←back to thread

Uncomfortable Questions About Android Developer Verification

(commonsware.com)
400 points ingve | 2 comments | 27 Aug 25 05:14 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
Show context
beardyw ◴[27 Aug 25 07:03 UTC] No.45036335[source]▶
I know I risk being down voted remorselessly but I have to put this in context. Where in the real world is anonymity considered ok? If I only put a flyer through someone's letterbox here in the UK, I have to identify myself. If I sell a physical product I not only have to identify myself but take on serious legal liability. An author can take on a pseudonym but only via an identified publisher.

In fact that latter example might provide a solution. Set up a company willing to publish apps whilst hiding the actual developer's identity.

replies(8): >>45036356 #>>45036377 #>>45036415 #>>45036449 #>>45036469 #>>45036482 #>>45036516 #>>45036602 #
1. captainepoch ◴[27 Aug 25 07:28 UTC] No.45036516[source]▶
> Where in the real world is anonymity considered ok?

It should be everywhere, no matter the place or the platform.

replies(1): >>45043872 #
2. lioeters ◴[27 Aug 25 19:22 UTC] No.45043872[source]▶
That was my answer as well. Anonymity is not only "considered OK", it is a fundamental human right that must be guaranteed and protected unless there's a real need to violate the person's privacy.

The fact the question was phrased in that way is disturbing. How far the loss of personal freedom has been normalized. Like the term "side loading", it's an insult to general-purpose computing.