dictating what tech companies can and must do worldwide

EU isn't dictating what Apple does outside EU. Blame Apple for being lazy enough to not make two models of iPhones with Lightning and USB-C for different regions.

Leaks also say that sideloading is only region locked to EU, why are you complaining that Apple does something in a region you aren't even in?

You need to give your father a Nokia 3310, not an iPhone if you so that much care for his safety

Why you are you so pressed about "Reddit people being so pressed with this"? If some people want a feature that they personally would use even if the majority doesn't, then they can be freely "pressed" about it.