Google blocks 1.43 million apps from entering Play Store for policy violations

In a blog post on Thursday, the search giant wrote, “In 2022, we will prevent 1.43 million policy-violating apps from being published on Google Play due to new and improved security features and policy enhancements – in combination with our continued investments in in machine learning systems and app review processes.”

Google said it has banned 173,000 ‘bad accounts’, resulting in savings of over $2 billion in fraudulent and abusive transactions. In terms of Android platform security, Google says that it blocked around 5,00,000 apps from accessing sensitive permissions during the past 3 years.

In terms of ads on Android, Google says it is working to fight ‘deceptive and malicious ads’ on the Google Play store, while the company works to improve the in-app user experience and eliminate unexpected full-screen interstitial ads. Also working on key guidelines to prevent.

The tech giant also highlighted the efforts it has made to combat loan frauds. It said, “Last year, we introduced new licensing requirements for personal loan apps in key geographies – Kenya, Nigeria and the Philippines – along with more stringent requirements for loan facilitator apps in India to combat fraud.”

Talking about user data protection, Google says it will provide users with more clarity on how their app data is collected, shared and protected using the data protection section on the Play Store.

Google also shared the measures it has taken to improve communication with app developers on the Play Store. The company said that it recently launched new features and resources that will give developers an ‘enhanced policy experience’. The search giant has expanded its helpline pilot program, providing direct policy phone support to more developers. Additionally, Google has piloted the Google Play Developer Community, allowing developers to discuss policy-related questions and share best practices on developing secure apps.