F-Droid Argues Google's New App Verification Measures Will Hamper the Free and Open-Source App Ecosystem
3 day ago / Read about 0 minute
Author:小编   

Google is set to trial its recently unveiled app verification system for Android developers in the foreseeable future, although the precise details of its implementation are still shrouded in mystery. F-Droid, the globe's premier repository for free and open-source Android applications, has come out strongly against this initiative. It contends that Google's mandate for developers who do not distribute through the Play Store to register will pose a significant threat to the viability of third-party app platforms.

As per the proposed plan, from September 2026 onwards, all applications installed on certified Android devices—whether through sideloading or third-party app stores—must be registered by verified developers. The policy will kick off with an early access registration phase in October 2025, followed by a full-scale rollout in March 2026. The first wave of markets where this enforcement will be mandatory includes Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Subsequently, a phased global implementation will commence in 2027.

F-Droid has highlighted that it lacks the authority to compel developers to register with Google. Moreover, it cannot assume the responsibility of registering app identifiers on behalf of developers. The organization firmly believes that this policy will render it incapable of continuing to distribute apps. Consequently, F-Droid has urged regulatory bodies to intervene and prevent the implementation of this measure.