Google to require identity checks for Android developers in rollout

Google announced this week that it will require identity verification for all Android app developers, including those who distribute apps outside the Play Store, in a multiyear rollout that begins with early access in October 2025 and moves to broad availability in March 2026. The company said the policy will be fully enforced on Google-certified devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore by September 2026 and across all countries by 2027. The change affects devices that run Google Mobile Services, including phones and tablets from Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Vivo, Nothing and Google’s Pixel line.

Google framed the move as a security measure, saying apps installed from outside the Play Store are far more likely to contain malware and other threats. The company said sideloaded apps are about 50 times more likely to carry malware and pointed to a drop in Play Store abuse after it began verifying Play developers in 2023. Google described the new process as like an "ID check at the airport" and said developers will use a new Android Developer Console to complete onboarding. Developers will be asked to verify identity and register app package names and signing...