Every app on the Google Play Store that needs users to create an account must include a feature that allows them to remove their accounts and data directly in the app.
In 2023, the Google Play Store stopped 2.28 million apps from being listed because they seriously broke the rules. A recent report from the company explained the actions taken over the past year to protect the security and privacy of its users.
It also noted that 333,000 developer accounts were banned for confirmed malware issues and continuous major rule violations.
Additionally, Google has put in place new rules to enhance the user experience in the app marketplace.
In a security blog post, Google detailed the steps it took in 2023 to shield its users from harmful apps, malware, and online scams. The company prevented 2.28 million apps from being released due to policy breaches and banned 333,000 developer accounts.
Additionally, the platform either rejected or fixed about 200,000 app submissions because they did not handle sensitive permissions properly.
These sensitive permissions involve tracking location in the background, accessing SMS, and contacts, among others.
Furthermore, the app marketplace has taken legal action by suing two app developers in federal court. These developers repeatedly tried to upload fake investment and crypto exchange apps to cheat users. The company pointed out that the fraudsters also gave false information to exploit a loophole in the approval process.
Google stated, “This lawsuit is a crucial move to make these wrongdoers responsible and to clearly state that we will forcefully go after those who try to exploit our users.”
The tech giant is updating its policies to increase user safety. Now, apps that allow users to create accounts must also offer a way to delete the account and data both in the app and online. This option is also included in the Data Safety section of the Play Store.
Google has reorganized its App Defense Alliance (ADA) by adding Microsoft and Meta as steering committee members. ADA now operates under the Joint Development Foundation, which is part of the Linux Foundation family.
The company explains that the alliance focuses on implementing the best practices and guidelines for app security, and on developing strategies to combat new security threats.
The safety measures extend beyond just the apps on the Google Play Store. The company has enhanced Play Protect to perform real-time code scanning of apps downloaded from other app marketplaces.
It reports detecting more than five million new harmful apps from outside the Play Store. According to the company, Play Protect’s machine learning algorithms improve by learning from each app submitted and gradually get better.
What we think?
I think Google’s actions will make the Play Store safer. Removing bad apps and banning dishonest developers helps protect users like me. The new rules that let you delete your account easily are good for privacy.
Suing bad developers shows Google is serious about stopping fraud. Adding big companies to their security team will make the app store even better. Overall, things are getting safer and more user-friendly.
