Google Corporation has announced significant changes to the security policy of the Android operating system. This was reported by Upl.uz.
These changes directly affect users and developers in Uzbekistan. Starting from 2026, a mandatory verification system will be implemented for all applications installed on certified devices.
This will restrict the downloading of APK files from unverified sources. This initiative aims to protect users from fraud schemes and malicious software.
Currently, applications installed from external internet sources contain malicious code 50 times more often than those from the official Google Play store. The new system will make it harder for illegal software to spread and will add an extra layer of protection against the theft of personal and financial data.
The new system will be introduced gradually. In October 2025, limited access will be opened for developers to familiarize themselves with the new requirements.
From March 2026, the verification process will be open to all software creators. Mandatory checks will begin in September 2026 in countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore.
By 2027, this requirement is expected to be applied globally, including in Uzbekistan. The main purpose of the new system is not to analyze the content of each application but to identify its author.
This process is likened to a "passport check." Developers will need to provide and verify their personal information — name, address, and contact details.
Organizations will have to provide their D-U-N-S number and confirm ownership of an official website. This system will significantly reduce anonymous threats.
These changes will be an important step in ensuring the cybersecurity of Uzbekistan’s citizens. Due to the increasing cases of hidden software installations via APK files and theft of personal data, the new measures will provide additional protection.
Strengthening control over application sources will help effectively combat cybercrime and protect users’ personal and financial information from unauthorized access. Law enforcement agencies will have technological support at the operating system level to detect and prevent cyber fraud.
The Android system is the most widely used mobile operating system in the world, installed on over 3 billion active devices. While its open-source code has provided developers and users with great freedom, it has also introduced additional security threats.
The new policy aims to address these security issues.
