Digital Freedom

Google plans to restrict side-loading, declaring war on Android freedom

Tuta explains Google's plan, rolling out globally in 2027, to require all Android app developers to register and verify their identity with Google before their apps will install on devices running Google Play Services. Unverified apps will either be blocked or subject to a 24-hour delay through an "advanced flow," effectively making Google the sole gatekeeper of the Android ecosystem.

Blog post · Android · Open Source · Privacy · Google