dengismceo

probably has something to do with this:

We can try to reproduce your APK, as mentioned above, but if this fails (or e.g. when you want to distribute an app with closed-source components or API keys etc.)

apparently signal checks for play services even when you download the .apk from their site

agreed. especially since most end users don't pay attention to things like license updates

F-droid sign their releases themselves instead of letting the Signal Foundation sign them

they do sign releases themselves, however:

We also support reproducible builds, so we can build a version from source and check against your official release. If they match (ignoring the signature) we can then publish your official APK with your signature used. This is a tedious task, since we have to standardize on the build parameters and tools, but it should be worth it in the long run.

can someone paste the article text please?

this reads exactly like satire lmao

To a bemused driver with several sandwiches wrapped in tin foil who asked if he could maybe surrender the meat and keep just the bread, one customs officer replied: “No, everything will be confiscated. Welcome to the Brexit, sir, I’m sorry.”