Google Cracks Down on Play Store, Bans 80,000 Developer Accounts in Massive Purge
Google Enhances Play Store Security
Google has taken significant steps to enhance the security of its Play Store by banning approximately 80,000 developer accounts. This move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to ensure user safety and maintain a high level of quality in the apps available on its platform.
Measures to Support Safe and High-Quality Apps
The tech giant has implemented various measures to support safe and high-quality apps on Google Play. These include running over 10,000 safety checks on every app, both before and after publication. Additionally, Google has integrated generative AI models into its review process to help human reviewers identify complex malicious patterns more efficiently.
Anti-Spam Protections
In 2025, Google’s anti-spam protections blocked 160 million fake or manipulated ratings and reviews, which could have inflated or deflated reviews and compromised trust. The company has also expanded Google Play Protect, which scans over 350 billion Android apps daily and identified more than 27 million new malicious apps from outside Google Play. This feature warns users or blocks installation to neutralize threats.
Enhanced Fraud Protection
Furthermore, Google has introduced enhanced fraud protection, which analyzes apps being installed from internet sideloading sources and blocks installations that could misuse sensitive permissions to commit financial fraud. In 2025, this protection blocked 266 million risky installation attempts and helped protect users from 872,000 unique high-risk applications.
In-Call Scam Protection
To address social engineering attacks during phone calls, Google has introduced in-call scam protection. This feature is designed to provide users with an additional layer of security against scams.
Support for Developers
Google has also introduced new tools and processes to support developers and protect their businesses. Play Policy Insights in Android Studio provides developers with real-time feedback 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.
Play Integrity API and Developer Verification
The Play Integrity API allows apps and games to perform over 20 billion daily checks to ensure their integrity. Additionally, developer verification supports legitimate developers and limits repeat abuse. After gathering early access feedback, Google will open verification to all developers this year, including a dedicated account type for students and hobbyists with limited distribution.
Protection of Sensitive Data
In Android 16, developers can 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.
Future Plans
In 2026, Google plans to expand its AI-driven defenses to help developers build secure apps. The company’s efforts to enhance security and protect users demonstrate its commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy ecosystem.
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