Google enforces Android developer verification in Brazil and three other countries, drawing Cade scrutiny and EFF criticism
Google began enforcing its Android Developer Verification (ADV) policy on 30 September 2026 in Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore. Developers must prove their identity and register their apps with Google, including apps distributed outside the Play Store, on devices running Android 7 or later. Google says the measure counters fraud and malware, and told Brazil's antitrust regulator Cade that it found 90 times more malware in external sources than on Google Play. Artigo 19 and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) have asked Cade to suspend the policy as a precaution, arguing it favors Google over rival stores and independent developers. Google plans to extend verification worldwide in 2027.
Detalhes técnicos
- The policy was announced in August 2025 and applies to Android 7+ devices.
- Sideloading remains available. Alternatives include the Android Debug Bridge, or waiting 24 hours, enabling developer mode and confirming identity on the device.
- Users of the official store or large OEM stores should see little change. Users of APK files, independent repositories and developer sites face extra steps.
- Cade opened an inquiry in 2024 into whether Google abuses its dominant Android position against Play Store competitors. In September 2026 it asked about the costs, timelines and effects of verification on independent developers.
- The malware figure comes from Google's own statement to Cade and is not independently verified in the article.
Linha do tempo
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Google enforces Android developer verification in Brazil and three other countries, drawing Cade scrutiny and EFF criticism
ler a análise desta fonte ocultar
Google began enforcing its Android Developer Verification (ADV) policy on 30 September 2026 in Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore. Developers must prove their identity and register their apps with Google, including apps distributed outside the Play Store, on devices running Android 7 or later. Google says the measure counters fraud and malware, and told Brazil's antitrust regulator Cade that it found 90 times more malware in external sources than on Google Play. Artigo 19 and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) have asked Cade to suspend the policy as a precaution, arguing it favors Google over rival stores and independent developers. Google plans to extend verification worldwide in 2027.
Technical Details
- The policy was announced in August 2025 and applies to Android 7+ devices.
- Sideloading remains available. Alternatives include the Android Debug Bridge, or waiting 24 hours, enabling developer mode and confirming identity on the device.
- Users of the official store or large OEM stores should see little change. Users of APK files, independent repositories and developer sites face extra steps.
- Cade opened an inquiry in 2024 into whether Google abuses its dominant Android position against Play Store competitors. In September 2026 it asked about the costs, timelines and effects of verification on independent developers.
- The malware figure comes from Google's own statement to Cade and is not independently verified in the article.