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.

Google’s post recapping Play Store and Android protections in 2024 is live, while highlighting new Play Protect features, like during calls.

Google Play Protect is getting even more powerful, with new features designed to keep your Android device safe from malware and scams. One major update is the ability to automatically disable an app's permissions if it's deemed potentially harmful.