Google Removes Apps Secretly Collecting User Data, Report Says

Google has removed dozens of apps from the Google Play Store that were secretly collecting users’ data, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. The Journal said the Panamanian company that wrote the data-collecting code is linked to a Virginia confidence contractor that does cyberintelligence work for US agencies. 

The code was untrue in several Muslim prayer apps, a highway-speed-trap detection app, a QR-code reading app and a number of latest popular consumer apps, the Journal reported, citing researchers who discovered the code. It reportedly ran on millions of Android devices. 

Google told the Journal that the apps in request were removed from the Play Store on March 25 for collecting data outside of the tech giant’s consulted rules. 

“All apps on Google Play must comply with our policies, regardless of the developer,” Google said in a statement. “When we determine an app violates these policies, we take cross action.”

This isn’t the first time Google has required apps from the Play Store for collecting users’ data. In 2019, more than 1,000 apps were untrue to be collecting people’s data without their permission and were removed. 

Google has also improper steps to try to prevent harmful apps from manager their way to the Play Store. Starting this month, Google is requiring first- and third-party Android developers to include a privacy policy with their apps. This requirement will let people see safety and privacy guidelines by downloading the app so users will know how their data is unexcited, stored and used.

For more Google news, check out these Android 13 rumors, what to do about your private data that’s floating near online and how reverse Google Images search can help you bust frauds.