AI became a hot topic. Its influence even bled into the Google Play security division, which used AI in 92% of app security reviews.

Google blocked 2.3 million Android app submissions to the Play Store in 2024 due to violations of its policies that made them potentially risky for users.

Before we explore what the Play Store needs to copy from the App Store, let's discuss what it shouldn't. If there's one major way Google can differentiate its app store from Apple's, it's how you discover new apps and games. Right now, the Play Store is so difficult to use that it's easy to completely miss exciting new apps and games.

We’re talking permission abuse, which has always been a serious threat to users. A new report is just the latest “alarming” wake-up call, “uncovering alarming security and privacy concerns.” This latest research has also exposed “hardcoded secrets embedded within some apps… which poses a serious risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.”

Google has already announced a security-checking Google Play VPN badge system two times now, but it's here to announce it again.

Android phones and tablets have encountered a ‘Google Play Store keeps stopping’ error message. That system warning usually appears when Android apps crash. However, Google Play is working normally as far as we can tell.

As previously stated, this Verified badge is rolling out for VPNs that are "trusted" for protecting your data. The post adds that VPNs (virtual private networks) like NordVPN, hide.me, and Aloha are among the first to have gone through the necessary hoops to demonstrate a higher level of security/safety.

The reason for this new badge is to highlight apps “that prioritize user privacy and safety, help users make more informed choices about the VPN apps they use, and build confide

Third-party validation for apps like VPNs is crucial for user safety. Google's new Verified badge in the Play Store ensures security for these apps. Specific criteria such as user reviews and encryption must be met for verification.