GOOGLE has banned a shopping app downloaded by more than a million people over security concerns.
The tech giant is urging Android users to uninstall Chinese-owned Pinduoduo if they have the app on their phones.
Shopping app banned due to malware riskRex
Dangerous malware was apparently found on the platform.
It’s one of China’s biggest online retailers.
Though Google can pull apps from the Google Play Store it can’t remove stuff already installed on your phone.
So if you’ve got it on your device, you’re urged to delete it now.
The app store showed that over a million had downloaded it before it was removed.
“Off-Play versions of this app that have been found to contain malware have been enforced on via Google Play Protect,” a Google rep said.
A spokesperson from Pinduoduo’s owner PDD Holdings told Reuters: “Google Play has informed us this morning that Pinduoduo App has been temporarily suspended as the current version is not compliant with Google’s Policy, but has not shared more details.”
It’s not clear what the move means for Temu, a similar app owned by PDD Holdings that’s popular in the US.
How does Google Play Protect work?
Here’s what Google Play protect does…
Checks Google Play store apps for safety before downloadChecks for non-Play store apps that may be harmfulWarns you about harmful appsDeactivates or removes harmful appsWarns you about apps that violate policy by hiding or misrepresenting themselvesSends you privacy alerts about apps that can use permissions to access your personal dataReset app permissions to protect your privacy
Of course, Google’s protection feature might not catch all instances of bad behaviour – so you still need to be careful online.
How to check if Google Play Protect is on
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.
Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks
Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered…
How to delete your Instagram account
What does pending mean on Snapchat?
How to check if you’ve been blocked on WhatsApp
How to drop a pin on Google Maps
How can I change my Facebook password?
How to go live on TikTok
How to clear the cache on an iPhone
What is NFT art?
What is OnlyFans?
What does Meta mean?
Get all the latest WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and other tech gadget stories here.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]