Google Begins Certifying Registered App Stores For Android
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: Running an app ecosystem has gotten a lot more complex for Google after its loss in the Epic Games antitrust case. While U.S. users can access app stores in Google Play by court order, international users will use Google's voluntary Registered App Stores program. Google has announced that stores wishing to be part of that program are now free…
Google has initiated a new program to certify registered app stores for Android devices outside of the U.S., following a loss in the Epic Games antitrust case. International users will primarily utilize Google's voluntary Registered App Stores program, with support for the initiative set to launch on selected Android devices later this year.
Approved app stores will receive preferential treatment on the Android platform, enabling users to install apps with a single click and receive silent background updates, similar to the experience on the Google Play Store. However, this program will not be available in the U.S., as users can access alternative stores on Google Play.
Stores seeking inclusion in the international program must comply with several requirements, such as protecting intellectual property, removing illegal content, and publishing privacy policies for users and developers. Additionally, Google mandates specific security measures to prevent malware from accessing Android devices through these stores.
Enrollment costs $10,000 per year, payable before Google reviews the application, with potential extra fees for addressing malware-related issues. The program will roll out in numerous nations, covering most of the world outside of the U.S. and Europe, and is set to commence on December 1, with support beginning with Android 17 QPR2, expected to arrive on Pixel phones in the coming weeks.
Written by urgent.news from Slashdot's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
