One spring afternoon, a call from my mother revealed a common yet frustrating issue: my father was struggling to open a PDF on his mid-range HONOR phone. Despite the device’s native office suite supporting PDF files, the document remained stubbornly inaccessible. In his earnest but misguided attempts to resolve the problem, he downloaded four similarly named PDF apps from the Play Store, unaware that he had been misled into doing so.
Have you encountered a scam ad on Android?
- Yes, I encounter them regularly.
- Yes, but only one or two.
- I’ve seen them on others’ phones.
- No, I run a systemwide ad-blocking solution.
- I’m not entirely sure.
- It’s complicated (elaborate in the comments).
Unfortunately, these downloads did not resolve the issue. Even with the new apps and the preinstalled WPS Office, the PDF remained unopened. I began to suspect the document itself might be the culprit, but diagnosing the problem over the phone proved challenging. I guided them through the usual troubleshooting steps, suggesting they uninstall the questionable apps and download a reliable alternative like Adobe Reader. This seemed to work temporarily.
A few days later, my father called again, reporting the same problem. However, this time, he mentioned receiving a persistent alert: “Unable to read file. Try updating your PDF application,” accompanied by an “Update now” button. To an unsuspecting user, this message appeared official, almost like a system alert offering a solution. But upon closer inspection, it became clear that this was merely an advertisement.
Every attempt to open a PDF triggered WPS Office’s splash screen, which displayed the misleading alert. My father, thinking he was following instructions to fix the issue, unwittingly downloaded yet another app. Ironically, the solution came when I advised him to uninstall WPS Office altogether. With that, the deceptive alerts vanished, and PDFs opened seamlessly.
Ads on Android should not resemble app update or system messages.
This experience served as a valuable lesson, highlighting the precarious nature of navigating Android for those less tech-savvy. While my father’s phone was free from financial repercussions or data theft, I found myself frustrated. It’s difficult to assign blame; while my father made choices, he was also a victim of a system that can be confusing and deceptive. A recent report from Malwarebytes indicated that only 15% of users feel confident identifying scams, a figure that is alarmingly low.
Managing apps and ads across millions of devices is undoubtedly a complex task, akin to playing digital whack-a-mole. Yet, I felt a deep sense of anger towards WPS Office for allowing such ads, and even more towards HONOR for including a subpar default app that led my father astray. However, my greatest frustration was directed at Google.
Android can be a dangerous place if you’re unfamiliar with it
Android’s landscape is fraught with pitfalls, particularly for those who are not well-versed in its nuances. The proliferation of low-quality apps and scam ads has persisted for over a decade, with the Google Play Store often serving as a breeding ground for such issues. A report from security firm Zscaler revealed that hundreds of malicious apps still lurk within the Play Store, posing risks to users each year. Although Google has plans to restrict unverified developers, the core problem seems to stem from within its own ecosystem.
For more than a decade, the Google Play Store has been a haven for shovelware.
While Google actively removes malicious apps, the ongoing presence of deceptive content suggests that its efforts are insufficient. Even seasoned users can find the Play Store overwhelming, with confusing search features and misleading ads that can lead to unwanted downloads. The apps my father downloaded may not have appeared dangerous at first glance, but they certainly had the potential to be harmful, underscoring the need for stricter advertising practices.
Even if Google can’t protect every single user from nefarious apps, it can at least make the Play Store easy for casuals to use.
Advertising is a necessary component of app development, yet when it devolves into deceitful practices, it becomes a significant concern. Google’s advertising policies should be treated as strict guidelines rather than mere suggestions. The misleading alert my father encountered was a clear violation of these principles.
Bloatware also plays a significant role in this dilemma. Many users, like my father, will rely on preinstalled apps, even if they are riddled with ads. It took me some time to trace the source of the misleading advertisement, highlighting the need for OEMs to ensure that default apps adhere to advertising standards. Google could exert more pressure on manufacturers to uphold these standards.
How to protect non-techies from the dangers on Android
Addressing these issues will not happen overnight, and the challenges have persisted for years. While experienced users may navigate Android’s complexities with ease, many remain unaware of the lurking dangers. Here are some strategies to help less tech-savvy users:
Uninstall as much bloatware as possible
The first step should be to remove unnecessary preinstalled apps and replace them with trusted alternatives. If you have the chance to assist someone in setting up their device, take the initiative to do so.
Educate, educate, educate
It’s crucial to educate casual users about Android, including how ads function, the motivations behind app development, and how to effectively use the Play Store. Teaching them to recognize the signs of a scam can empower them to make informed decisions.
Block unnecessary content where possible
To minimize exposure to in-app ads, consider installing a systemwide ad-blocker. Options like Blokada create an internal VPN to filter traffic, while Android’s built-in Private DNS feature can also help. For those looking to restrict specific apps from accessing the internet, NetGuard is a viable choice.
Review permission settings
Regularly reviewing app permissions is essential. Encourage friends and family to check which apps have access to sensitive features like the microphone and camera. This simple practice can help prevent apps from overreaching their boundaries.
While my parents are now more aware of Android’s pitfalls, I remain vigilant, anticipating the next encounter with a deceptive advertisement. Users must take responsibility for their own education, but it is equally important for OEMs and Google to protect users by ensuring that preinstalled software is trustworthy and that the Play Store is free from low-quality apps. The responsibility lies with both the user and the platform to create a safer digital environment.
My dad filled his phone with random PDF apps and I blame Google
One spring afternoon, a call from my mother revealed a common yet frustrating issue: my father was struggling to open a PDF on his mid-range HONOR phone. Despite the device’s native office suite supporting PDF files, the document remained stubbornly inaccessible. In his earnest but misguided attempts to resolve the problem, he downloaded four similarly named PDF apps from the Play Store, unaware that he had been misled into doing so.
Have you encountered a scam ad on Android?
Unfortunately, these downloads did not resolve the issue. Even with the new apps and the preinstalled WPS Office, the PDF remained unopened. I began to suspect the document itself might be the culprit, but diagnosing the problem over the phone proved challenging. I guided them through the usual troubleshooting steps, suggesting they uninstall the questionable apps and download a reliable alternative like Adobe Reader. This seemed to work temporarily.
A few days later, my father called again, reporting the same problem. However, this time, he mentioned receiving a persistent alert: “Unable to read file. Try updating your PDF application,” accompanied by an “Update now” button. To an unsuspecting user, this message appeared official, almost like a system alert offering a solution. But upon closer inspection, it became clear that this was merely an advertisement.
Every attempt to open a PDF triggered WPS Office’s splash screen, which displayed the misleading alert. My father, thinking he was following instructions to fix the issue, unwittingly downloaded yet another app. Ironically, the solution came when I advised him to uninstall WPS Office altogether. With that, the deceptive alerts vanished, and PDFs opened seamlessly.
This experience served as a valuable lesson, highlighting the precarious nature of navigating Android for those less tech-savvy. While my father’s phone was free from financial repercussions or data theft, I found myself frustrated. It’s difficult to assign blame; while my father made choices, he was also a victim of a system that can be confusing and deceptive. A recent report from Malwarebytes indicated that only 15% of users feel confident identifying scams, a figure that is alarmingly low.
Managing apps and ads across millions of devices is undoubtedly a complex task, akin to playing digital whack-a-mole. Yet, I felt a deep sense of anger towards WPS Office for allowing such ads, and even more towards HONOR for including a subpar default app that led my father astray. However, my greatest frustration was directed at Google.
Android can be a dangerous place if you’re unfamiliar with it
Android’s landscape is fraught with pitfalls, particularly for those who are not well-versed in its nuances. The proliferation of low-quality apps and scam ads has persisted for over a decade, with the Google Play Store often serving as a breeding ground for such issues. A report from security firm Zscaler revealed that hundreds of malicious apps still lurk within the Play Store, posing risks to users each year. Although Google has plans to restrict unverified developers, the core problem seems to stem from within its own ecosystem.
While Google actively removes malicious apps, the ongoing presence of deceptive content suggests that its efforts are insufficient. Even seasoned users can find the Play Store overwhelming, with confusing search features and misleading ads that can lead to unwanted downloads. The apps my father downloaded may not have appeared dangerous at first glance, but they certainly had the potential to be harmful, underscoring the need for stricter advertising practices.
Advertising is a necessary component of app development, yet when it devolves into deceitful practices, it becomes a significant concern. Google’s advertising policies should be treated as strict guidelines rather than mere suggestions. The misleading alert my father encountered was a clear violation of these principles.
Bloatware also plays a significant role in this dilemma. Many users, like my father, will rely on preinstalled apps, even if they are riddled with ads. It took me some time to trace the source of the misleading advertisement, highlighting the need for OEMs to ensure that default apps adhere to advertising standards. Google could exert more pressure on manufacturers to uphold these standards.
How to protect non-techies from the dangers on Android
Addressing these issues will not happen overnight, and the challenges have persisted for years. While experienced users may navigate Android’s complexities with ease, many remain unaware of the lurking dangers. Here are some strategies to help less tech-savvy users:
Uninstall as much bloatware as possible
The first step should be to remove unnecessary preinstalled apps and replace them with trusted alternatives. If you have the chance to assist someone in setting up their device, take the initiative to do so.
Educate, educate, educate
It’s crucial to educate casual users about Android, including how ads function, the motivations behind app development, and how to effectively use the Play Store. Teaching them to recognize the signs of a scam can empower them to make informed decisions.
Block unnecessary content where possible
To minimize exposure to in-app ads, consider installing a systemwide ad-blocker. Options like Blokada create an internal VPN to filter traffic, while Android’s built-in Private DNS feature can also help. For those looking to restrict specific apps from accessing the internet, NetGuard is a viable choice.
Review permission settings
Regularly reviewing app permissions is essential. Encourage friends and family to check which apps have access to sensitive features like the microphone and camera. This simple practice can help prevent apps from overreaching their boundaries.
While my parents are now more aware of Android’s pitfalls, I remain vigilant, anticipating the next encounter with a deceptive advertisement. Users must take responsibility for their own education, but it is equally important for OEMs and Google to protect users by ensuring that preinstalled software is trustworthy and that the Play Store is free from low-quality apps. The responsibility lies with both the user and the platform to create a safer digital environment.