Google has launched a pilot initiative in India aimed at blocking certain sideloaded apps, in a bid to address growing concerns about fraud and scams.
This new effort is part of Google Play Protect’s enhanced fraud protection, which targets apps that request sensitive permissions, such as SMS, notifications, and accessibility access.
Sideloading, a process where apps are installed bypassing the official Google Play Store, has become a significant issue in India.
While Google introduced real-time app scanning last October, blocking most malicious apps, some, including predatory loan apps, still slipped through.
In addition to India, Google implemented similar measures in Singapore earlier this year, preventing 900,000 risky installations.
The focus remains on blocking apps that frequently exploit sensitive permissions for fraudulent activities.
Google has reported that its current fraud protection measures have saved over $1.55 billion from financial scams in India since last year.
To further its efforts, the company plans to open a Google Safety Engineering Center in India by 2025, aimed at bolstering online safety and enhancing fraud protection across the country.
