New Google Initiative to Automatically Block Unsafe Android Apps in India
Google is launching a new pilot program in India to automatically block the sideloading of potentially harmful Android apps from third-party sources, following similar tests in Singapore, Thailand, and Brazil. The feature aims to protect users from apps that request sensitive permissions often exploited for financial fraud, such as accessing SMS messages or using accessibility services for malicious activities.
The initiative will start next month and will be gradually rolled out across all Android devices with Google Play services in India. Google has already blocked nearly 900,000 high-risk app installations in Singapore since the program's launch earlier this year.
Eugene Liderman, Google's Director of Mobile Security Strategy, said the feature will automatically prevent risky installations by analyzing app permissions in real-time. Developers are advised to review their app permissions to ensure compliance with the new rules.
This comes nearly a year after Google's DigiKavach initiative was launched in India to combat online financial fraud and enhance user security.
Source: https://thehackernews.com/2024/10/google-blocks-unsafe-android-app.html