Google apparently removed 16 apps from the Play Store. This was done as the apps were causing faster battery drain and higher network usage on users’ devices. Google Play removes apps.
As per the report, the selected applications, which were identified by a security firm, allegedly performed ad fraud. It was done by opening web pages in the background to click on advertisements while masquerading as a real user. Moreover, the apps had a total of 20 million installations, according to the security firm, before they were removed from the Play Store.
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Google Play Removed Apps, Details
The report by Ars Technica states Google has removed 16 applications from the Play Store. These were found by McAfee. The apps that were previously available to download on Android smartphones and tablets, were termed utility applications letting users scan QR codes. It even allowed them to turn on the device’s flash as a torch, or convert various measurements.
Now the list of removed applications includes “utility” apps such as BusanBus, Joycode, Currency Converter, and High-Speed Camera. Plus Smart Task Manager, Flashlight+, K-Dictionary, Quick Note, EzDica, Instagram Profile Downloader, and Ez Notes.
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McAfee found that these applications could download code once they were opened. After this, they received notifications to open web pages without giving an alert to the user. Then the users click on links and advertisements. While this activity artificially raises engagement in these ads. It is a form of ad fraud.
The security firm found that the apps that were removed had adware codes referred to as “com.liveposting” and “com.click.cas” libraries. This enabled users to click on links and advertisements. Moreover, this happens without a user’s knowledge. Even led to additional battery drain and increased network usage.
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Google told Ars Technica about the removal of all the applications from the Play Store. Play Protect blocks these apps on users’ devices. Moreover, McAfee states that these apps could download additional code after the apps were installed. They even suggested that they managed to bypass Google’s protections on the Play Store. So, Google Play has removed apps.
