On October 31st, Google announced in August that starting September 2026, all overseas "Android certified devices" will only be able to install "applications that have been verified and registered by developers." The initial implementation markets will be Brazil, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, with expansion to more regions starting in 2027. Google emphasized that this move aims to improve anti-fraud and malware protection capabilities and is not equivalent to "banning sideloading."
Several open-source communities strongly oppose this, arguing that Google's policy violates market competition and digital sovereignty, and is detrimental to third-party developers and app stores. These community members launched a joint open letter under the slogan "Keep Android Open." For example, the third-party open-source app store F-Droid has repeatedly criticized Google, claiming that if all applications must be verified and registered through Google, F-Droid will struggle to maintain its existing project review and release processes, and the platform will also be unable to register kit identification and keys with Google on behalf of upstream developers.
According to Google's requirements, starting next September, developers who fail to complete verification or pay the $25 fee will have their apps unable to be installed on certified devices overseas. The verification process will collect the developer's name and contact information. Google has also launched a "Restricted Developer Account" for students and part-time developers, which waives the one-time $25 fee but limits the number of apps that can be published or installed.
Furthermore, some developers are calling for the community to moderately abandon the Android platform and invest resources in open platforms such as PostmarketOS, while others point out that reliance on banking/government apps makes it difficult for ordinary users to leave the mainstream platform.
