Google will require developer verification to limit sideloading and increase developer accountability to prevent abuse. The change responds to recent attacks targeting financial data and to a large volume of malware from internet-sideloaded sources. Google analysis found over 50 times more malware from sideloaded sources than from apps on Google Play. The company cites impersonation and anonymity used by malicious actors to create convincing fake apps. Developer verification aims to reduce anonymous, fraudulent app distribution. The change narrows a major difference between Android and iOS by reducing the freedom to install apps outside official stores.
"Following recent attacks, including those targeting people's financial data on their phones, we've worked to increase developer accountability to prevent abuse," writes , VP of Product, Trust and Growth for Android. "We've seen how malicious actors hide behind anonymity to harm users by impersonating developers and using their brand image to create convincing fake apps. The scale of this threat is significant: Our recent analysis found over 50 times more malware from internet-sideloaded sources than on apps available through Google Play."
One of the last major differences between Android and iOS is not dead, but it's definitely coming to an end, with Google deciding that Apple's way was the best all along. I'm talking about sideloading -- the ability to install apps from unverified developers, bypassing Google's Play Store. The argument made by Google is pretty much the same one Apple has used for years: Security.
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