Rogue devs of sideloaded Android apps beg for freedom from Google’s verification regime
The Register
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Developers of sideloaded Android apps are pushing back against Google’s new verification requirements, which mandate that all developers register with verified accounts to distribute apps outside the Play Store. Thirty-seven organizations, including prominent tech companies and civil society groups like F-Droid and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, have signed an open letter urging Google to abandon this policy. They argue that the move unnecessarily restricts innovation, privacy, and competition by imposing a centralized security model on Android’s traditionally open ecosystem.
Google announced in August 2025 that starting next year, apps installed on certified Android devices must be tied to verified developer accounts. This requires developers to complete identity checks, pay a $25 one-time fee, and upload government-issued identification. While this change doesn’t affect apps distributed through Google Play or alternative Android builds like /e/OS or LineageOS, it significantly impacts third-party app stores such as the Amazon Appstore, Galaxy Store, and F-Droid. Critics argue that forcing developers to register with Google and adhere to its terms violates the spirit of Android’s open-source nature.
The signatories of the letter emphasize that mandatory registration creates barriers for small developers, researchers, and academics while extending Google’s opaque app review process to a broader audience. They also raise concerns about privacy, surveillance, and antitrust issues, arguing that Google has no legitimate role in regulating third-party distribution channels. Marc Prud'hommeaux, an organizer of a prior petition against Google’s plans, expressed hope that the company will reconsider its approach in light of widespread community opposition.
This policy shift could transform Android into a more controlled ecosystem akin to Apple’s iOS, limiting user freedom and competition. As Google expands this system globally by September 2026, developers distributing apps through alternative channels face potential blocking if they fail to comply. The controversy highlights broader debates over platform control, innovation, and the balance between security and openness in technology ecosystems.
Verticals
tech
Originally published on The Register on 2/24/2026