Google is making strides to improve the security and privacy of Android with the upcoming release of Android 15. The new version of the operating system will use on-device AI to alert users to malicious app activity in real time. Google is also expanding its Play Store defenses to protect against harmful apps, with a mass deletion of low-quality apps scheduled for August 31. These changes are all part of Google’s mission to make Android more secure, similar to Apple’s iPhone.
The latest update to the Play Store will no longer display “file might be harmful” warnings for users with Play Protect enabled when downloading APKs from third-party stores using Chrome. Users without Play Protect enabled will still see the warnings and be prompted to enable Play Protect. Play Protect has recently been upgraded to perform real-time app scans using on-device AI, making the warnings in Chrome unnecessary, according to Android Authority.
While Play Protect is not foolproof and some malicious apps still make their way onto the Play Store, Google is introducing measures to detect and remove malware more effectively. Live monitoring for suspicious app behaviors, including permissions, will help improve the security of the Play Store. Google aims to make Play Store the primary source for apps and is working with partners like Samsung to enforce default restrictions that discourage users from using third-party stores.
Google’s decision to delete low-quality apps from the Play Store is aimed at improving security and privacy for users. Apps that provide little to no functionality or are designed solely to hide malware will be removed. This move may have a significant impact on the app ecosystem of the Play Store, but it is necessary to ensure the safety of users. While some Android users may resist the changes that make the platform more like Apple’s, Google is working to close the gap in security between the two operating systems.
Apple users have traditionally had better protection against malware compared to Android users, prompting Google to enhance security measures on the platform. The days of Android’s “Wild West” mentality, where users could sideload apps from any source, are fading as Google strengthens its defenses. By encouraging users to rely on the Play Store for all their app needs and cracking down on low-quality apps, Google is taking steps to make Android a more secure platform overall. The changes implemented in Android 15 and the Play Store updates reflect Google’s commitment to improving the security and privacy of its users.
