Google to Check Sideloaded Apps on Android Before Installation

Google has been extremely strict about sideloading apps on Android phones, even though users have the freedom to do so. Over the years, the company has warned of adverse effects that could be caused by sideloading apps that could be malware in disguise.

But that attitude is changing now that Google is ready to help people determine if the apps they download have red flags and should be removed or can be used without any problems.

Google uses the existing Play Protect app to monitor and find these side-loaded apps and tell users if they are safe to use on the phone or if they are blocked immediately. Sideloading is part of the open source nature of Android, and Google has never had a say in which apps are installed this way or whether they are safe to install.

The new measures change that, and some may think that Google will control side-loaded apps and block access to your device if one or two terms are violated. Scanning apps uploaded to the site can help Google weed out a lot of malware that ends up in the Play Store and is then downloaded by millions.

Play Protect has become a reliable tool to protect users from such applications, but it is possible for malicious code to pass all checks. The new scanning process is starting in India for Android users, and the technology is based on information screened at the app code level.

Google has generally cleaned its hands of apps downloaded from the site by simply saying that it is the user’s responsibility to download apps from genuine sources. In fact, earlier this year Google said it would issue a warning to users who install apps from various app stores, but not prevent them from doing so or even scan those apps for malicious code.

It’s great to see Google changing its stance on sideloaded apps and wanting to make sure Android users have the right to install apps from any app store as long as it meets the company’s security criteria.