Google has announced plans to verify the identity of all developers who distribute apps on Android, starting from September 2026. The new requirement aims to prevent malicious actors from impersonating developers and spreading malware through third-party app marketplaces.
Under the new rule, all apps installed on certified Android devices in select countries will need to be registered by a verified developer. Google will send out invitations to developers starting October 2025, with full implementation expected in March 2026.
This move is part of a broader effort to enhance security and user trust. The company has already introduced measures such as requiring D-U-N-S numbers for new developer accounts and blocking sideloading of potentially dangerous apps.
While the new rules may impact some developers, particularly those who distribute their software outside the Play Store, Google claims they will preserve user choice while improving overall security. The move comes after a major antitrust lawsuit brought by Epic Games in 2020 and follows recent plans to distribute competing app stores through Google Play.
Source: https://thehackernews.com/2025/08/google-to-verify-all-android-developers.html