Google Will Block Sideloading Of Unverified Android Apps

Google will implement a caller information feature that would require developers to verify their personality if they want Android users to beryllium capable to sideload their apps. The institution said that it made nan determination aft caller study recovered "over 50 times much malware from internet-sideloaded sources than connected apps disposable done Google Play." By verifying a developer's place first, it hopes to amended protect users from "bad actors spreading malware and scams."

In its announcement, Google said that apps request to beryllium registered by verified developers successful bid to beryllium installed connected certified Android devices. Pretty overmuch each Android phones successful nan US and Europe are certified if they travel pinch Google Play. The institution is now building a caller Android Developer Console, specifically for developers that administer extracurricular its app store, truthful they tin quickly authenticate their identities. Developers will beryllium capable to spell done nan verification process successful nan console, arsenic good arsenic registry their package names.

Google likened nan process to "an ID cheque astatine nan airport" successful that it will only corroborate nan personality of an app's developer but will not beryllium reviewing nan contented of nan app. The institution besides clarified that nan verification process will not forestall developers from distributing their apps wherever they want, including app stores different than Google Play.

The developer verification request will commencement rolling retired successful precocious 2026 successful Brazil, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. A world rollout will travel astatine a later date.