Image source: Sideloading Google apps
Google is currently testing new features designed to protect users from scams and scams. The announcement was made during the Google for India event on October 3. This new feature prevents sideloading of certain apps as part of “Enhanced Fraud Prevention” within Google Play Protect. Sideloading allows users to install apps on their Android smartphones outside of the official Google Play Store. Google is gradually tightening its policies regarding this behavior in India and other regions.
Last October, Google introduced real-time scanning protection in India to combat sideloading of malicious apps. The company introduced enhanced fraud protection in Singapore in February, which reportedly prevented 900,000 high-risk installations in the Southeast Asian country within six months.
What types of apps are blocked?
The pilot program announced during the India event does not completely eliminate sideloading in the country. As far as we know, users can still install offline apps and utilize third-party app stores.
If a particular app requests sensitive permissions, such as access to SMS, notifications, or accessibility features, Google may request permissions through your phone’s web browser, messaging app (Android or other), or file manager. Analyze and automatically block sideloading. These privileges often allow fraudsters to steal one-time passwords, financial credentials, and other sensitive data.
Enhanced Protection inspects apps’ declared permissions in real-time and is frequently exploited by fraudsters to intercept one-time passwords via SMS or notifications, or monitor on-screen content. “Specifically look for permission requests that
After implementing the pilot program, Play Protect will automatically block such installations and provide an explanation.
Meanwhile, YouTube announced updates to its Shorts feature. Starting October 15th, the platform will increase the length limit for short videos from 1 minute to 3 minutes. This update applies to short videos with an aspect ratio of square or higher and does not affect videos created before October 15th. WhatsApp publishes likes, shares and private mentions for status updates. Here’s how it works:
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