Google has set out to make Android as secure as possible with a special focus on app security.
Despite existing security features like Google Play Protect, the problem of dangerous apps on the Play Store persists. As a result, Google recently announced that it will clean up the Play Store in six weeks.
In a major step to improve app security and user experience, the internet giant is updating its spam and minimum functionality policy, targeting apps that fail to meet high standards for functionality and user experience.
“We're updating our spam and minimum functionality policy to ensure apps meet the high standards for the Play catalog and engage users through quality features and content user experiences,” Google said of the changes.
This includes static apps with no specific functionality or those that have a basic function, such as displaying a single image or wallpaper. There are millions of such apps on the Play Store and many users probably have one on their phones.
Additionally, the upcoming purge is expected to affect popular apps with millions of installs.
Previously, Google required apps to provide a “stable, engaging, and responsive user experience.”
However, it is now working on long-standing security issues that have historically caused Android to lag behind Apple's iPhone.
Considering that not all apps listed on Play Store or App Store are malware-free, there are apps on Google Play Store that target user's bank account data.
In addition to these features, the tech giant is also working to remove third-party code from known malware sources.
However, developers have six weeks to adopt these new security standards.
