[hn92726819]

That's great for you, but not everyone has the ability to do that. Android has a massive markershare. What are the odds that all of them can force their employer to get them a new phone?

Maybe that's something employers shouldn't do, but that doesn't change the fact that it's a reality and google is overstepping with this change.

[bitwize]

Please. This is an event up there with Sony taking Other OS away: tinkering nerds and pirates most affected, the vast majority of consumers won't even notice. I don't think it reaches that level of impact. And I think most Android devs working professionally already have developer accounts, or their employers have one, and are already verified.

That's what this really is about. If you want to distribute Android apps, be a professional or at least act like one. Take accountability for what you produce, under your real government name.