Google is making some concessions in the controversy surrounding the removal of sideloading in Android. Only ‘experienced’ users would still be able to install apps outside of the Play Store.
Google is at odds with Android developers over a new verification system it wants to implement. This means that every developer who wants to offer apps must register with Google and pay a fee of 25 dollars. This effectively makes it almost impossible to install applications outside of Google’s web store, also known as sideloading.
According to Google, this decision benefits the security of the Android operating system. Google has no visibility into what is being offered outside its app store, which increases the risk of users installing malicious apps. However, opponents view it as a control grab by Google and believe this system goes against Android’s original promise as an open ecosystem. Moreover, disguised malware regularly finds its way into the Play Store.
Experienced Users
After the Keep Android Open movement started a petition two weeks ago, Google seems willing to make minor concessions. Non-professional developers won’t have to go through the complete registration process. However, they will only be able to distribute their applications to a limited number of devices.
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Google is leaving the door slightly ajar for sideloading. An ‘advanced’ procedure will allow ‘experienced’ users to install ‘unverified’ software. For now, we don’t get more explanation about how this procedure will work or whom Google considers ‘experienced’ users. There will be some safeguards to protect users against malicious applications, but it’s primarily at your own risk if you don’t follow Google’s path.
Whack-a-mole
Meanwhile, Google is continuing its procedure as planned. Early access to the verification process has opened, and Google will roll it out in several countries next year. The global rollout is planned for 2027. In an X post, Android head Sameer Samat defends Google’s position.
“When we block a harmful app now, they can often just create a new app and try again. Verification ends this whack-a-mole cycle by requiring a real identity, making it much harder and more expensive to repeatedly distribute harmful apps,” writes Samat.
Google suffered a legal setback last week. The long-running lawsuit against Fortnite developer Epic Games was decided against Google. The ruling may force Google to allow alternative app stores on Android. How it will reconcile this with plans to force all apps and developers into its framework could become a complex puzzle.