Google Requires Verification for All Android App Developers

• Verification of app developers will become mandatory starting from January 2026.
• The changes aim to reduce the number of harmful programs.
• The new rules will be implemented initially in a few countries, and from 2027 – globally.

This is reported by Mezha, The Verge.

Google is introducing new security measures for the distribution of Android apps. Starting in 2026, the company will require developers who distribute apps on certified Android devices to undergo verification, even if they do not use the Play Store. This initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of harmful programs, financial fraud, and personal data theft.

Developers will continue to be able to distribute their apps through other stores or alternative installations, but their anonymity will now be limited. Google notes that the number of harmful programs through third-party installations is 50 times higher than in the Play Store, where developer verification has been in place since 2023.

From July 2025, developers can register for early access to the new requirements, and from January 2026, verification will be mandatory. The new rules will be implemented in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand by the end of January 2026, and from 2027 – globally.

For verification, developers will need to provide their personal information, such as name, address, email, and phone number. Students and amateur developers will be able to use a separate type of account in the Android Developer Console.

These changes could significantly impact the Android app ecosystem and the way they are distributed, as Google aims to reduce issues with security and harmful programs.

Tags: Technology