Alternate stores like Accrescent and FDroid are blocked by this policy, and Google refuses to implement any mechanism for authorising at the store level either. Store level authorization is an obvious alternative to verification of each individual app.

Both Accescent and FDroid have some oversight processes in place, and do not contain "random" APKs. Googles actions show the real motive, which is control... not security.

So with your career in ITSec, you're aware of the massive amount of malware found in the play store? That it has historically been the main distribution vector for malware?

You have to jump though extra hoops.

You are downplaying the hoops here by a lot. To install software on my own phone.

Stop calling installing software "side loading". Its nonsense.

Spoken like a true Microsoft and Google agent.

so the real-world id requirement is also user protection? play store is basically an info stealer at this point.

At least make it a toggle, like you need to request access for your account for your phone.

Kneecapping everyone because idiots exist is idiotic.

so your family's devices get their apps from outside the play store?

people are effectivly prevented from sideloading. not "just a little more complicated"