Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store

Google is tightening safety measures round Android app distribution, the corporate introduced on Monday. Beginning subsequent 12 months, Google will start to confirm the identities of builders distributing their apps on Android units, not simply those that distribute by way of the Play Retailer. The adjustments will have an effect on all licensed Android units as soon as dwell, although the worldwide rollout can be extra gradual.

The tech big stresses that this doesn’t imply builders can’t distribute outdoors of the Play Retailer by way of different app shops or by way of sideloading — Android will stay open in that regard. Nonetheless, builders who appreciated the anonymity of other distribution strategies will not have that choice. Google says this can assist to chop down on dangerous actors who disguise their identification to distribute malware, commit monetary fraud, or steal customers’ private information.

In accordance with its personal survey, Google says that greater than 50 occasions extra malware got here by way of internet-sideloaded sources in contrast with Google Play, the place it has required developer verification since 2023.

Initially, Google will permit builders to enroll in early entry beginning in October 2025 to check the system and supply suggestions. In March 2026, verification will go dwell for all builders. By September 2026, any app put in on an Android gadget in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand should meet the brand new necessities. Beginning in 2027, the necessities will start rolling out globally.

Builders should present their authorized identify, tackle, e-mail, and telephone quantity, which might push impartial builders to register as a enterprise for their very own privateness’s sake. Apple carried out the same change for the EU App Retailer earlier this 12 months to adjust to the Digital Providers Act (DSA), a regulation that now requires app builders to supply their “dealer standing” to submit new apps or app updates for distribution.

Google notes that scholar and hobbyist builders will be capable to use a separate kind of Android Developer Console account when this method rolls out, as their wants differ from industrial builders.

The adjustments might have a big affect on the Android app ecosystem and app distribution, as Google works to chop down on the safety points and malware which have sometimes plagued its platform.