Google removed 1.6 million dangerous Android apps from the Google Play Store in 2024.

At the start of 2024, there were 3.4 million apps in the Play Store. According to data from Appfigures, this number dropped to 1.8 million by the year’s end. This indicates Google removed 47 percent, or nearly half, of the apps within a single year.

Google has ample reason to be strict with app developers. This action is, in fact, being undertaken as part of enhancing the Play Store’s service. Google is making no concessions if an app fails to comply with its predetermined standards, does not function correctly, or poses a potential security threat.

Dangerous apps can steal users’ phone data. Hackers subsequently sell this information on the dark web. Occasionally, they also directly extort money from users through blackmail. Google regularly purges the Play Store with user safety in mind.

A report by Moneycontrol.com states that app developers can now only upload apps to the Play Store after verifying information through several stages. In addition to AI, human reviewers also regularly examine the apps. In 2024 alone, over 2.3 million apps were prevented from being uploaded to the Play Store, and 158,000 app developer accounts were terminated.

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