Google blocks shopping app for millions of Android users over safety risk

GOOGLE has banned a shopping app downloaded by more than a million people over security concerns.

The tech giant is urging Android users to uninstall Chinese-owned Pinduoduo if they have the app on their phones.

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Dangerous malware was apparently found on the platform.

It’s one of China’s biggest online retailers.

Though Google can pull apps from the Google Play Store it can’t remove stuff already installed on your phone.

So if you’ve got it on your device, you’re urged to delete it now.

The app store showed that over a million had downloaded it before it was removed.

“Off-Play versions of this app that have been found to contain malware have been enforced on via Google Play Protect,” a Google rep said.

A spokesperson from Pinduoduo’s owner PDD Holdings told Reuters: “Google Play has informed us this morning that Pinduoduo App has been temporarily suspended as the current version is not compliant with Google’s Policy, but has not shared more details.”

It’s not clear what the move means for Temu, a similar app owned by PDD Holdings that’s popular in the US.

How does Google Play Protect work?

Here’s what Google Play protect does…

• Checks Google Play store apps for safety before download
• Checks for non-Play store apps that may be harmful
• Warns you about harmful apps
• Deactivates or removes harmful apps
• Warns you about apps that violate policy by hiding or misrepresenting themselves
• Sends you privacy alerts about apps that can use permissions to access your personal data
• Reset app permissions to protect your privacy

Of course, Google’s protection feature might not catch all instances of bad behaviour – so you still need to be careful online.

How to check if Google Play Protect is on

Open the Google Play store app and then tap your profile icon in the top right.

Now tap Settings, and then look under About to see if your device is Play Protect certified.

To turn it on or off, open the Play store and then tap the profile icon.

Tap Play Protect > Settings and then turn Scan Apps With Play Protect on or off.

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