Google Play to implement enhanced security measures for Android apps in 2025

Google is set to roll out a series of enhanced security measures for Android and Google Play in 2025, aiming to strengthen protection against malicious apps and improve developer support. These changes will impact both users and app creators, introducing more robust defenses against fraud and abuse while streamlining compliance with Play policies.

Strengthening App Security and Fraud Prevention

One of the key initiatives is an expansion of Google Play Protect’s live threat detection system, which already identifies stalkerware and apps that collect personal data without consent. Moving forward, it will target apps that attempt to impersonate financial services. This protection is designed to prevent malicious apps from lying dormant or obscuring their true behavior, ensuring they do not exploit users. These security checks are processed on-device through Google’s Private Compute Core, minimizing risks without compromising user privacy.

Additionally, Google Play Protect will introduce stronger safeguards against malware from sideloaded sources. Recent analyses have shown that Android malware is 50 times more prevalent in apps downloaded outside of Google Play, such as through browsers or messaging apps. By tightening security around app installations, Google aims to reduce exposure to fraudulent apps and deceptive software.

The Play Integrity API, a vital tool for developers to detect fraudulent activity and prevent abuse, will receive significant updates. Developers currently use the API to conduct over 500 million daily security checks, and apps leveraging its features have seen an 80% reduction in unauthorized usage. In 2025, Google will enhance the API to provide stronger fraud detection, improved reliability, and more privacy-focused protections for devices running Android 13 and above. New security signals will be introduced to help developers assess whether their app environments can be trusted, with automatic rollout planned for May.

Developer-Focused Improvements and Policy Updates

Google is also refining its tools and processes to help developers adhere to Play policies more effectively. Pre-review checks in Play Console and Android Studio will be expanded to cover additional policy and compatibility issues, including privacy policy links and login credential requirements. These early notifications aim to help developers resolve potential problems before submission, reducing rejections and improving app compliance.

To improve communication, Google will introduce new channels for developers to receive timely policy updates. Play Console will integrate enhanced messaging systems, ensuring app creators can access relevant information when needed. Google is also expanding the Google Play Developer Help Community, which received 2.7 million visits last year, to support more languages, including Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese.

Combating Financial Fraud and Enhancing User Protection

A particular focus for 2025 is mitigating financial fraud stemming from sideloaded apps. Google Play Protect will intensify efforts to detect and block financial fraud malware, a growing threat originating from non-Google Play sources. After piloting an enhanced financial fraud protection system in select countries, Google plans to extend this initiative to additional regions experiencing high levels of malware-related financial fraud.

In parallel, Google is expanding its app verification initiatives. Building on the success of last year’s government app verification, the company has introduced a “Verified” badge for VPN apps that meet strict security standards. This initiative will extend to other app categories in the future, offering users clearer indicators of trustworthy software.

Industry-Wide Collaboration for a Safer Ecosystem

Beyond its own ecosystem, Google is working with industry partners to establish broader security standards. As a founding member of the App Defense Alliance, Google is driving initiatives such as Application Security Assessments (ASA) v1.0. This framework provides developers with best practices for protecting sensitive data and defending against cyber threats, reinforcing security across mobile, web, and cloud platforms.