Google has confirmed it has blocked more than 2.3 million apps as it publishes a new Android and Google Play security update—what you need to know.

Google Play is introducing a “Verified” badge for select VPN apps to help users identify trustworthy services. This initiative aims to promote user privacy and safety, according to a blog post released by Google on Tuesday.

Google blocked 2.36 million apps and 158,000 developer accounts to maintain Play Store safety in 2024. 1.3 million apps had access to unnecessary permissions, curtailed by Google. Play Protect flagged 13 million new apps outside Google Play,

AI became a hot topic. Its influence even bled into the Google Play security division, which used AI in 92% of app security reviews.

Google blocked 2.3 million Android app submissions to the Play Store in 2024 due to violations of its policies that made them potentially risky for users.

We’re talking permission abuse, which has always been a serious threat to users. A new report is just the latest “alarming” wake-up call, “uncovering alarming security and privacy concerns.” This latest research has also exposed “hardcoded secrets embedded within some apps… which poses a serious risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.”

Google Play will now display verification badges on approved VPNs as a way to “highlight apps that prioritize user privacy and safety,” the company announced on Tuesday. The new badge will appear on a VPN app’s details page and within search results, proving that it meets specific standards outlined by Google.

Google Play is rolling out "Verified" badges for select VPN apps to make it easier for users to find trust services. Apps with the badge prioritize user

VPNs must also have at least 10,000 installs and 250 reviews, and have been published on the Google Play store for at least 90 days. In addition to this, the VPN must submit a Data Safety declaration, detailing how user data is collected, and opt-in to independent security reviews.

Android phones and tablets have encountered a ‘Google Play Store keeps stopping’ error message. That system warning usually appears when Android apps crash. However, Google Play is working normally as far as we can tell.

Third-party validation for apps like VPNs is crucial for user safety. Google's new Verified badge in the Play Store ensures security for these apps. Specific criteria such as user reviews and encryption must be met for verification.