fraud protection Archives

AppWizard

October 7, 2024

Google Blocks Unsafe Android App Sideloading in India for Improved Fraud Protection

Google is launching a pilot initiative in India to automatically block the sideloading of potentially unsafe Android applications. This initiative includes an enhanced fraud protection feature that aims to protect users from malicious apps installed from non-official sources. The program has already been tested in Singapore, Thailand, and Brazil, successfully preventing nearly 900,000 high-risk installations. It analyzes app permissions in real-time and blocks installations that may misuse sensitive permissions often exploited for financial fraud. The pilot will start next month and will be implemented across all Android devices using Google Play services in India. Developers are encouraged to review their app permissions to align with best practices. This initiative follows the launch of DigiKavach in India, aimed at combating online financial fraud and scams.

AppWizard

October 3, 2024

Google expands ‘enhanced fraud protection’ to India, blocks sideloading for some Android apps

Google is enhancing its Play Protect feature to target sideloading practices for certain Android applications in India, following a pilot program in Singapore. The update will block the installation of apps that request sensitive permissions often abused for financial fraud, such as reading incoming one-time passwords or monitoring user activity. This feature will analyze app permissions in real-time and specifically look for frequently abused permission requests. The new feature will not affect apps from the Play Store or reputable third-party app stores, focusing only on apps from Internet-sideloading sources. The pilot program in India is set to begin next month, with a gradual rollout planned for all Android devices in the country. The initiative is already operational in Singapore, Brazil, and Thailand, where it has blocked nearly 900,000 high-risk installations in Singapore.

AppWizard

October 3, 2024

Google for India: Android battles scammers, Gemini languages and loans on Pay

Google unveiled advancements at the Google for India keynote, focusing on user experience and security. The Gemini Live AI assistant now understands nine Indian languages. Google Pay is expanding to include lending and credit options, while Android is piloting enhanced fraud protection to safeguard users from scams. Android holds a global market share of 71.65%, reaching 95.73% in India. The new fraud protection feature pauses the installation of unverifiable apps for user scanning. This builds on last year's real-time scanning for installed apps and aims to combat risks from side-loading apps. Google is enhancing services across Gemini, Search, and Maps with AI, including support for nine Indian languages and generative AI results. Google Pay is partnering with NBFCs to introduce credit and lending options, particularly gold-backed loans. Google.org is promoting education and AI literacy in India with grants and developing an AI-powered coaching app. Google plans to establish a Google Safety Engineering Center in India next year to focus on security and online safety products.