If you own a certified Android TV or Google TV streaming device, a Google policy announced last year is moving closer to enforcement. The mandate could change side-loading as we know it.

We recently covered how F-Droid and the open-source community are pushing back against this policy, and the situation continues to develop.

On February 24, 2026, a coalition of 37 organizations including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, F-Droid, and the Free Software Foundation published an open letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai urging the company to reverse its developer verification mandate.

The policy requires every Android app developer to register with Google, verify their identity with government-issued ID, pay a $25 fee, and agree to Google’s terms before their apps can be installed on certified devices.

How Google’s New Policy Would Kill Sideloading

Here’s the issue. Side-loading is the backbone of how many cord-cutters set up their streaming devices. The Downloader app and hundreds of third-party applications all rely on the ability to install software outside of Google Play.

Under this new mandate, developers who refuse to register with Google will see their apps blocked from installation on certified Android hardware.

Regional enforcement begins in September 2026 for Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with global rollout planned for 2027 and beyond.

This doesn’t affect custom Android builds like LineageOS or GrapheneOS. But every mainstream streaming box your household runs, from Amazon Fire TV devices to Walmart’s Onn lineup, falls under the “certified” category.

The Open Letter’s Key Arguments

The 37 signatories raised serious concerns about this power grab. Their letter argues that Google already has strong security tools built into Android, including app sandboxing, permission systems, and Play Protect. No evidence has been presented showing those protections are failing.

Beyond security, the coalition warns that mandatory registration hands Google a database of every Android developer worldwide, even those who never use Google’s own services.

That kind of data collection raises obvious privacy red flags and gives one corporation the ability to disable any app it chooses across the entire platform.

F-Droid board member Marc Prud’hommeaux didn’t mince words: “The implications of their threatened action for competition and digital sovereignty are dire.”

Final Thoughts

This story should concern every Android TV/Google TV user who depends on side-loading, but don’t panic just yet. Enforcement is still months away, and massive backlash from 37 organizations could force Google to change course.

Even if the policy moves forward, uncertified Android devices like BuzzTV boxes would remain unaffected since restrictions only apply to Google-certified hardware.

We’ll be watching this closely as enforcement dates approach, and I’d encourage everyone to visit the Keep Android Open project for updates.

For more details on this story, refer to the official Open Letter and the report from The Register.

We want to know your thoughts. What do you think about this story? Let us know in the comment section below!

Be sure to stay up-to-date with the latest streaming news, reviews, tips, and more by following the TROYPOINT Advisor with updates weekly.