Google Abandons Plan to Block Sideloading, Proposes “Advanced” Warning System Instead

Google is backtracking on its planned block against sideloading apps. Instead of simply completely suppressing the installation of apps from unverified sources on devices with officially certified Android versions, there should be a solution for “experienced users”.

Compromise planned for ‘experienced users’

Google actually wanted to start disabling the ability to install apps from third-party sources – i.e. outside of the Google Play Store and other official sources – starting next year. The official reason for this is the desire to ensure the safety of users.

Because Google is primarily restricting the openness of Android, there has been a lot of criticism. Now Google has responded to the criticism and announced a kind of compromise. In one Blog entry The company behind Android explained that it wants to create an “advanced flow” that allows users who have a “higher risk tolerance and want the ability to download unverified apps” to actually install such apps.

Multiple warnings are intended to prevent fraud

“Advanced Flow” refers to a menu navigation that users have to click through in order to install a non-verified app. The aim is to ensure that users do not simply ignore the warnings and are not persuaded by fraudsters to ignore the security measures due to external pressure.

The idea is to provide “clear warnings” that ensure that users are actually aware of the risks involved. Ultimately, the choice of whether to install an unverified app should continue to be entirely up to the user. Google says it is currently collecting early feedback from testers and plans to share more details in the coming months.

Google is now also starting to register app developers who distribute their software exclusively from the Play Store. The aim is to further increase user security because the ability to install from third-party sources has been exploited by fraudsters for some time, for example to trick victims into believing their bank accounts have been hacked. Google’s blog post also provides details.