Google is set to implement a significant change in its approach to app distribution on Android devices, with identity verification becoming a requirement for all developers starting next year. This initiative will first roll out in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, before expanding globally in 2027.
New Verification Requirements
Under this new policy, developers will be required to provide a range of personal information, including their legal name, address, email, and phone number. Additionally, they may need to submit an official government ID to complete the verification process. This shift primarily targets those who distribute apps outside of the Google Play Store, as identity verification is already a prerequisite for developers within the Play Store ecosystem.
- A global rollout of the policy is planned from 2027 onward.
- Developers must provide personal details and may need to submit a government ID.
- Change mainly impacts those distributing apps outside Google Play.
- Update aims to curb malware and scams by blocking banned developers from returning under new aliases.
Google emphasizes that this update is a proactive measure to enhance user security, aiming to shield users from malware and scams. By implementing identity verification, the company seeks to prevent banned developers from resurfacing under new identities, thereby fostering a safer app environment. “By making Android safer, we’re protecting the open environment that allows developers and users to confidently create and connect,” Google stated in their announcement. They further noted that this new layer of security would deter malicious actors and complicate their efforts to inflict harm.
This policy change comes on the heels of a recent legal setback for Google, as a US court upheld a ruling that found the company to be operating an illegal monopoly through its Play Store. The court’s decision mandates that Google permit rival app marketplaces and alternative payment options, prohibit exclusive launch incentives, and discontinue the mandatory use of its billing system. This injunction is set to remain in effect for three years once implemented, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of app distribution on Android platforms.
