Google Play Store has banned 333,000 apps for allegedly violating Google’s policy. The company has also prevented 2.28 million apps from being published on its Play Store in 2023. As per the latest data by Google, the actions were taken for violations such as confirmed malware and repeated severe policy breaches created by criminals and fraud rings.
Google disclosed that nearly 200,000 app submissions faced rejection or remediation by the tech giant to ensure proper handling of sensitive permissions like background location or SMS access.
In a security-focused blog post, Google emphasised its partnership with SDK providers to limit access and sharing of sensitive data, thereby enhancing privacy across over 31 SDKs affecting over 790,000 apps.
Moreover, Google bolstered its security measures for users installing apps outside the Play Store by enhancing Google Play Protect’s capabilities. Real-time scanning at the code level was introduced to counter emerging malicious apps, offering robust protection against potential threats.
Google highlighted its continuous learning approach, where security protections and machine learning algorithms analyze each submitted app, scrutinizing thousands of signals and behavioural patterns.
This approach has already identified over 5 million new malicious off-Play apps, contributing significantly to safeguarding Android users globally.
In a bid to prioritize user privacy, Google announced a new requirement for apps enabling account creation. They must now provide an option for users to initiate account and data deletion both within the app and online, granting users greater control over their personal information.
These efforts underscore Google’s commitment to bolstering security and privacy measures, ensuring a safer and more transparent ecosystem for Android users worldwide.
Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
