Google blocked 2.28 million malicious apps from the Play Store

Google announced it blocked a record 2.28 million policy-violating apps from the Play Store in 2023. It used advanced machine learning, stricter developer checks, and industry collaborations to fight cyber threats.

This highlights its commitment to security through its SAFE principles: protecting users, supporting developers, encouraging innovation, and strengthening platform defenses.

Strengthening Platform Security

Under the SAFE framework, Google enhanced security with:

AI-powered app reviews: Advanced machine learning analyzes code behavior and permission usage to detect suspicious apps.
Stricter developer requirements: Mandatory identity verification, including D-U-N-S numbers for organizations, reduced fake account creation.
Improved SDK tracking: Monitors SDK usage across 6 million apps, helping developers avoid risky integrations.

These measures led to the removal of 333,000 fraud-linked developer accounts and the rejection or modification of 200,000 apps for misusing sensitive permissions like background location and SMS access.

Privacy Efforts

Google worked with SDK providers to reduce data collection, affecting 31 high-risk SDKs and 790,000+ apps.

It also expanded the App Defense Alliance (ADA), now joined by Microsoft and Meta, to enhance mobile security. ADA’s MASA program introduced independent security reviews for VPN apps, marked with a special badge in the Play Store.

Google Play Protect’s real-time scanning detected over 5 million malicious sideloaded apps in 2023 by using AI and a global threat database.

New 2023 guidelines require apps to offer easy account/data deletion, improve user controls, and disclose AI-generated content.

Google also sued two fraudsters for uploading fake investment and crypto apps to scam users.

With stricter privacy rules and new security measures coming in 2024, Google continues to strengthen app store safety and user trust.