Google will begin restricting Android app sideloading in selected countries from September 30 under its Android Developer Verification system, the company said.
The program requires developers who distribute apps outside the Google Play Store to verify their identities. Google said the measure aims to reduce scams and malware attacks targeting Android users.
Matthew Forsythe of Google said in a company blog post that the rollout will begin in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. Google described them as countries with high rates of app scams.
Google said “nearly all installs on Google Play and a large majority of installs from outside of Google Play” are now verified.
The company said third-party app stores will also join the verification process. The list includes Samsung’s Galaxy Store, Xiaomi’s GetApps, OPPO’s App Market, vivo’s V-Appstore, Honour’s App Market and Transsion’s Palm Store.
Google will automatically install a new system service, Android Developer Verifier, on devices running Android 8 and above starting this month. The service will remain inactive until Google turns it on in each region.
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In July, Google plans to launch the Android Developer ID status API and begin early access for limited distribution accounts.
In August, Google plans a worldwide release of its “advanced flow.” The process lets users skip verification through a hidden menu, risk confirmations and a mandatory 24-hour wait. Users may also install unverified apps through Android Debug Bridge.
