> Someone downloading a photo editing app and then having a rootkit installed in the background that waits to empty their bank account is not a workable situation.
Yes, that would be absurd. Thankfully, that isn't how root access has worked in a very very long time if ever. If photo editing app requests root access... you click deny and uninstall it.
Because so-called “trusted” apps that you do give root to have no chance of getting compromised, right?
Pretty low, honestly, but being careful about that is why I tend to make it ask every single time.
Some percentage will click Allow.
Yes, that's Google's excuse for banning side loading. It's a terrible reason.
They aren't banning it. They are introducing a one time 24 hour waiting period. Not ideal, but not banning.