If I understood correctly it doesn’t prevent sideloading, but even apps not from the app store will need to have their creator’s legal identity verified by Google. Meaning not only do they have to dox themselves, but they have to pay Google for the privilege. And if it’s an app developed to not comply with Goggle’s terms then it just won’t be usable at all.

Thank you.

I’m really confused by this. First, does any phone running a legit copy of Android count as a “certified Android device”?

How can they enforce this for apps not on the play store? Like if I write my own APK will my phone just refuse to run it if I don’t go through some paperwork with Google? How does that work?

Like if they’re capable of this then why aren’t they doing it already to prevent piracy?