Google’s big action: 17.5 lakh dangerous apps banned, 80 thousand developers blacklisted

News India Live, Digital Desk: Google has created a new record regarding the security of Android users. The company has stated in its latest 2025-26 safety report that it 1.75 million (17.5 lakh) More than 100 apps were blocked from coming to Play Store which were violating Google’s security policies. Additionally, fraudsters 80,000 developer accounts Has been banned permanently.

Why was such a big action taken? (Reasons for Purge)

According to Google, these apps and developers were involved in a variety of digital crimes:

Financial Fraud: Stealing banking details and doing illegal transactions.

Data Theft: Accessing users’ location, contacts and personal messages without their permission.

Hidden Subscriptions: Apps that deduct money from users’ accounts without informing them.

Malware and Spyware: Slowing down the phone and spying in the background.

AI becomes Google’s new ‘digital guard’

This time Google along with human review Generative AI And used advanced machine learning tools.

10,000+ security checks: Now every app that comes on Play Store has to go through more than 10,000 safety checks before being published.

Sensitive Data Security: With the help of AI tools 2.55 lakh Apps were blocked before they could improperly access sensitive data.

Attack on Spam Review: Google 160 million (16 crores) Removed fake ratings and reviews, which were promoting bad apps by showing good ratings.

Google Play Protect: now even more powerful

Google Play Protect has been updated, which is now daily 350 billion (350 billion) Scans apps.

Look at side loading: Installed outside the Play Store (like from a browser or WhatsApp) 27 million Dangerous apps have been identified.

In-Call Scam Protection: Under the new feature, no app will be able to disable ‘Play Protect’ during a call, which will protect against ‘social engineering’ attacks.

How do you keep yourself safe? (Safety Tips for Users)

Keep Play Protect on: Go to your phone’s Settings and make sure Google Play Protect is always active.

Check Permissions: While installing an app, check if the app is asking for permissions that it doesn’t need (e.g. the Calculator app doesn’t need ‘Contacts’ or ‘Camera’).

Reviews and Ratings: Don’t just rely on good ratings, but also read ‘Critical Reviews’.

Avoid unknown sources: Never install APK file from any link or unofficial website.