Google Blocks 2.28 Million Apps, Including Deepfake And AI Nude Generator Apps

Significant changes in security measures on Google Play Store were announced by Google, including the blocking of about 2.28 million policy-violating apps from being published in 2023.

These efforts were achieved through new and enhanced security features, policy updates, and advanced machine learning technologies, alongside more stringent developer onboarding and review processes.

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Google Blocks 2.28 Million Apps

In a blog post by members of Google's Android Security and Privacy Team, and Play Trust and Safety team, the company's new, multifaceted approach to improve security and privacy on Google Play Store was revealed.

The new measures resulted in the identification and banning of about 333,000 flagged accounts that were confirmed to spread malware through apps and were involved in other severe policy violations, as reported by First Post.

Moreover, nearly 200,000 app submissions were rejected for asking permission to access background processes, location data, or SMS. Notably, the banned apps also included several AI-based deepfake and AI nude generator applications.

To bolster user privacy, collaboration with Software Developer Kit (SDK) providers was initiated by Google to restrict sensitive data access and sharing, benefiting over 31 SDKs and more than 790,000 apps.

Furthermore, new Play Store transparency labelling was introduced by Google to highlight VPN apps that have undergone an independent security review through ADA's Mobile App Security Assessment (MASA). This labelling empowers users to make informed decisions about app security and privacy.

Google has also enhanced Google Play Protect's security capabilities with real-time scanning at the code level. This measure has already detected over 5 million new malicious off-play apps, further securing Android users globally, as reported by First Post.

Updates to Play Store policies concerning Generative AI apps, disruptive notifications, and expanded privacy protections were rolled out by Google. Additionally, the bar for new personal developer accounts was raised by implementing rigorous testing requirements before app deployment.

To foster trust and transparency, expanded developer verification requirements were introduced by Google and enhanced user control over personal data. Apps enabling account creation are now mandated to offer an option for initiating account and data deletion within the app and online, as per media reports.

Moreover, approximately 1.5 million applications that do not associate with the latest APIs are no longer available in the Play Store for new users on updated devices, ensuring compatibility and security.