Google exempts Android devices in sanctioned countries including Iran from its developer verification scheme

Google has stated in the FAQ section of its developer website that Android devices located in sanctioned countries, including Iran and Cuba, will be exempt from the checks in its new developer verification scheme. The news was reported in Iranian media on Monday, 3 August 2026 (12 Mordad 1405).

The scheme restricts the installation of apps from unverified developers on devices running Google services. Under it, any developer publishing an Android app, even without using Google Play, must verify their identity with Google and pay a small fee. Until now the position of developers in sanctioned countries had been unclear; in practice they cannot complete the verification process.

With this exemption, publishing and installing apps in those countries will remain possible, although users in those regions will not receive the security benefits of the scheme. Google says the aim of the programme is to counter malicious and fraudulent apps. The pilot phase begins in about a month in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, and is expected to expand worldwide gradually during 2027.