It doesn’t mean sideloading is going away. Android will stay open, at least in the sense that apps can still be installed outside Google’s marketplace. But the days when someone could release software anonymously are ending. Google wants names and contact details on file before an app gets through to any certified Android device.
New Console for Verification
To handle this, a separate Android Developer Console is being rolled out. It looks similar to the Play Console but is designed for developers who don’t use the Play Store. The information requested will include a legal name, address, phone number, and email. Companies will need to add a bit more, such as business identifiers.
Google says that unlike the Play Store, this information won’t be made public. That’s important for smaller developers, many of whom have long complained about privacy risks. A lighter account type is also planned for students and hobbyists, with fewer checks and no registration fee. Those who already publish on the Play Store won’t need to create a new account; the same details can be extended to cover their sideloaded apps.
Timeline and Rollout
The company isn’t flipping the switch overnight. An early access program will likely open in October 2025, with broader registration beginning March 2026. The real enforcement starts in September that year, first in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Global rollout will continue across 2027.
Security Goals, but Trade-offs Too
The new system doesn’t directly block malware since Play Protect already scans apps on Android devices. What it does is remove anonymity. A developer who tries to spread malicious code won’t be able to do so without leaving an identity trail. Google points out that sideloaded apps have historically been far more likely to carry harmful code than those in its official store, which explains why the company is pushing this step now.
Not everyone will welcome it. Independent developers who prefer to remain private will see this as another barrier, and critics may argue it makes Android less open. On the other side, reducing the flood of fraudulent or harmful apps could be worth the trade. Apple’s system of developer IDs has already shown that tighter control can block less sophisticated attacks. Whether Google’s version achieves the same balance remains to be seen once the rules are fully in place.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
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