Google has announced a new security initiative that will require all Android app developers to pass verification before their apps can be installed on devices. Yes, that even includes sideloading Android apps outside the Play Store.
Android’s greatest strength and its most persistent challenge is its openness. Google’s plan aims to give users more peace of mind, without putting a complete lock on the open ecosystem we value.
The initiative is a direct shot at the scammers and malware pushers who have long hidden in the shadows, exploiting anonymity to cause financial harm and chaos. According to Google’s own research, malware downloaded from sideloaded sources is 50 times more common than anything found on the Play Store.
Suzanne Frey, VP for Product, Trust & Growth on Android at Google, says the goal is to resolve a false choice. “You shouldn’t have to choose between open and secure,” she explained. “By engineering security into the core part of the OS, Android has proven that you can have both, and we continue taking new steps in that direction.”
Think of this new Android developer verification process less like a content review and more like a simple ID check. Google isn’t going to vet the app itself if it’s from a third-party source, but it will confirm who the developer is. The company uses a great analogy: it’s like an airport confirming a traveller’s identity with their passport, which is a separate step from screening their bags.
This simple act of verification dismantles the primary tool of bad actors: anonymity. When a malicious app is discovered and taken down, its creator won’t be able to just vanish and instantly release another harmful app under a different name. There will be a record and a clear line of accountability.
This isn’t a new idea for Google. They’ve seen it work wonders on their own turf since implementing a similar verification system for the Play Store in 2023 (even if it’s clearly been far from a silver bullet.) Now, they’re bringing that layer of security to the entire Android platform.
Developers will still have the “same freedom to distribute their apps directly to users,” whether through sideloading or alternative app stores. The only difference is now users have a much better idea of who they’re trusting.
For developers who operate outside of Google’s official store, a new Android Developer Console is being built to make the verification process as painless as possible. And if you’re a student or just code for fun, Google is creating a separate type of account for hobbyists.
This change won’t happen overnight, and Google appears to have done its homework by securing support from partners and governments around the globe.
The Brazilian Federation of Banks (FEBRABAN) celebrated the move as a “significant advancement in protecting users.” In Asia, Indonesia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs praised its “balanced approach,” while Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society called it a “positive and proactive measure.”
Most importantly, the Developers Alliance – representing programmers themselves – labelled it a “critical step” toward ensuring trust and security for everyone.
The process kicks off in October 2025 when early access to the new verification system begins. By March 2026, it will be open to all developers. The new rules will then officially go into effect in September 2026, starting with Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. From 2027 onwards, the requirement will be rolled out globally.
If you’re an Android developer, the best way to get ahead of the curve is to sign up for early access to verification. It’s a chance to get priority support, join an exclusive community forum, and help shape the system before it becomes mandatory.
See also: Google alters Play Store developer fees and rules in the EEA
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