party distribution while deterring anonymous malware authors.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> Critics countered that determined attackers could still exploit stolen IDs, and that this introduces a "choke point," giving Google leverage over all app installs.<ref name=":3" />

Regulators had not formally responded within the first 24 hours, but commentators noted that the change resembles Apple's Developer ID system on macOS and that it may be Google's way of tightening control while remaining compliant with the EU's {{Wplink|Digital Markets Act}}.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6" />

By late September 2025, open-source app developers escalated their opposition. The volunteer-run F-Droid app repository warned that Google's plan, if implemented, "will end the F-Droid project and other free/open-source app distribution sources as we know them today."<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=2025-09-29 |title=Google's dev registration plan 'will end the F-Droid project' |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/09/29/googles_dev_registration_plan_will/ |access-date=2025-10-28 |website=The Register}}</ref> F-Droid cannot comply with a centralized registration regime; its team builds apps from source code and signs them with its own cryptographic keys so it cannot simply have each apps' original author register and hand over a signing identity without fundamentally changing F-Droid's model.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Prud'hommeaux |first=Marc |date=2025-09-29 |title=F-Droid and Google's Developer Registration Decree |url=https://f-droid.org/2025/09/29/google-developer-registration-decree.html |url-status=live |access-date=2025-10-27 |website=F-Droid}}</ref>

Google offered a limited concession for situations where the same app exists in multiple stores: in rare cases, it will allow duplicate package names if one version has a significantly smaller user base (meaning the developer of the less-installed version might be asked to change their app's identifier).<ref name=":8" /> In practice this would do little to help F-Droid. Many apps on F-Droid share a package name with a more popular Google Play version, so Google's policy would effectively treat the Play developer as the rightful owner and force the F-Droid variant to disappear or rebrand, an outcome that violates F-Droid's core philosophy.<ref name=":8" />

The F-Droid team argued that Google is using security as a pretext to consolidate power over software distribution, especially since even the Play Store has repeatedly hosted malware despite all its checks.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" /> In an official statement, F-Droid appealed to regulators and competition authorities around the world, citing the EU's Digital Markets Act, to scrutinize Google's proposal and protect the ability of alternative app stores and open-source developers to operate freely.<ref name=":10" />

Privacy and free-speech advocates also raised concerns. Requiring every app developer to verify their real-world identity would eliminate anonymity for creators of apps used in sensitive contexts, for example by political dissidents or whistleblowers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holwerda |first=Thom |date=2025-10-02 |title=Google details Android developer certification requirement, and it's as bad as we feared |url=https://www.osnews.com/story/143467/google-details-android-developer-certification-requirement-and-its-as-bad-as-we-feared/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251009112107/https://www.osnews.com/story/143467/google-details-android-developer-certification-requirement-and-its-as-bad-as-we-feared/ |archive-date=2025-10-09 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=osnews}}</ref> Google acknowledged that legitimate reasons for developer anonymity exist and stated it won't publicly disclose developer information, but the company did not promise to withhold that information from governments should they seek it.<ref name=":8" /> Google's stance is that the status quo (allowing anonymous app distribution) poses risks it can no longer accept.<ref name=":8" />

Some former Android team members have also lamented the platform's direction. Jean-Baptiste Quéru, a founding Android engineer who led the Android Open Source Project, remarked that when he worked on Android, goals included keeping the app ecosystem "as open as the web" and letting users run their own builds, but "12 years later, this seems to have all died".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holwerda |first=Thom |date=2025-09-29 |title=Google's Android developer registration requirement will kill F-Droid |url=https://www.osnews.com/story/143450/googles-android-developer-registration-requirement-will-kill-f-droid/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251009111928/https://www.osnews.com/story/143450/googles-android-developer-registration-requirement-will-kill-f-droid/ |archive-date=2025-10-09 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=osnews}}</ref>

A website titled https://keepandroidopen.org/ was created to push back against Google's decision. It was enforced by F-Droid in a blog post as a way for users to take action.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Android]]
[[Category:Google]]