Google Begins Android Developer Verification Rollout Ahead of September Mandate
Summary
Google is rolling out developer identity checks for apps distributed outside Play, with a September start in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. Apple also revised rules for third-party wearables handling Forwarding Information.
Key points
- Google says developer verification is intended to limit anonymous distribution of harmful Android apps.
- The mandate starts in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand in September, then expands globally next year.
- Developers distributing apps outside Google Play must register through the Android Developer Console; eligible verified Play apps will be registered automatically.
- Users can still sideload unregistered APKs through an advanced flow requiring authentication and a one-time 24-hour wait.
- Google says Android Studio will show app registration status when developers generate a signed App Bundle or APK.
- Apple's revised developer agreement bars third-party wearables from using Forwarding Information for advertising, profiling, model training or location monitoring, and restricts its storage and sharing.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Google rollout of Android developer verification, alongside Apple revisions to developer privacy rules
- Impact
- Google requires developers distributing apps outside Google Play to verify their identity through the Android Developer Console, aiming to reduce anonymous distribution of harmful apps. The mandate begins in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand this September before expanding globally next year. Users can still sideload unregistered APKs through an authenticated advanced flow with a one-time 24-hour waiting period. Apple’s revised agreement restricts third-party wearables’ use, sharing, and remote storage of Forwarding Information.
People
Vendors
Applein Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand this September before expanding globally next year, and Apple has updated its Developer Program License Agreement to restrict third-party wearables’ use and storage ofGoogleGoogle is rolling out Android developer verification to all developers to stop anonymous bad actors from distributing harmful apps, requiring those who sideload apps to confirm identity via the Android Developer Console.
Products
AndroidGoogle is rolling out Android developer verification to all developers to stop anonymous bad actors from distributing harmful apps, requiring those who sideload apps to confirm identity via the Android Developer Console.Android Developer ConsoleGoogle is rolling out Android developer verification to all developers to stop anonymous bad actors from distributing harmful apps, requiring those who sideload apps to confirm identity via the Android Developer Console.Android StudioAndroid Studio developers can expect to see their app’s registration status right from within the integrated development environment (IDE) in the next two months when they generate a signed App Bundle or APK.Google PlayDevelopers distributing apps outside Google Play must register in the Android Developer Console to confirm their identity.Play ConsoleDevelopers who have completed Play Console’s developer verification requirements will have their eligible Play apps automatically registered.
Countries
BrazilThe mandate starts in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand this September before expanding globally next year, and Apple has updated its Developer Program License Agreement to restrict third-party wearables’ useIndonesiaThe mandate starts in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand this September before expanding globally next year, and Apple has updated its Developer Program License Agreement to restrict third-party wearables’ useSingaporeThe mandate starts in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand this September before expanding globally next year, and Apple has updated its Developer Program License Agreement to restrict third-party wearables’ useThailandThe mandate starts in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand this September before expanding globally next year, and Apple has updated its Developer Program License Agreement to restrict third-party wearables’ use