Google's Developer Verification Policy Threatens F-Droid
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Google's new Developer Verification policy, set to take effect in 2026, requires all Android developers to verify their identity. F-Droid, a third-party app store for free and open-source software, argues that this policy will force the project to shut down, as many open-source developers will refuse to provide identification details to Google. The policy aims to block malware installations from sideloaded apps, but F-Droid contends that it is actually a move to tighten control over the Android ecosystem. The new rules will prevent users from installing or updating apps from unverified developers, potentially denying access to a large number of trustworthy apps.
Timeline
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01.10.2025 20:12 1 articles · 5h ago
Google's Developer Verification Policy Announced
In August 2025, Google announced plans to introduce a new Developer Verification requirement in 2026, which will block installations from unverified developers on certified Android devices. F-Droid has criticized the policy, arguing that it is not motivated by security concerns but by a desire to consolidate control over the Android ecosystem. The policy will prevent users from installing or updating apps from unverified developers, potentially denying access to a large number of trustworthy apps. Google has clarified that sideloading will still be possible for apps from verified developers and hobbyist developers distributing to a small number of devices.
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- F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 01.10.2025 20:12
Information Snippets
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F-Droid is a third-party app store for Android devices that distributes free and open-source software.
First reported: 01.10.2025 20:121 source, 1 articleShow sources
- F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 01.10.2025 20:12
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Google's new Developer Verification policy requires all developers to verify their identity to publish apps on certified Android devices.
First reported: 01.10.2025 20:121 source, 1 articleShow sources
- F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 01.10.2025 20:12
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The policy is set to take effect in 2026 and will block installations from unverified developers.
First reported: 01.10.2025 20:121 source, 1 articleShow sources
- F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 01.10.2025 20:12
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F-Droid argues that the policy is not motivated by security concerns but by a desire to consolidate control over the Android ecosystem.
First reported: 01.10.2025 20:121 source, 1 articleShow sources
- F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 01.10.2025 20:12
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The policy will prevent users from installing or updating apps from unverified developers, potentially denying access to many trustworthy apps.
First reported: 01.10.2025 20:121 source, 1 articleShow sources
- F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 01.10.2025 20:12
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F-Droid emphasizes that Android's Play Protect system already addresses the security risks that Developer Verification aims to tackle.
First reported: 01.10.2025 20:121 source, 1 articleShow sources
- F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 01.10.2025 20:12
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Google has stated that sideloading will still be possible for apps from verified developers and hobbyist developers distributing to a small number of devices.
First reported: 01.10.2025 20:121 source, 1 articleShow sources
- F-Droid project threatened by Google's new dev registration rules — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 01.10.2025 20:12