Timely analysis of threats to digital freedom and practical steps you can take.
Google Is Closing Android: What the Sideloading Ban Means for You
Starting in September 2026, Google will require every Android app developer to register with Google, submit government-issued identification, and pay a fee before their apps can be installed on any certified Android device. This includes apps you sideload. Apps from F-Droid. Apps from Aurora Store. Apps you build yourself. If the developer hasn’t registered with Google, the app won’t install. What Google Is Actually Doing Google announced this policy in August 2025 under the banner of “developer verification.” Here’s what it requires: ...