Google is increasing its security measures, focusing on distributing Android apps, the company announced Monday. Starting next year, Google will begin to verify the identity of developers who distribute apps to Android devices, as well as those who distribute them through the Play Store. This change will make global deployments more gradual, but will affect all certified Android devices once live.
The tech giant emphasizes that this doesn't mean that developers cannot distribute outside the Play Store via other app stores or sideloads. Android will remain open at that point. However, developers who appreciate the anonymity of alternative distribution methods no longer have that option. Google says this will help reduce malware distribution, committing financial scams, or bad actors who hide their identity in order to steal user personal data.
According to its own research, Google has passed more than 50 times the source of Internet Sideload compared to Google Play, which has been requiring developer verification since 2023.
Initially, Google will be able to sign up for Early Access from October 2025 to test the system and provide feedback. In March 2026, the verification will be published for all developers. By September 2026, apps installed on Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand must meet the new requirements. Starting in 2027, requirements will begin to be rolled out globally.
Developers must provide their legal name, address, email and phone number. This could encourage independent developers to register as a business for their privacy. Apple implemented a similar change to the EU App Store earlier this year, complying with the Digital Services Act (DSA). This is a regulation that requires app developers to provide “trader status” and submit new apps or app updates for distribution.
Google points out that student and enthusiast developers can use a different type of Android developer console account when this system is deployed, as it is different from commercial developers when it is deployed.
This change can have a major impact on the Android app ecosystem and app distribution, as Google usually works to reduce the security issues and malware that have plagued the platform.
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