Android developer groups push back on Google's verification plan

Thirty-seven technology companies, nonprofits, and civil society groups have urged Google to abandon its plan requiring developers of sideloaded Android apps to register with the company. The groups, including Article 19, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the Free Software Foundation, F-Droid, Fastmail, and Vivaldi, published an open letter to Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and Vijaya Kaza, general manager for app and ecosystem trust.

The letter argues that Google's verification scheme threatens Android's historic open nature and could harm innovation, competition, privacy, and user freedom. "While we do recognize the importance of platform security and user safety, the Android platform already includes multiple security mechanisms that do not require central registration," the letter states. "Forcibly injecting an alien security model that runs counter to Android's historic open nature threatens innovation, competition, privacy, and user freedom."

In August 2025, Google announced that apps installed on certified Android devices would need to be tied to a verified developer account. Developers must complete identity checks, with a $25 one-time fee for standard distribution accounts. The verification scheme, in early preview since November 2025, opens to all developers in March 2026. Starting in September 2026, the system will be extended to Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, blocking installation of unverified apps on certified Android devices.

This policy represents a significant shift for Android developers distributing applications through alternative app markets like the Amazon Appstore, Galaxy Store, and F-Droid. While Google Play developers have been required to be verified since 2023, this new requirement extends Google's gatekeeping authority beyond its own marketplace into distribution channels where it has no legitimate operational role.

The letter signatories object to several aspects of the policy:

• Requiring developers to seek permission from Google before distributing apps through alternative channels
• Forcing developers to agree to Google's terms and conditions
• Imposing a $25 fee for verification
• Requiring government-issued identification for verification

"Developers who choose not to use Google's services should not be forced to register with, and submit to the judgement of, Google," the signatories argue. They also raise concerns about barriers for developers with limited resources, researchers, and academics; privacy and surveillance issues; the extension of Google's opaque app review process; and potential antitrust and regulatory concerns.

Marc Prud'hommeaux, F-Droid board member and organizer of a prior petition to halt Google's plans, expressed hope that Google would reconsider. "We genuinely hope that Google will listen to the overwhelming community opposition against their threatened lockdown of the Android platform and take this opportunity to reverse course and start rebuilding their reputation as a faithful steward of Android."

Google has not yet responded to requests for comment on the letter. The verification plan represents a significant departure from Android's traditionally open ecosystem, potentially converting it into an imitation of Apple's more closed iOS ecosystem. As the September 2026 deadline approaches, the debate between platform security and developer freedom continues to intensify within the Android community.