Google is preparing new restrictions on installing apps on Android without official verification. The company promises not to completely close this possibility, but to make it more difficult to do so in order to reduce the number of fraudulent schemes that force the installation of malware.
Google is preparing new restrictions on installing apps on Android without official verification. The company promises not to completely close this possibility, but to make it more difficult to do so in order to reduce the number of fraudulent schemes that force the installation of malware.
According to Android Developers Blog, for users who still want to install applications from unverified developers, a separate multi-step scenario will appear. First, you will have to enable developer mode, then confirm that no one is forcing you to disable protection, then reboot your smartphone and go through authentication again. Then the system will enter a daily pause, and the final confirmation will have to be done via PIN code or biometrics.
Google explains this by saying that scammers often act under time pressure: they scare the victim with problems with the bank, the law, or the safety of loved ones, while simultaneously dictating over the phone which settings to disable. That is why the new process is designed so that a person cannot bypass the warning with one click and has time to stop and review their actions.
After going through this procedure, the user will be able to allow the installation of applications from unverified developers either for seven days or indefinitely. At the same time, Android will still show a warning before installation, and the install button will remain available only after confirming the risks.
Separately, Google announced limited distribution accounts — a simplified account format for students and hobbyists. They will allow you to distribute applications to a small group of devices without ID and without a registration fee. The limit will be up to 20 devices.
Both innovations are scheduled to go live in August, before new Android developer verification requirements come into effect. In this way, Google is trying to simultaneously strengthen security for the mass user while leaving room for experimentation and manual installation of applications for those who consciously take this risk.
Previously, dev.ua wrote about how Google began adding warnings to Google Play about applications that can noticeably eat up battery power due to background activity.
