app integrity Archives

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Android will get third-party app stores, but Canadians have to wait

Google has launched the Play Catalogue Access Program, allowing third-party Android app stores to access the Play Store's app catalogue starting July 22. Apps submitted to Google will be available on these external stores, expanding developers' reach. Downloads from third-party stores will still go through Google Play, maintaining existing service fees. Third-party stores must pay an initial service fee of ,000 for a security review and an annual fee of ,000 for ongoing access. Google has also reduced its commission from 30% to 10% following a settlement with Epic Games, allowing developers to offer alternative payment options. These changes are currently limited to the U.S. market, with a global rollout expected by September 2027.

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

EU Age Verification App to Ban Android Apps Not Licensed by Google

The European Union is enhancing its age verification system for social media by incorporating an Android app integrity check to ensure users are 18 or older before accessing adult content. This involves a white-label application to authenticate the legitimacy of the age verification app, which must be licensed by Google and downloaded from the Google Play Store. Users of custom ROMs may face restrictions, as the integrity check will not allow sideloaded or self-compiled applications. The age verification framework is still in planning, but the EU assures that user data will remain private and not monitored after verification.