Apps

How Google Plans to Control Fake Android Apps Distributed on Play Store

Will these changes put a full stop on malicious app distribution via the Play Store?

After seeing an increase in the distribution of deceptive apps and malicious developer accounts, Google has announced additional security plans. Starting from Monday, to validate the developer’s identity and to overcome the problem of fake apps, Google will now ask for the 2FA and the physical address of the developer.

But how will this enhance the integrity of Play Store apps?

Before the announcement, Google only used to ask for an email address and phone number. But now, by asking for additional identity verification details like – whether the account is owned by a person or business, a contact name, a physical address, and verification of email and phone details the process will be stricter. This means crooks will not get a chance to circulate fake apps and fool users.

The announcement was made by the company.

Will this information be public?

No, the information shared with Google will not be public. It will be kept with Google to help confirm the identity and communicate with the developer.

According to Google, the timeline of these forthcoming changes will be:

In addition to this, the tech giant says, the changes are being made to keep Google play safe and secure. This will help serve the community better.

Why 2-Step verification? How will it help?

The best way to stay secure and increase the value of tools Google’s 2-Step Verification is a must. Since it uses both your password and a second way (text message sent to a registered phone number, an authenticator app, hardware security key, or alerts) to identify you, the level of security is increased. Moreover, this confirms there’s a real person on the other side of the screen.

  1. To set up 2-step verification, visit https://myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/two-step-verification/enroll-welcome?pli=1
  2. Click Get Started
  3. Login to your account and follow on-screen instructions to set up 2 step verification.

How does 2 step verification help?

Googles’ Requirement to Ensure Safety

Timeline for developers

Reportedly, to declare the requested information, Android developers have time until the second quarter of coming 2022. This means during the first three months of 2022 users will be able to see the new Safety Section.

Why This Move?

This move might help decrease the number of scams or fraudulent apps on the Google Play Store. While verifying the information, if an eye of suspicion is raised, Google will be able to deal with it. This means Google will be able to identify people with malicious intent and will be able to distinguish between real users and ones who work under aliases.

Is Google Planning Anything More?

With the announcement for a change for Google Play developers, starting this August, Play apps will have to be published in the Android App Bundle format. This means, Google is ditching APKs and now the apps using Android App Bundles will only be used.

As this announcement comes, soon after the announcement of Windows 11 that comes with the ability to sideload Android apps as APKs, things seem fishy. Is it Google’s plan to make fewer apps available on Windows 11? Is Google wanting to keep its app to itself like Apple?

If this is the case what is the future for Microsoft?

Do you think the steps Google is taking in the name of offering security are right? Or is there a plan? What idea do you get after knowing all this?

Do let us know your opinion by leaving us your feedback in the comments section.

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