Google Adds 24-Hour Wait for Unverified App Sideloading to Reduce Malware and Scams

Google introduces a mandatory 24-hour waiting period for sideloading apps from unverified developers on Android to combat malware and scams.

• •Users must enable developer mode, confirm voluntary action, restart and re-authenticate, wait 24 hours, then verify with biometrics or PIN before installing unverified apps.
• •The change follows Google's developer verification mandate requiring all Android apps to be registered by verified developers on certified devices.
• •Over 50 developers and organizations including F-Droid, Brave, EFF, Proton, and Tor Project criticized the mandate for creating barriers and raising privacy concerns.
• •Google plans to offer free "limited distribution accounts" allowing hobbyist developers to share apps with up to 20 devices without a government ID or registration fee.