Google discourages sideloading of apps through multiple warnings, CCI tells NCLAT

Subject :Science and Technology

Section: Awareness in IT

Context : Google discourages sideloading of apps through multiple warnings, CCI tells NCLAT

What is sideloading?

Sideloading offers mobile devices users a way to access more applications than are available through commercial app stores such as Google Play or the Apple App Store. It is the installation of an application on a mobile device without using the device’s official application distribution method. In a way it helps users bypass Google’s stranglehold on PlayStore. However, the moot point is sideloading allowed by Google comes with warnings and tedious processes.
It maybe recalled that allowing side loading of applications in Android mobile phones is one of the ten non-monetary directions issued by the Competition Commission of India(CCI) in its Android ruling of October 20 last year. In response to this direction, Google has claimed that it will result in security risk for Android users.
The recently enacted European Digital Markets Act mandates the gatekeepers (Google and Apple) to allow sideloading of apps as well as app stores.