developer accounts Archives

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

DoubleVerify warns of ‘zombie’ Android app fraud surge

DoubleVerify has raised concerns about a mobile scam involving the hijacking of dormant Android developer accounts, referred to as "zombie" accounts, which are exploited to publish fraudulent gaming applications on Google Play. This new tactic allows fraudsters to bypass automated checks due to the accounts' history of legitimate activity. The fraudulent apps generate invalid traffic, drain advertiser budgets, and excessively consume device battery power. DoubleVerify has identified unusual traffic patterns, such as surges at early morning hours, which do not align with typical gaming behavior, indicating the presence of bot clusters generating ad requests. Specific examples include dormant accounts that suddenly shifted to publishing gaming apps after years of inactivity. The reliance on developer history as a trust signal poses risks for advertisers, as it can lead to distorted campaign measurements and brand risks. DoubleVerify advocates for real-time behavioral analysis to enhance detection and protection against these threats.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

Google Launches Mandatory Developer Verification Program for Android Apps – Jordan News | Latest News from Jordan, MENA

Google has launched a "Developer Verification" initiative requiring developers to verify their identities when distributing applications outside the Google Play Store. This program aims to enhance user safety while allowing advanced users to install unverified apps. The early access phase has begun, with invitations for Play Store developers starting November 25, 2025. Simplified verification pathways will be available for students and hobbyists. Advanced users can still sideload apps but will receive explicit warnings about potential risks. The initiative seeks to reduce the distribution of malware by increasing the complexity and cost for malicious developers, while maintaining user choice for technically skilled individuals.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

Google launches a mandatory program to verify Android app developers outside its official store

Google is launching a new program to verify the identities of developers distributing apps outside the Google Play store, while still allowing advanced users to install unverified apps. The program is currently in an early access phase for developers outside the Play store, with invitations for developers on the Play store starting on November 25, 2025. Google aims to combat fraud and malware, particularly in emerging markets, by ensuring that a real person or organization is behind each app. The company is also creating a simpler account type for students and hobbyists and a dedicated path for advanced users to install unverified apps with clear warnings. This change is intended to enhance security while maintaining user choice and flexibility in app installation. Developers will need to join the verification program to gain wider exposure, and users will have clearer identities for developers, leading to greater protection against fraud.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Google Eases New Android Rules To Allow Sideloading of Apps on Google TV

Google has adjusted its identity verification plan for Android developers distributing apps outside the Play Store in response to developer community concerns. A new installation process is being created for experienced users who sideload apps from unverified developers, addressing fears that the original policy would limit sideloading capabilities. Initially, the policy required developers to provide personal information, which faced backlash from privacy advocates and open-source communities. Despite this, Google is moving forward with the verification system, launching an early access portal for developers on November 12, 2025. The new installation workflow will include multiple warnings and safeguards for users installing unverified software. Additionally, a lighter verification tier will be available for students and hobbyist developers, allowing them to bypass full identity requirements while limiting app distribution. The verification system aims to combat scam apps by linking developer accounts to real-world identities. The rollout of the new verification system will begin regionally in 2026 and expand globally in 2027. This policy shift coincides with a settlement between Google and Epic Games to reduce developer fees and support third-party app stores, pending judicial approval.

AppWizard

October 31, 2025

IAS uncovers ‘Arcade’ ad-fraud scheme exploiting Android gaming apps | News

Integral Ad Science (IAS) has identified an ad-fraud operation called ‘Arcade’ that exploits over 50 Android gaming apps with around 10 million installations. This operation reroutes ad traffic to more than 200 HTML5 gaming sites, generating ad impressions without user engagement. Initially active in the US, Brazil, and Canada, Arcade has shifted focus to the Asia-Pacific region, with countries like Turkey, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia accounting for nearly half of the detected traffic by September 2025. The apps switch to fraud mode upon detecting installation from a paid campaign, activating hidden browsing and ad-serving code via a remote command-and-control server. Arcade generates revenue through covert traffic to gaming domains and disruptive ads outside standard app usage. Despite having fewer apps than previous IAS findings, Arcade has a significantly larger traffic impact.

AppWizard

September 17, 2025

Google’s mandate eliminates “ugly” Android home screens

Google has revised its Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA), specifically section 5.3, to grant Android app developers a "nonexclusive, worldwide, and perpetual license" to modify app icon colors and themes. This change is intended to encourage compliance among developers regarding branding changes. The new terms will take effect on September 15th for new developer accounts, and existing developers must accept the updated agreement by October 15th to maintain their app listings on the Google Play Store. Developers are required to provide a monochromatic version of their app icon to support themed icons, which will enhance the visual experience for users by creating a more cohesive home screen. Non-compliance may result in removal from the Play Store.

AppWizard

September 16, 2025

Android will soon theme every app icon, and Google Play won’t let developers opt out

Google has mandated support for its Themed Icons feature across all applications on the Android platform to enhance user experience and address inconsistent aesthetics on home screens. With the upcoming release of Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1, the operating system will automatically generate themed icons for apps that lack a designated monochromatic version using a color filtering algorithm. Google has updated its Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA) to include a clause that grants users a nonexclusive, worldwide, and perpetual license to modify the color and themes of app icons. This change will take effect immediately for new developer accounts and will be implemented for existing developers by October 15, 2025.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Google will now verify Android developers in four countries to curb malicious apps

Google will implement a verification process for all Android developers in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand to enhance accountability and security in application distribution. An invitation system will be rolled out in October 2025, with full implementation expected by March 2026, and official adoption by September 2026. All applications on certified devices in these regions will need to be linked to a verified developer, including those from alternative marketplaces or sideloaded. Google is also creating a new account category for independent developers to operate within this verified framework. This initiative is influenced by regulatory pressures and aims to improve user safety while maintaining an open environment for innovation.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Google Will Require Developer Verification Even For Sideloading

Google has announced a new requirement for developer verification for all applications installed on certified Android devices, starting with a trial phase in October 2025 and full accessibility for developers by March 2026. The verification process will begin in September 2026 for select Google-certified devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, with a global rollout planned for 2027. Developers will need to submit a scan of a government-issued ID and contact information. This initiative aims to enhance security but may limit the appeal of Android for hobbyists and open-source developers.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft Makes Individual Developer Accounts Free Next Month

Microsoft is removing all onboarding fees for individual developers to publish applications on the Microsoft Store, effective next month. This change allows developers to publish without a credit card, making the platform more accessible. Company accounts will still incur a fee, but individual developers can utilize the built-in developer mode on Windows 10, 11, and Xbox consoles to create unsigned applications. The Microsoft Store will also see improvements in discovery, delivery, and user acquisition processes. While developer mode is popular for running emulation software, it remains limited by the deprecated UWP application platform, affecting Xbox console applications.