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

Google is further tightening the security measures surrounding the distribution of Android apps, the company announced on Monday. From next year, Google will start verifying the identity of distributors distributed on Android devices, not just distributors through the Play Store. Changes will affect all Certified android device Once live, though the global rollout will be more slowly.

The tech giant emphasized that this does not mean that developers cannot distribute outside the Play Store through other app stores or through cydialoding – Android will be open in that case. However, the developers who do not name the alternative distribution method will no longer have that option. Google says it will help to cut bad actors who hide their identity to distribute malware, to make financial fraud or steal users’ personal data.

According to its own survey, Google says that comparing it to Google Platty came more than 50 times malware through Internet-Saideded sources, where it was needed for developer verification from 2023.

Initially, Google interested developers will allow the system to sign up for initial access to the initial access that starts on October 2025 to test the system and provide feedback. In March 2026, the verification will go straight to all developers. By September 2026, any application installed on an Android device in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand needs to meet new requirements. Starting in 2027, the requirements will begin to rotate global.

Developers will need to provide their legal names, addresses, emails and phone numbers, which independent developers may be pressed to register as a business for their own privacy. Apple has implemented similar changes for the EU App Store early this year Digital Service Law (DSA), a rule that will now submit new applications or app updates to distribute app developers to provide them with “business status”.

Google notes that students and hobbies will be able to use a separate Android developer console account when this system is roll out, as their requirements are different from commercial developers.

Changes can have a significant impact on the distribution of Android app ecosystem and application, as Google usually works to reduce its platform and reduce malware problems and malware.