Torsten GroteAug 25, 2025
Google won't allow you to install Android apps whose developers' identity Google hasn't verified. Starting in 2026 in some countries and in 2027 everywhere: https://www.androidauthority.com/android-developer-verification-requirements-3590911/
Google wants to make sideloading Android apps safer by verifying developers’ identities

Google wants to make sideloading safer on Android by verifiying the identities of developers who distribute apps outside the Play Store.

Android Authority
Show threadTorsten GroteAug 26, 2025

We need to fight Google's new ID requirement for app developers. It isn't like showing ID at the airport. More like showing it at the printing press and only IDed authors are allowed to print books.

What Google doesn't talk about is that they build this ID system to ban developers and their apps.

Show threadTorsten GroteAug 26, 2025
Unfortunately, developers on Google Play are already used to this system and people have accepted Apple, so I this will be a hard fight. Digital ecosystems being closed "to keep us safe" isn't seen as a bad thing.
Show threadTorsten GroteAug 26, 2025

People saying "But I use a degoogled custom ROM, so I won't be affected" are missing the point. Apps not on Google Play are already a niche. Banning them on most people's devices is a big issue, even if some people can still escape.

Also the general trend of Google becoming more closed may make even custom ROMs impossible eventually.

Show threadTorsten GroteAug 26, 2025
In the past, when books were censored and forbidden, people could still print them in their basements and spread them. Everybody who got their hands on one, could read it. This won't be possible anymore in our new digital age.
Show threadTorsten GroteAug 26, 2025

Under-reported detail: If you don't pay a fee to Google, they limit how many people can install your apps and how many apps you are allowed to have.

Source: https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/guides/android-developer-console

Android developer verification  |  Android Developers

Android Developers
Show threadTorsten GroteAug 26, 2025

Google asks what we think of their plans to block Android app installs outside of Google Play (unless the developers let Google verify their identity and pay a fee).

Want to tell them your opinion, just submit this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfN3UQeNspQsZCO2ITkdzMxv81rJDEGGjO-UIDDY28Rz_GEVA/viewform?usp=dialog

Android developer verification requirements

Use this form to submit questions or feedback about the new Android developer verification requirements announced in August 2025. You can learn more about the requirements in the Android developer verification guide. Sign up for early access here.

Google Docs
Show threadBillieAug 26, 2025
@grote what is likely the best feedback to give to make them drop these plans? (Please no cynical answers, negative feedback might be worth a try.)
Show threadTorsten GroteAug 26, 2025
@Billie I tried to be constructive in my feedback, asked them if they considered different solutions to the malware issue like scarier side-loading prompts which educate users better.
Show threadBobo_PK 🦄Aug 26, 2025
@grote @Billie I told them that I hope they get sued by the EU and be forced to allow side loading like Apple is.
Show threadSoulfire The Wolf 
@Bobo_PK @grote @Billie That would not work because the verifications don’t require distribution through the Play Store. This prohibits users from installing apps unless developers actually verify their apps through Google. It’s like Apple’s notarization system on the Mac. Only far more strict in that there’s no option to override the block of installing apps that aren’t notarized.
Aug 26, 2025 at 7:38pmWeb
Show threadSoulfire The Wolf Aug 26, 2025

It’s really stupid as well since apparently you can now bring back the “allow apps from… Anywhere” option in macOS sequoia by entering the command ‘sudo spctl --master-disable` in the terminal.

I personally wouldn’t recommend this, but if you hate authority telling you what to install, it’s there.