Google to Introduce "Accountability Layer" to Increase Sideloading Friction on Android.

 Google’s New "Accountability Layer": A High-Friction Approach to Android Sideloading

Industry insider Matthew Forsythe recently weighed in on rumors regarding Google’s shifting strategy on Android sideloading. Rather than outright blocking the installation of apps from external sources, Google appears to be developing what is called an "Accountability Layer." This initiative aims to introduce high-friction hurdles to ensure users fully comprehend the security risks involved when stepping outside the official ecosystem.

The Evolution of Friction

This move follows Google’s previously failed proposal, which attempted to mandate that all developers register with Google Play, even if they intended to distribute their apps through independent channels. That plan faced significant backlash from the developer community and was ultimately shelved.

The "Accountability Layer" seems to be the successor to that strategy. Recent discoveries within Android’s strings_v2.xml file reveal a series of new, stern warning messages. These prompts are triggered when a user attempts to install an app from an unverified developer, explicitly stating that such actions could compromise the device's security and data integrity.

• Psychologically, adding friction, such as having to press "accept" multiple times or having to access deep settings, is more effective than blocking because users feel they are taking responsibility for the risk (accountability), which reduces Google's legal burden in case their device is attacked by malware.

• This measure will directly impact open-source or niche apps not in the Play Store. Users will see increasingly intimidating warnings, which could significantly reduce the installation of these independent apps.

• Google avoided "blocking" to avoid antitrust issues in Europe (DMA) and many other countries that mandate open operating systems. Using "security" as a justification for increased complexity is the most subtle solution.

• It is anticipated that this Accountability Layer will work in conjunction with a stricter Play Integrity API, which can detect whether installed apps have been tampered with, even if they weren't downloaded from the store. 

 

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