Google to Enforce Developer Verification on Android in Four Countries

Overview

• Google announced on Thursday that developer verification will be enforced starting September 30, 2026 for users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
• The company has already registered millions of apps, covering nearly all Google Play installs and a large share of installs from outside Play.
• A new system service called Android Developer Verifier (com.google.android.verifier) is rolling out to most Android 8+ devices to validate developer registration before installs.
• Google will provide developer tools including the Android Developer ID Status API, the Android Developer Console API, and a limited distribution account that lets students and hobbyists share apps to up to 20 devices without ID or fees.
• Users can still install unverified apps through an 'advanced flow' with extra security checks or by using adb, and Google says the verification requirement will expand globally in 2027 after partner and community feedback.