Dominic Williams warns of growing control over wallets as Google policy sparks concern

Google’s updated Play Store rules on crypto wallets have prompted a sharp response from Internet Computer founder Dominic Williams, who says the move is part of a broader shift towards centralised control. The policy states that wallet developers must hold licences such as a FinCEN registration in the United States or MiCA approval in the European Union. In the EU, that effectively rules out many non-custodial wallets, since MiCA licensing is aimed at custodial services.

Williams pointed out that Chrome extension wallets can be disabled remotely by Google, and warned that app-store-level control could now extend to other platforms. He described the latest Play Store change as the next stage of that process, with restrictions beginning to reach beyond the browser environment.

As an alternative, he highlighted decentralised multi-chain wallets delivered directly into browsers by smart contracts, citing oisy.com on the Internet Computer as an example. According to Williams, such wallets remove the dependency on centralised distribution channels and can offer a smoother user experience.

While the policy is framed as a compliance measure, the reaction from developers and decentralisation advocates suggests a wider unease about the direction of app-store governance. The tension between regulatory requirements and open access tools is unlikely to ease soon, making solutions outside traditional gatekeepers an area to watch.