I think it's more equivalent to when game consoles check the license on disc media.

It used to be via hardware in the disc reader, then online license checking. And now it's fully digital, media and license.

The fucked up part is the fact that we can't transfer digital ownership of purchases. But at least I can use my purchases across multiple devices. Maybe this is what we should use blockchains for, but it would still require a locked device with root-of-trust.

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> It's not an acceptable move from google.

By all means, you can have an unlocked Android device with a non-Google sanctioned OS and not use Google Play. That way you can use any app that doesn't require Google Play Protect.

Companies are OK with it because it makes them money. The majority of users are OK with it because they can use those companies' apps.