this post was submitted on 20 Sep 2025
752 points (99.7% liked)

Privacy

42010 readers
872 users here now

A place to discuss privacy and freedom in the digital world.

Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.

In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.

Some Rules

Related communities

much thanks to @gary_host_laptop for the logo design :)

founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Opening my weather app this morning I was greeted by this warning:

Google has announced that, starting in 2026/2027, all apps on certified Android devices will require the developer to submit personal identity details directly to Google. Since the developers of this app do not agree to this requirement, this app will no longer work on certified Android devices after that time.

It's the first time I hear about this, seems to be about:

Tech crunch article from august, "google will require developer verification for android apps outside the play store"

Cirrus app: Github

Was this a big thing I somehow missed? I hope more devs will follow suit.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] DrDystopia@lemy.lol 15 points 4 days ago (1 children)

From what I gather, yes. But will you be allowed to install F-Droid? No.

[–] KSPAtlas@sopuli.xyz 10 points 4 days ago (2 children)

I've heard that it will still be possible to install unverified apps via ADB, so theoretically it wouldn't be hard to make an app installer that uses Shizuku (tool that allows you to ADB into your own device) and have a website that automatically installs that using WebUSB or something

[–] vodka@feddit.org 10 points 4 days ago (1 children)

You'll be able to install them, but play services will very probably stop them from starting.

They already have the framework for this in place, "unrecognised" apps get blocked by Play services already asking you if Google can scan the app before you start it, the app will not start at all unless you click yes or no.

[–] daniskarma@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 4 days ago

Maybe yes. Maybe not. I think from now they won't push that far, among other things because even developing for android platform would become a burden. Not being able to even test some app concept without a verified signature...

Maybe eventually they'll go that far. But as of now I do think is unlikely they'll completely block the adb way.

Anyway many current users won't go adb. And third party stores will take a massive hit. That's google's goal.

[–] ReversalHatchery@beehaw.org 2 points 4 days ago

app manager can already work as an app installer, but it needs wireless debugging enabled which can be a security risk. and you have to install app manager too somehow.