How Safe are Play Store apps? Google Reveals Its Six Steps Strategy for Improving User Safety

On May 6, Google outlined a six-part initiative aimed at increasing the safety of Android users on the Play Store. This includes technical safeguards, developer accountability, and user-facing transparency improvements.

With this update, Google will use both machine learning and human review to scan apps before they reach users. In 2024 alone, the tech giant blocked 2.36 million apps for violating policies. Additionally, over 158,000 developer accounts linked to harmful behavior were banned. Google also rejected/remediated nearly 200,000 app submissions to ensure they could access sensitive data only with a valid reason.

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Google also tightens requirements for apps that use its API access, especially those tied to SMS, call logs, or background location data. Developers are now required to undergo more rigorous checks, including identity verification through official documentation.

To help users make informed decisions, Google has updated the “Data safety” section of the Play Store to highlight how apps collect and use information. Google also rolled out badges for independently verified apps. This is done with the aim of letting users know when a developer’s claims have been audited by a third party.

Parental controls and family-friendly tools have also been upgraded, and users can now more easily manage Play-related data across devices.