Make it clear independent app stores can't verify or vouch for developers by themselves - the strongest argument pointing to this not being about security IMO

[Lurux]

This is an argument that came to me in a recent conversation where the risks of side-loading were discussed as a justification for this.

But if the risk was specifically from side-loading, why can't alternative app stores verify or vouch for developers by themselves ? Why do these need to get Google's approval ?

This is the strongest argument against this being for security IMO, and maybe worth adding to your website to make it clear this doesn't only affect side-loading but all app stores - and said app stores don't have any agency or say in the process.