Google Can Now Block App Access—Should Android Users Worry?
Published On: January 30, 2025
Google is stepping up its efforts to protect Android users from malicious apps with a new Play Protect update that will automatically revoke permissions from apps deemed potentially harmful. The new feature aims to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive user data, including phone storage, photos, and cameras, by limiting the capabilities of apps identified as security risks.
Google Play Protect, which scans all installed apps—including sideloaded ones—will now take action against applications that exhibit suspicious behavior. If an app is flagged as potentially harmful, its permissions will be revoked automatically. While users still have the option to manually restore permissions, they will be required to confirm their decision as an additional security measure.
Many apps request excessive or unnecessary permissions, putting users at risk of data exploitation. The company has been working to curb these threats, removing over two million harmful apps and blocking 150,000 bad developers in the past year alone. Google has also introduced the Play Integrity API, which ensures that apps originate from the official Play Store and have not been tampered with. In a move to enhance security further, the company will soon begin differentiating between devices and operating system versions, allowing developers to restrict certain app features to newer Android versions.
Additionally, Fraudsters often convince users to disable the security feature while on phone or video calls, allowing them to install malware. To combat this, Google will no longer allow users to turn off Play Protect during calls, including those made through third-party applications. This measure is designed to prevent social engineering tactics that trick users into compromising their own security.
On paper, these updates seem like a major win for user security. However, they also raise concerns about control and potential overreach. If Google can automatically revoke permissions, what’s stopping them from using this power to track users more closely or suppress certain apps? Could this extend to monitoring calls or restricting apps that don’t align with their policies or political stance?
While these are speculations, for now, it seems like they have good intentions. Recent updates have introduced the company verification badge for VPNs that meet specific security standards, ensuring that users can distinguish between trusted and potentially unsafe services. For those who disable Play Protect, Google will now display notifications in Chrome and Android, reminding them to re-enable it.