As the F-Droid team signs the (not repoducibly built) apks with their own key, Google would have to allow the key of the F-Droid team then.
Yet, as Google currently does not permit apps in their PlayStore that aren’t in line with their business model, e.g. NewPipe, they would then force the F-Droid team to do the same.
but at the same time, we cannot ‘take over’ the application identifiers for the open-source apps we distribute, as that would effectively seize exclusive distribution rights to those applications
Possibly, but I don’t see Google doing that either. It’s not about where the app comes from really. The thing they are going to restrict is the developer. A developer can not have their app installed on a certified phone, regardless of where the user got the app, if the developer is not registered.
So, since there are no regulations to allow a user to install apps from any chosen developer, only from any chosen app store, there likely will be no regulatory recourse like Apple is facing as mentioned by the OP.
My first point is, in other words: From Google’s pov, the F-Droid team is “the developer” who’s key and personal information Google would request to allow installing apks with their signature on Android devices.
As the F-Droid team signs the (not repoducibly built) apks with their own key, Google would have to allow the key of the F-Droid team then.
Yet, as Google currently does not permit apps in their PlayStore that aren’t in line with their business model, e.g. NewPipe, they would then force the F-Droid team to do the same.
They said they can’t do that in the article:
Possibly, but I don’t see Google doing that either. It’s not about where the app comes from really. The thing they are going to restrict is the developer. A developer can not have their app installed on a certified phone, regardless of where the user got the app, if the developer is not registered.
So, since there are no regulations to allow a user to install apps from any chosen developer, only from any chosen app store, there likely will be no regulatory recourse like Apple is facing as mentioned by the OP.
My first point is, in other words: From Google’s pov, the F-Droid team is “the developer” who’s key and personal information Google would request to allow installing apks with their signature on Android devices.