Google Will Verify Android App Developers Outside Play Store

Google verifies developers of Android applications outside the Play Store (photo: dock. unsplash)

JAKARTA Google is taking new steps in tightening the safety of app distributions on Android. Starting next year, the technology company will verify the identities of all app developers.

This verification system will apply to all apps available on Android devices, including outside the Google Play Store. Google will not close the distribution of applications outside the Play Store through this policy.

Developers can still use other app stores or even take advantage of sideloading systems. However, they can no longer hide their identities. The reason is, Google will save all developer data.

By verifying the identity of the developer, Google wants to ensure that all app distributors on Android are trusted developers. In addition, this step will reduce the problem of spreading malware and other malicious activities.

According to an internal Google survey, 50 times more malware comes from download sources outside of Google Play. Google has implemented a developer verification system on the Play Store since 2023, but not outside the Play Store. Therefore, this policy will be expanded next year.

To give developers time, Google will open early access in October this year. Developers can register to test the system and provide input. Verification will launch for all developers in March 2026.

The implementation of verification will be carried out in stages. In September 2026, all applications in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand must meet these new requirements. This rule will begin to be implemented globally in 2027.

Developers are required to provide their official names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers. This may encourage independent developers to register as a business for privacy.