Android app developers gain a new tool against sideloading

Google's Play Integrity API, a tool that helps developers ensure their apps are running on legitimate Android devices, has been updated with a feature designed to curb the practice of sideloading apps. Sideloading refers to installing apps from sources other than the official Google Play Store, a practice often favored by tech-savvy users who want greater control over their devices. However, sideloading can also present risks, such as exposing users to malware or compromising app functionality.

The Play Integrity API addresses these concerns by verifying that an app hasn't been tampered with and is running in a secure environment. If the API detects any irregularities, it can trigger certain actions within the app, such as blocking access or prompting the user to install the app from the Play Store.

A recent update to the API introduced a new feature called the "GET_LICENSED" remediation dialog. This dialog appears when the API determines that the user hasn't installed the app from the Play Store. It urges the user to download the app from the official store to continue using it. If the user agrees, the sideloaded version of the app is uninstalled and replaced with the Play Store version.

Although developers had ways to detect sideloaded apps before this update, the new feature streamlines the process. While it's still early to tell how widespread the adoption of this feature will be, it's likely to appeal to developers of games and other apps that want to protect their intellectual property and ensure a consistent user experience.