"Google is tightening security measures around Android app distribution, the company announced on Monday. Starting next year, Google will begin to verify the identities of developers distributing their apps on Android devices, not just those who distribute via the Play Store. The changes will affect all certified Android devices once live, though the global rollout will be more gradual. The tech giant stresses that this does not mean developers can't distribute outside of the Play Store through other app stores or via sideloading."
"However, developers who appreciated the anonymity of alternative distribution methods will no longer have that option. Google says this will help to cut down on bad actors who hide their identity to distribute malware, commit financial fraud, or steal users' personal data. According to its own survey, Google says that more than 50 times more malware came through internet-sideloaded sources compared with Google Play, where it has required developer verification since 2023."
Developer identity verification will be required for apps installed on certified Android devices, expanding beyond Google Play distribution. Early access signup begins October 2025 for testing and feedback. Verification will go live for all developers in March 2026. By September 2026, apps installed on Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand must meet the new requirements. A global rollout of the requirements begins in 2027. Developers must provide legal name, address, email, and phone number, which may prompt some independent developers to register as businesses. Google cites much higher malware rates from internet-sideloaded sources versus Google Play.
Read at TechCrunch
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