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Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps | AI News Digest

Published: August 31, 2025, 1:07 p.m. Technology Positive

Google is set to enhance Android security by blocking sideloading of unverified apps. This decision follows a study revealing that sideloaded apps pose significantly higher malware risks compared to those from Google Play. To combat this, developers will need to verify their identities to allow users to sideload their applications. Google plans to introduce a new Developer Console for this verification process, which will begin in late 2026 in select countries. This initiative aims to protect users from malicious software while still allowing developers to distribute their apps freely.

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