#openmedia

Again, normally I wouldn't post anything and this isn't anything KOSA, AB 1043, AB 1709 related. But I think this is just as important for internet freedom. As of September 2026, all app developers must be registered by verified developers in order for apps to be installed on certified Android devices.

This means that if you want to install an app that isn't from the play store, you cannot unless the developer has verified through googles program. Not only does it effect consumers choice, it also effects app developers who focus on open source or community based software on android.

Now you can say that you can switch to apple and use their app store, but it will be a little more restrictive on which apps you can download (I assume, never used an Iphone). Plus, don't forget they have implemented age verification on their app store which is a huge problem in itself. Want to download an app from github, can't its not verified. Want to download a apk file, can't its not verified. You cannot download in android anything unless it approved by google!!!

Another issue for this is that android app developers have to follow these steps just to develop apps.

Not only will it drive developers to not create apps, developers overall will just give up, leaving users with less options for apps that fit their needs. Android whole deal is that its open and free for users, a distinction on the ios, now you're saying its not. This is just anticompetitive behavior. Yet again google enshittifying things and deciding what you do.

If you want any more information on this, heres a website on the situation, as well as what to do if you're a app developer and android user.

As of reading this, google has not backed down on its Android Developer Verification Program, still stating its stance on its description. Also please sign this petition. We have limited before this is implemented, fight back and don't give into google.

December is nearly done, and we’re still only halfway to our $50,000 fundraising target. That's not a number pulled from a hat; it’s what we we need to continue the work we've done for you for 15 years, and sustain the fight for your privacy, your freedom of expression, and a fairer digital future for all Canadians.

Without these funds, we are forced to make hard choices about which battles we must abandon in 2026.

Should we give up on defending encryption from government attempts to break our privacy in Bills C-2 and C-8?1,2

Should we stand by while Bell executives publicly cheer the end of telecom competition and a return to rising prices?3

Should we stop fighting for balanced online harms legislation, and let the government revert to foolhardy plans that would make Canada one of the most surveilled democracies in the world?4,5

Or should we accept that AI in Canada will remain largely unregulated—built on stolen Canadian creative works, hosted in water-stressed communities, and operated for the benefit of American Big Tech rather than Canadian values?6,7

All these prospects are bleak: but our ability to fight these campaigns depends entirely on small donations from people like you. If you're able, can you chip in to help us reach our goal?

 Support OpenMedia!

The reality is that our government hears from Big Tech and Big Telecom lobbyists every single day.

In the halls of Parliament, industry giants have unlimited budgets and armies of lawyers working around the clock to ensure their profits come before your rights. They count on the public being too busy, too tired, or too disorganized to push back.

OpenMedia is the only thing standing in their way.

We are the amplifier that turns your individual voice into a roar that politicians cannot ignore. When we show up at committee hearings, or flood MPs' inboxes with thousands of letters, we remind them that they work for you, not for Bell, Rogers, or Silicon Valley.

But we can’t organize those campaigns, brief those MPs, or drive that pressure if we don't have the resources to keep the lights on.

If we miss this target, the lobbyists win by default. Don't let their voice be the only one the government hears in 2026.

Please, if you can, make a donation today to keep the fight for the Internet alive.

 Yes, I'll chip in!

Wishing you a happy, private and free new year,

Matt at OpenMedia

Sources

Stop Carney’s Surveillance Plan: Stop Bill C-2! – OpenMedia

Fix Bill C-8: Stop the Fast-Track of a flawed Cybersecurity Bill - OpenMedia

Expect less-sweet deals from Canadian telecom providers: Bell CFO – The Logic

Explaining Bill C-63, The Online Harms Act – OpenMedia

A First Look at Canada's Harmful Content proposal – OpenMedia

Five Questions Minister Evan Solomon Forgot to Ask About AI – OpenMedia

Protect voter privacy: End loopholes now! – OpenMedia

Digital Sovereignty: Why Canada Needs Control Over Our Data and Networks – OpenMedia

Open Letter to the Prime Minister of Canada from Organizations and Individuals Concerned About Canada’s Digital Sovereignty – OpenMedia

Canadian Digital Sovereignty, NOW! – OpenMedia

Canada’s Age-Verification Bill Repeats the UK’s Mistakes: Here’s How to Do Better – OpenMedia

Fix online harms, but respect our rights! – OpenMedia

Government brings back Cybersecurity Bill without fixing dangerous loophole that leaves Canadian networks vulnerable to attack – OpenMedia

Fix Bill C-8: Stop the Fast-Track of a Flawed Cybersecurity Bill – OpenMedia

Stop Carney’s Surveillance Plan: Stop Bill C-2! – OpenMedia 

Bill C-2 FAQ: Explaining Canada’s Dangerous New Surveillance Law – OpenMedia

Canada’s Consultation for AI Strategy Sidelines Public Interest: OpenMedia’s Recommendations – OpenMedia

Stop Canada’s “Buy Now, Regret Later” AI Future – OpenMedia

The problem with greed – The Globe and Mail

AI Regulation Versus AI Innovation: A Fake Dichotomy – Tech Policy Press

Defending Our ‘Digital Selves’: A Guide for Canadians to Reclaim Digital Autonomy from Foreign Tech Giants – OpenMedia

The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 101: OpenMedia’s Laura Tribe on Digital Policy and the 2021 Canadian Election

It is election day in Canada following a late summer campaign in which the focus was largely anything but digital issues: COVID, climate change, Afghanistan, and affordability all dominated the daily talking points. The digital policy issues that grabbed attention throughout the spring – Bill C-10, online harms, wireless pricing – were largely absent from the discussion and in some cases even…

Apple’s Surveillance Plans Sparks Petitions and International Condemnation

Apple’s plan to scan people’s personal files is gaining negative attention from around the world. Many are asking Apple to halt its plans. (more…)

OpenMedia Releases Election Platform Despite Not Actually Running

OpenMedia isn’t a political party or is running candidates, but they did publish a platform anyway. (more…)

Teksavvy Calls for Firing of CRTC Chair While OpenMedia Blasts Decision

Reaction is pouring in over the CRTC decision to keep prices low. Teksavvy and OpenMedia are both condemning the decision. (more…)