In a significant move to enhance Android user security in 2024, Google has blocked 2.36 million harmful and policy-violating apps from the Play Store. These apps were identified with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), News Central reported.
To bolster Android security, Google has introduced biometric authentication and passkeys. Notably, with the implementation of AI-based threat detection technology, 92% of malicious app identification has been automated, strengthening defenses against cyberattacks.
Additionally, new security measures have been introduced for developers to prevent app misuse and harmful Software Development Kits (SDKs). Google has added 80 new secure SDKs to the Play SDK database, further reinforcing platform security.
As part of its privacy protection efforts, Google has halted the collection of personal data from 1.3 million apps and introduced a new “Data Deletion” option. Furthermore, the Play Protect system has identified 13 million harmful apps originating from outside the Play Store and has implemented new measures to prevent fraudulent app installations.
Following successful trials in Singapore, Google has rolled out unreliable APK installation blocking in Brazil, India, Nigeria, and South Africa. The company has advised users to install apps only from trusted sources and urged them to keep Play Protect enabled.