Google will soon require identity verification for all Android developers, not just those using the Play Store. The change, announced Monday, is meant to curb malware and fraud across certified Android devices.
Developers distributing apps through alternative app stores or sideloading will still be able to, but anonymity will no longer be an option. Google says malware is over 50 times more common in sideloaded apps compared to Play Store apps.
Early access for developers begins October 2025, with verification becoming mandatory in March 2026. By September 2026, the rules will take effect in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, before expanding globally in 2027.
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Developers must provide legal details, name, address, email, and phone, though Google says student and hobbyist creators will have a separate account type. The move mirrors Apple’s recent EU app store changes under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
