Google warns billions of Android users over feature they should never turn off

GOOGLE users have been informed of a tool that can help keep their data safe from threat actors.

Known as Google Play Protect, this feature can help keep your device clean of dangerous malware.

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The tool is available for free to all Android users via the Google Play store.

WHAT IS GOOGLE PLAY PROTECT?

This tool, once enabled, can do things like check apps to see if they’re safe before you download them.

Perhaps most notably, the tool can also scan your entire device for malware.

Malware is a malicious file or code that can infect your phone or computer.

It can infiltrate your device through apps, compromised emails, or non-secure WiFi connections.

Other functions of Play Protect include running safety checks on your downloaded apps and removing harmful ones.

And if Play Protect does detect something, it will also send you notifications and alerts.

“It warns you about detected apps that violate our Unwanted Software Policy by hiding or misrepresenting important information,” Google explained.

“It sends you privacy alerts about apps that can get user permissions to access your personal information, violating our Developer Policy,” the tech giant added.

HOW TO TURN IT ON

First, 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.

“For security, we recommend that you always keep Google Play Protect on,” Google explains.

Google adds: “If you install apps from unknown sources outside of the Google Play Store, Google Play Protect may ask you to send unknown apps to Google.