City
Epaper

Google removes 600 'disruptive' apps from Play Store

By IANS | Updated: February 21, 2020 10:43 IST

Google has removed nearly 600 "disruptive" Android apps from its Play Store, along with banning their developers who tricked users to click on ads.

Open in App

San Francisco, Feb 21 Google has removed nearly 600 "disruptive" Android apps from its Play Store, along with banning their developers who tricked users to click on ads.

According to the company, one area of focus for the Ads team is developing new ways to detect disruptive ads shown outside of the app - for example, out-of-context ads from an app not currently in use.

"This behaviour violates Google policies, so Google removes these apps from both AdMob and Play Store," the company said in a statement late Thursday.

"Our investigations are ongoing and when we find violations we will continue to take action," Google added.

According to Scott Spencer, VP, Product Management, Google Ads, one of the biggest threats to ad-supported content is ad fraud, a pervasive issue for users, developers, and advertisers alike.

"Google blacklisted numerous bad actors that were found to be committing large scale invalid traffic and ad fraud, which violates Google policies," said Spencer.

In 2019, Google removed tens of thousands of apps and developers that were found to be in violation of its policies.

"Taking corrective action was an imperative step in protecting advertiser dollars, leveling the playing field for legitimate publishers, and removing bad app experiences for users," said the tech giant.

As industry regulations evolve, Google is providing tools for app publishers to manage their compliance strategy, maintain user trust, and minimise the risk of losing revenue.

"Android is making fundamental platform changes to minimise interruptions in app experiences and keep the user more in control of what's shown on their screen," informed Google.

In addition to fighting ad fraud, the Google Play and Ads teams both announced new steps to help ensure that ad content served in apps for children is appropriate for their intended users.

( With inputs from IANS )

Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalTrump nominates loyal aide Sergio Gor as US Ambassador to India

LifestyleBail Pola: Honoring the Bulls of Maharashtra – Past, Present and Future

InternationalIsrael returns to normality after drone attack from Yemen

InternationalUAE condemns Israeli settlement expansion, military escalation in Gaza

InternationalUS Treasury Secy congratulates Sergio Gor on being announced as next Ambassador to India

टेकमेनिया Realted Stories

TechnologyOdisha CM Mohan Majhi launches ‘BharatNetra’ initiative

TechnologySEMICON India 2025 to be South Asia’s largest platform for semiconductor, electronics innovation: MeitY Secretary

TechnologyGovt focused on critical communications system to counter climate disasters: TRAI Chairman

TechnologyIndia showcases leadership in quality, safety benchmarks for herbal medicines

TechnologyUrea production witnesses 35 pc growth over past decade, DAP sees 44 pc rise: Govt