> The only reason Google has decided to lock-down Android is because of apps like ICEblock and the ability for anonymous individuals to mass distribute information that governments do not like.

That's why the solution CAN'T be more regulation ...

Again, I don’t really see Google as a ‘moral’ or ‘pro-user’ company since they just pushed out Manifest V3. But unlike ad blockers, they’re not losing millions from sideloaded apps, so the only reason for their sudden policy shift is probably government pressure. With all the ongoing antitrust lawsuits, they’re just trying to stay on the good side of whatever the current or next administration wants.