Google has allowed installing apps from external sources for years with Android. This situation, known as sideloading, can endanger devices. Google will restrict the installation of APKs on Android devices under a new program.
Google’s program restricting APK installation for Android
Google has launched a new program in Singapore. The company is disabling sideloading (APK installation) to protect users against financial fraud. Applications downloaded outside the Google Play Store are prevented from being installed on the device.
According to Google, fraudsters often exploit certain Android permissions to commit identity theft or financial crimes. The company analyzed the major malware families. It found that 95 percent of these malicious apps are installed via APK.
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As part of the program in Singapore, Google will now automatically block apps that request access to sensitive user and device data. A pop-up message at app installation will warn that the app “may request access to sensitive data”.
Google will also say that this could increase the risk of identity theft or financial fraud. The program, developed in collaboration with the Singapore Cyber Security Agency, is currently voluntary. In other words, the freedom to install apps is left to the user.
Google aims to inform users about this feature and improve Play Protect. It will also contribute to the company’s examination of the risk level of the applications that users install on their devices.
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