Overview

• The mandate covers every install on certified devices, including sideloaded apps and those from alternative stores such as F-Droid, according to multiple reports.
• A pilot program begins next month, with unverified apps set to be blocked about a year later in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand before wider expansion expected in 2027, Ars Technica reports.
• Reports say verification will require developer identity checks, including government ID submission and registration of each app package name with Google’s system, as described by Talk Android.
• F-Droid warns the plan would effectively end its open-source app repository and calls for US and EU regulators to review Google’s approach.
• Google’s early-access sign-up asks whether developers can pay in US dollars, suggesting potential registration fees, Ars Technica notes.