Google is finally cracking down on malware and other unscrupulous apps available on the Google Play Store. Unlike Apple, which has a lengthy reviewing process that can be a pain for some developers, until several months ago, Google had no such process. Clearly the lack of a review process backfired, as certain developers went against GooglePlay Store’s development policies and began using the loophole for their own nefarious needs: from phishing scam apps, to malware to flat out fake apps that steal users’ private information and hard earned money.
The current review process has been active for over half a year, but Google went public with it just recently. The process is painless and virtually stress-free for the developers, as noted by Purnima Kochikar, Director of Business Development for Google Play. So it looks like Google still has a leg up over Apple when it comes to the review process. Google has managed to figure out a way to ensure policy offenders are caught earlier in the process and legitimate app developers aren’t angered due to unnecessary delays in the review process. So far.
In addition to adding the review process that uses a combination of algorithms and human reviewers aimed at catching rogue apps before they hit the store, Google has also introduced a new ratings system highlighting age-appropriate games. The games are rated in accordance with standards laid out by the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) initiative. The team up with regulatory bodies such as Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) in US and Pan European Game Information (PEGI) in Europe highlights the smartphone as a gaming platform that joins the ranks of consoles like the Sony PlayStation, Nintendo Wii, as well as Microsoft Xbox.
