LogIn"Think of it like an ID check at the airport," Google says.
One of the biggest reasons to choose an Android phone over an iPhone is the fact that you actually own it, as you can install whatever you want easily. However, it will change next year when Google starts verifying the identities of Android app developers, whether they publish their products on the Play Store or not.
"You shouldn’t have to choose between open and secure," Google says, and it sounds sweet at first glance, but we all know where this is going. Thankfully, the conpany won't be checking the contents of the app, just the developer.
"Think of it like an ID check at the airport, which confirms a traveler's identity but is separate from the security screening of their bags; we will be confirming who the developer is, not reviewing the content of their app or where it came from."
This movement creates "crucial accountability" so it's harder for malicious actors to "quickly distribute another harmful app after we take the first one down." The initiative will be first implemented in select countries specifically impacted by these sorts of app scams.
"Since we implemented verification requirements on Google Play in 2023, we have seen firsthand how helpful developer identification is in stopping bad actors from exploiting anonymity to distribute malware, commit financial fraud, and steal sensitive data. Bringing a similar process to Android more broadly will provide a consistent, common sense baseline of developer accountability across the ecosystem."
Google is building a new Android Developer Console for developers who only distribute outside of Google Play. Student and hobbyist developers will get their own type of Android Developer Console account.
The company highlights that "developers will have the same freedom to distribute their apps directly to users through sideloading or to use any app store they prefer."
"We believe this is how an open system should work – by preserving choice while enhancing security for everyone. Android continues to show that with the right design and security principles, open and secure can go hand in hand."
The question is: where does security end and control start? Let's hope we'll never find out, at least with Android devices.
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