The tech giant stresses that this does not mean developers can’t distribute outside of the Play Store through other app ...

Currently, developers who create “sideloaded” Android apps are exempt from Google’s verification requirements.

With claims that sideloaded apps are 50 times more likely to contain malware, Google is tightening restrictions for ...

Google wants to make sideloading safer on Android by verifiying the identities of developers who distribute apps outside the ...

Google will implement a new safety feature that would require developers to verify their identity if they want Android users ...

The open nature of Android is about see a big change, as Google looks to enforce its verification policy for all developers.

Android developers using third-party app stores will soon need their identity confirmed by Google. ...

The Android device platform has long been more open than Apple's iOS and iPadOS platforms, with Google making it easier for ...

Android apps side-loaded from the internet often come from shady sources. Google will soon identify them and block those of ...

Google announced new security measures for Android app distribution, requiring developers to verify their identities for apps ...

Google notes that the requirements will begin full rollout in September 2026. Google has introduced new requirements for app ...

Sideloading apps also run the risk of installing malware or viruses that can once again, steal login credentials, spy on you, ...