Tech Desk
Sep 12, 2024
Google is introducing a new feature called “Google Play Integrity API” within on the Play Store to make it easier for users to detect and block sideloading apps.
The search giant has been bringing enhancements to provide a better and more secure user experience on its app marketplace.
Read more: Google hints at Ultra HDR recording by default in Android 15
Google Play Integrity API now blocks sideloading
While sideloading has always been there with Android, giving users the ability to download and install applications outside the Google Play Store, the new Google Play Integrity API helps developers check the interactions and server requests.
The feature was first previewed during May’s Google I/O, where the company explained that “Developers can call the Integrity API at important moments in their app to check that user actions and requests are coming from your unmodified app binary, installed by Google Play.”
This feature ensures users’ data safety is being protected at all times. When any unusual behaviour is detected, it notifies the system and stops the command from getting executed. The API also uses several ways to check an app to ensure that it's legitimate.
Google has also listed in detail on its developer website the functionality of this API, giving a concise breakdown of how it processes information.
Play Integrity API is the successor to SafetyNet Attestation but comes with more features for developers and they can call the Integrity API at any point in their app.
