Türkçe sürüm / Turkish version
Hanna Bozakov, CEO of the encrypted email provider Tuta, spoke to CyberNews about Google's mandatory Android developer verification. For her, the issue is less about privacy than about freedom in technology and control.
Google is preparing to require every developer who publishes apps on Android to verify their identity with the company. The plan directly affects alternative app stores such as F-Droid and small open source projects. As part of our Keep Android Open dossier, CyberNews sent six questions to Germany-based Tuta (Tutao GmbH). The interview was conducted in English by email; the answers below are published in full as given.
1. Why is Google's Android developer verification (ADV) a concern for privacy-focused apps like Tuta?
This is not so much about Tuta being privacy-focused, but more about freedom in technology: Apple is one of the forerunners when it comes to vendor lock-in - and one way the tech giant achieves this best is via controlling what users can install on their iPhones and iPads. Now Google is copying this business model and plans to limit freedom on Android by forcing developers to verify themselves with the Silicon Valley Big Tech. Not every app developer wants to do this - or has the capacity, just look at small open source projects. And basically they shouldn't be forced to. This is really about control: Why should Google be able to control what people install on their devices? Apple is being criticized for this practice, and we must not allow Google to do the same.
2. How could it affect Tuta's distribution outside Google Play, for example through F-Droid or direct APK downloads?
This will not affect Tuta as we have to verify with Google - the Tuta apps are also available via Google Play and must remain there as still too few people use alternatives. But this will affect free alternatives - and with free I mean software freedom. F-Droid is a brilliant example: This app store gives freedom to the people as they can install apps on their devices - without any connection to Google. But a mandatory verification by Google for all apps installed on Android will ultimately limit the apps available via alternative app stores and make these app stores less attractive - which is exactly what Google wants to achieve.
3. What does it mean for users in countries like Türkiye, where privacy tools and alternative app sources are important?
I don't feel I can comment here as I'm not familiar with your situation, you can probably explain this better yourself! :)
4. Do you think the EU Digital Markets Act can limit this policy? Is Tuta taking any steps, alone or with other companies?
Google's plan to make every developer verify via them if they want to publish apps for Android definitely needs to be addressed at a political level, and the Digital Markets Act would fit perfectly. One has to remember that Android itself is open source and is not owned by Google. Who gives them this power? Unfortunately, EU politicians are too hesitant at the moment when it comes to Big Tech regulation, but we expect this to change again in the future. We are actively lobbying for a free and open web and also take part in initiatives addressing politicians - publicly, in direct conversations, and with other lobbying efforts. At Tuta, we fight for users' right to privacy - with our own apps (Tuta Mail, Tuta Calendar, and soon Tuta Drive), but also with making our voice heard.
5. What can users and developers do right now to keep Android open?
Sign the petition, get active, call MEPs so that they understand that this freedom is important to you!
6. Is there anything else you would like our Turkish readers to know?
We recommend everyone to read up on Big Tech alternatives and make smart choices. In the end, every company wants to attract as many users as possible, and if we as people decide to quit Big Tech, they will hear the message. You already see this in Germany with all the "digital sovereignty" marketing being done by Microsoft, Google, AWS etc. They are really afraid of losing big business in the European market, and we should join this trend, for instance by deGoogling (yes, it already has a term now!).
Interview conducted by email, 1–3 November 2026. Answers by Hanna Bozakov (Tuta / Tutao GmbH). Turkish version: Tuta CEO'su: Google, Android'de Apple'ı kopyalıyor.
