"Mandatory verification for developers even outside the official Play Store was first announced this August, and would require developers to provide their legal name, address, email, and phone number, and in some cases even upload government ID. It drew criticism from groups like the Keep Android Open campaign and the open source app repository F-Droid, which argued the move "ends the ability for individuals to choose what software they run on the devices they own.""
"That plan is still going ahead, with early access to the verification scheme launched yesterday, but Google has made an important concession. The company says it is now developing an "advanced flow that allows experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn't verified." This installation flow will include safeguards to protect people who are being coerced into installing a dangerous app, or tricked by a scammer, along with "clear warnings to ensure users fully understand the risks involved.""
Google plans mandatory developer verification for apps distributed outside the Play Store, requiring legal name, address, email, phone number, and in some cases government ID. The requirement prompted criticism from groups including Keep Android Open and F-Droid, which warned it could eliminate individuals' ability to choose software on their devices. Early access to the verification scheme has launched, and Google is developing an advanced installation flow that lets experienced users accept risks when installing unverified apps while offering safeguards and clear warnings. A new student/hobbyist account type will have reduced verification and limits on device installs. Verification is intended to raise costs for scammers and reduce repeated distribution of harmful apps.
Read at The Verge
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