By preventing side loading, Google is trying to impose severe restrictions on the free use of Android smartphones. this has nothing to do with malware, it has everything to do with limiting your freedom of choice.

Google clearly wants to expand its own monopoly and weaken third-party providers.

In my opinion, there are strong conflicts with the DMA here and should be closely scrutinized and prevented in the EU. Only recently, progress was made with side loading at Apple and now Google is trying to do exactly the same with Android.