Google sets Android verification for Sep 30 in four nations

Google has announced a detailed timeline for its new Android developer verification system, with the first protections set to take effect in four countries on September 30. The initiative, designed to make sideloading apps safer by linking software to verified identities, will begin in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand before a planned global expansion in 2027.

Starting this month, a new system service called Android Developer Verifier will be automatically installed on most Android devices through Google System Updates. This service will later be used to verify whether an app comes from a registered developer. The core requirement, launching in the four initial markets, mandates that only apps registered by verified developers can be installed and updated on certified Android devices from participating app stores.

The participating stores include Google Play, Samsung's Galaxy Store, Xiaomi's GetApps, HONOR App Market, OPPO App Market, vivo's VAppstore, and Transsion's Palm Store. Developers distributing apps through these stores in the initial countries must complete the verification process by the September 30 deadline. Google stated that millions of apps have already...