Google Cracks Down on Play Store, Bans 80,000 Developer Accounts in Massive Purge
Google Takes Action Against Malicious Developers, Bans 80,000 Accounts from Play Store
As part of its ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and secure app ecosystem, Google has removed 80,000 developer accounts from the Play Store. This move is the latest in a series of measures aimed at protecting users from malicious apps and ensuring the integrity of the Android platform.
Commitment to User Safety
At the heart of Google’s approach is a commitment to user safety. The company has implemented a range of tools and policies to support this goal, including parental controls, data safety transparency, and app badges. These features provide users with the information they need to make informed decisions about the apps they download and use.
AI-Powered App Review and Data Protection
To support its safety efforts, Google has also invested heavily in AI-powered app review and data protection. In 2025, the company integrated generative AI models into its review process, enabling human reviewers to identify complex malicious patterns more quickly. This technology has proven highly effective, with anti-spam protections blocking 160 million fake or manipulated ratings and reviews last year.
Google Play Protect
Google Play Protect, the company’s threat detection system, scans over 350 billion Android apps daily and has identified more than 27 million new malicious apps from outside the Play Store. This system warns users or blocks installation to neutralize threats, providing an additional layer of protection for the Android ecosystem.
Enhanced Fraud Protection
In addition to these measures, Google has introduced enhanced fraud protection to analyze apps being installed from internet sideloading sources. This feature blocks installations that could misuse sensitive permissions to commit financial fraud, and has already blocked 266 million risky installation attempts and protected users from 872,000 unique high-risk applications.
In-Call Scam Protection
To address the growing threat of social engineering attacks during phone calls, Google has also introduced in-call scam protection. This feature provides users with an additional layer of protection against scams and phishing attacks.
New Tools and Processes for Developers
Google has also introduced new tools and processes to support developers and protect their businesses. Play Policy Insights in Android Studio provides real-time feedback to developers as they code, focusing on sensitive permissions and related APIs to help meet policy requirements. Expanded pre-review checks in Play Console flag common issues such as improper credential usage and broken privacy policy links before submission.
Developer Verification
The company has also introduced developer verification to support legitimate developers and limit repeat abuse. This feature will be opened to all developers this year, including a dedicated account type for students and hobbyists with limited distribution.
Protecting Sensitive Data
In Android 16, developers will be able to protect sensitive data, such as bank logins, with a single line of code. This protection is also enabled by default for certain apps to guard against tapjacking, where malicious overlays capture user input.
Expanding AI-Driven Defenses
Looking ahead, Google plans to expand its AI-driven defenses to help developers build secure apps. This move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and secure app ecosystem, and to protect users from the growing threat of cyber attacks.
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