A new feature from Google Play will allow app developers the option to block sideloaded installation and force users to install via the Google Play Store.
This new tool called “Play Integrity API” looks to improve the security/safety of Android apps and gives developers the ability to have more control of their applications.
It looks for evidence that the app was tampered with or running an “untrustworthy” software environment and ensures Google Play Protect is enabled.
One of the assets included is the ability for app developers to check whether or not an app was installed in an “unlicensed” manner which means it did not come from the Google Play Store.
In all likelihood, if the app was not downloaded via Google Play, it was sideloaded from a 3rd party APK store or via another indirect method.
Sideloading is extremely popular among cord-cutters, especially those who use streaming devices like the Amazon Firestick and Android/Google TV devices that also feature this capability.
However, this latest implementation would give app developers a chance to see the exact location of installation and those who sideloaded may be forced to re-install the app from the official app store.
If an app is listed as “unlicensed”, developers can prompt a dialog that would force users to re-install via Google Play with an “Install from Play” button. This would also remove the previously installed version that was sideloaded.
This feature is already being implemented by some developers including Tesco and BeyBlade X. App developer linuxct created an open-source app that tests the Google Play Integrity Remediation as pictured below.
Hide Your Digital Fingerprint
One X user even noted that the official ChatGPT app has enabled this setting as you can see here:
ChatGPT is also one of the apps using Play Integrity to block sideloading. https://t.co/88xp7Y7PJH pic.twitter.com/W5e4hdMxoU
— AssembleDebug (Shiv) (@AssembleDebug) September 11, 2024
Sideloading is an important part of free market app installation and allows users to find and install applications of their choice. It will be interesting to see how this pans out in the future and if any other official App Stores will implement this policy.
This story was originally published by AndroidAuthority & 9to5Google.
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