With claims that sideloaded apps are 50 times more likely to contain malware, Google is tightening restrictions for developers distributing apps outside the Play Store.

According to its own survey, Google says that more than 50 times more malware came through internet-sideloaded sources compared with Google Play, where it has required developer verification since 2023.

Sideloaders face ID checks, fees, and paperwork as Chocolate Factory tightens gates Google will extend developer verification to all Android apps, not just those installed from the Play Store, beginning with Brazil,