Is that an official Google form and/or who am I providing my (required) email address to?

Is there an official Google page that links to this? Sorry but anyone can share a Google form.

Yes, there is.

Here's the official Android Developer page on the developer verification program. Bottom of the page, green square on the right labeled "Do you have any additional questions or feedback?"

Link is the same as in the post.

Very good. I've seen too many random Google Forms going around just harvesting emails / info to plug my details into any that I don't click into from a legit/verified site. Not that I'm accusing OP of that, just that I don't know where they got that form link.

Sounds like the thing that will finally get me onto another platform. Sideloading is the only way around most of these companys' draconian restrictions.

Public pushback on stuff like this does work on occasion. It even worked on Apple when they proposed upload filters for CSAM.

Google's intent in the short term probably is just about malware, but in the long term it gives them, and governments which can pressure them the ability to ban any app from nearly all Android devices. Once deployed, there's a near 100% chance of such a mechanism being used for evil.

I thought their intent was to (attempt to) reduce piracy

Their intent is to reduce people running software they didn't purchase through their commissioned store.

Google aren't opposed to evil any more though, they removed their motto of "Don't Be Evil".

There aren't really many choices when it comes to mobile OS.

You need to verify yourself before you submit. They testing.

I don't buy the malware arguement. Most major social apps function like malware (tracking location and anything they can). In the 90s, any app that did that (say to your laptop) would be treated as spyware.

I will transition off Android if this gets deployed, this is unacceptable.

Good point, I actually got it from another Lemmy user on the relevant thread from !android@lemdro.id.

Didn't even think that there could be a potential risk with email harvesting.

Not a lot currently, but what's needed is for the snowball to start rolling. This means the early adopters will have to make the more difficult decision of choosing "lesser" options wrt. comfort and convenience, compatibility, and bang for your buck. All decisions matter, and it will have long-term effects en masse.

No doubt many "legitimate" apps, including some of Google's own are spyware. This claims to be about the sort of malware that steals your bank account login.

I'd even speculate that most of the people involved are working in good faith; they think they're the good guys and they can be trusted with that kind of power. Nobody should have that kind of power though because it always leads to corruption.

Its our chance to over turn this.
Let's hope this won't happen.

Alphabet Agency company was never opposed to evil. They're like the "nice” drug dealer giving you what you like until you keep coming back. Or the guy in the van giving out free candy.

True.
Linux on Mobile has a poor ecosystem and only works on older phones (older then most Android roms)

Here is the direct link to the form

Android developer verification requirements

Use this form to submit questions or feedback about the new Android developer verification requirements announced in August 2025. You can learn more about the requirements in the Android developer verification guide. Sign up for early access here.

Google Docs (docs.google.com)