Google trades some openness for security and requires app developers to verify their identity.
Google has announced plans to verify the identity of all Android app developers. Normally, this is only required for developers who publish in the Play Store.
Safer Apps
Google’s Play Store has never been known for its security, unlike Apple’s App Store, writes Ars Technica. Although security has improved over the years, users can still sideload apps, or download them illegally. These apps are 50 times more likely to contain malware.
Since 2023, all developers in the Play Store have had to verify their identity, now every developer must do so. Google compares it to “an identity check at the airport”. To facilitate this, it will offer an Android Developer Console, allowing developers to register the package name of the app, as well as the signing keys.
Various Lawsuits
This change is not coincidental, as Google faces increasing headwinds. The tech giant recently relaxed the terms of its Play Store for app developers. It did so following an investigation by the European Commission related to the Digital Markets Act. Additionally, a monopoly lawsuit ruled that Google must also make third-party app stores available.
The feature will be made available in early access in October. Google aims to roll out verification worldwide by October 2027.