Millions of Android Apps Disappear, Google Reveals the Danger
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia –Google apps have decreased by almost half. This is likely because Google has implemented a policy to tighten application quality standards.
The rules in July 2024 stated that Google has increased the minimum quality requirements for applications. The company not only prohibits applications that are damaged to the point of being uninstallable but also those that show limited functionality and content.
The new policy also refers to static applications without special features. For example, text applications or PDF files.
Not only that, there is no place on Google for applications with little content. Applications are also prohibited that do nothing and have no specific function.
The policy also caused a decline of up to 47% in a year. New analysis and Appfigures stated that the number of applications was only around 1.8 million from 3.4 million in early 2024, quoted from Tech Crunch, Monday (5/5/2025).
In contrast, Apple experienced a slight increase in the same period. From 1.6 million applications now to 1.64 million applications in the App Store.
Regarding this, Google confirmed that its new policy was a factor. The policy is used for new personal developer accounts and expanded human review.
In 2024, Google’s investment in AI for threat detection was marked. The technology is also used for stronger privacy policies and better developer tools.
The efforts have yielded positive results. Google managed to prevent 2.36 million apps that violated Play Store policies and banned more than 158 thousand accounts that tried to release malicious apps.
Tech Crunch noted another reason is the new policy from the European Union that can reduce malicious apps. There, developers are required to share their names and addresses on the list.
If they do not do so, the application will be immediately removed from the local app store. Apple also did this in February, but did not experience a decrease in the number of applications.
SOURCE : CNBC INDONESIA
