Google, Play Store

New Android, Google Play Security Update—2.3 Million Apps Blocked
Google has confirmed it has blocked more than 2.3 million apps as it publishes a new Android and Google Play security update—what you need to know.
Google Play Protect defended your sensitive data from over a million apps in 2024
Google blocked 2.36 million apps and 158,000 developer accounts to maintain Play Store safety in 2024. 1.3 million apps had access to unnecessary permissions, curtailed by Google. Play Protect flagged 13 million new apps outside Google Play,
Google leaned heavily on AI to stop malicious apps on the Play Store last year
AI became a hot topic. Its influence even bled into the Google Play security division, which used AI in 92% of app security reviews.
Google blocked 2.36 million risky Android apps from Play Store in 2024
Google blocked 2.3 million Android app submissions to the Play Store in 2024 due to violations of its policies that made them potentially risky for users.
Google Play Store Warning—Do Not Keep All These Apps On Your Phone
We’re talking permission abuse, which has always been a serious threat to users. A new report is just the latest “alarming” wake-up call, “uncovering alarming security and privacy concerns.” This latest research has also exposed “hardcoded secrets embedded within some apps… which poses a serious risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.”
Google Play adds a ‘Verified’ badge for trusted VPN apps
Google Play is rolling out "Verified" badges for select VPN apps to make it easier for users to find trust services. Apps with the badge prioritize user
Google Play adds verified badge for VPNs, as NordVPN’s new trick bypasses blocks
In November, online security firm Kaspersky noted that the number of users encountering apps that pose as free VPNs increased by 2.5 times, between just Q2 and Q3 of 2024
Are fake VPNs a thing of the past? Google Play will now verify safe VPN apps
VPNs must also have at least 10,000 installs and 250 reviews, and have been published on the Google Play store for at least 90 days. In addition to this, the VPN must submit a Data Safety declaration, detailing how user data is collected, and opt-in to independent security reviews.
‘Google Play Store keeps stopping’ on Android
Android phones and tablets have encountered a ‘Google Play Store keeps stopping’ error message. That system warning usually appears when Android apps crash. However, Google Play is working normally as far as we can tell.
The Play Store has a new badge to tell trustworthy VPN apps apart
Third-party validation for apps like VPNs is crucial for user safety. Google's new Verified badge in the Play Store ensures security for these apps. Specific criteria such as user reviews and encryption must be met for verification.
Google could be cooking up a new look for voice search in the Play Store (APK teardown)
Google appears to be developing new UI for its voice search feature in the Play Store. On top of a new look, it also adds ...
Google Play will now verify VPNs that prioritize privacy and safety
Google Play will now display verification badges on approved VPNs as a way to “highlight apps that prioritize user privacy ...
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Google Play Protect cannot be disabled during phone and video calls
Google’s post recapping Play Store and Android protections in 2024 is live, while highlighting new Play Protect features, ...
Google can now auto-disable permissions from risky Android apps
Google Play Protect is getting even more powerful, with new features designed to keep your Android device safe from malware ...
Program: How an online coach can keep your brain young
There are some things you can do to guard against cognitive decline, and a study has found a hands-on approach is best.  Also, rates of vaccination in pregnancy are falling in New South Wales.  Should ...
Google Earth sleuth thinks they’ve found a face in Antarctica
A Reddit user believes they’ve found a face peering back at them in a Google Earth image from Antarctica. The satellite ...
Google’s Android Lockdown—Why You Need A New Phone In 12 Weeks
When it comes to the Android threat landscape, we’re into the science of big numbers. Google describes “a vibrant ecosystem with billions of users around the globe and millions of helpful apps,” and ...
Google couldn't nail scalable apps for tablets or foldables, but it's still trying
Google wants to make apps scalable across form factors. Android XR headsets will run the majority of Android apps by default. Android 16 and 17 should go a long way toward making apps work better ...