Google has revealed plans to implement a verification system for all developers distributing Android apps, including those offering apps outside the Play Store.
“Going forward, apps on certified Android devices must be published by verified developers,” the company stated. “This step ensures accountability and makes it much harder for attackers to quickly release harmful apps after one is removed.”
The verification process will begin gradually in October 2025 and become mandatory for all developers by March 2026. Initially, the requirement will roll out in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with full enforcement expected by September 2026.
Suzanne Frey, Android’s VP of Product, Trust, and Growth, emphasized that any app installed on certified devices in these regions must now come from a verified developer. Developers already distributing apps through the Google Play Store are largely unaffected, as they typically meet these verification standards via the Play Console. A new type of developer account is being planned for students and hobbyists.
The goal of this initiative is to stop cybercriminals from impersonating legitimate developers and tricking users with fake apps. The risk is heightened by apps distributed through third-party marketplaces, which users can sideload onto their devices.
This verification system complements existing measures that prevent sideloading of potentially dangerous apps in countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Brazil, and India. In addition, since July 2023, all organizational developer accounts must provide a D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet when registering, further enhancing trust in the app ecosystem.
According to Google, this additional layer of security aims to protect users from repeat offenders, reduce malware and scam risks, and maintain a consistent baseline of developer accountability while still giving users freedom of choice.
The announcement comes at a time when Google may be considering broader changes to the Play Store, such as supporting alternative app stores and giving rivals access to its app catalog, following antitrust rulings including the Epic Games case in 2020.
