Google Play Toughens Rules on Android App Devs, Increases Platform Safety

Google Play is tightening the rules on Android app developers in a bid to ensure safety on the platform.

The Android market is now regulating developers to test their apps with a minimum of 20 users two weeks in advance of its release. The new rules apply to newly created Play Console accounts.

In an announcement, Google Play the recent said the changes will "allow developers to test their app, identify issues, get feedback, and ensure that everything is ready before they launch."

The new regulations are made in part of Google clamping down on unsafe apps left unchecked on the platform. Google has also started to shift from automated checks to more personal reviews.

Google has already formed a team tasked to "spend more time assessing new apps," including apps within and outside the Play Store.

As of 2023, Google Play has 2.59 million apps in its collection.

Malwares Downloaded from Google Play Store Apps

The heightened security on the Play Store was made following reports that Android users have downloaded malware 600 times in 2023 alone.

Cybersecurity consultant Kaspersky said bad actors use the platform to collect user information using their app illegally. The most common are apps that require access to cameras and storage.

Malware was also detected in Minecraft clones that redirect users to sites offering paid subscriptions and attempt to crack the payment securities. At least 35 million installs were reported from these apps.

Bad actors can continue uploading malware-infected apps to the Play Store via multiple developer accounts on Google.

Google started cracking down on security risks last month by updating its app recommendation system, highlighting only the apps that fit its criteria and sweeping off suspicious programs.

How to Know if the Android App is Infected with Malware?

The only safe way to navigate through the Google Play Store at the moment is to stick with Google-verified apps.

See if the app has the check mark and approval from the Play Store, including its online payment methods.

If uncertain about the apps already installed in the device, be careful in giving the programs access to voice recording, camera, and phone storage. Malware-lade apps can obtain information from software without the user's knowledge.