Google is working on a new Play Store feature that will inform Android users if the apps they have installed are removed from the marketplace and are no longer maintained by developers. This new add-on will help users identify outdated apps that can pose serious security and privacy threats to their phones.
According to Android Authority, certain code strings found in the 51.4.19 version of the Google Play Store indicate that users will be notified about the delisted apps. They can uninstall inactive apps and secure their devices.
Currently, Google Play Protect only sends notifications about harmful apps that pose security concerns. Users were never informed about inactive apps, wherein developers voluntarily pulled an app from the Play Store or stopped providing security updates. This has led to many users unknowingly carrying these delisted apps on their devices, endangering their private data.
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For now, only the code suggests that Google may roll out this feature. The company has not officially announced the feature yet. This move comes at a time when news about security risks posed by harmful inactive apps is rampant all over the internet.
Security researchers have already warned that unsupported apps become vulnerable over time, as they are not updated with security patches. In some cases, these critical vulnerabilities allow attackers to access personal data, install malware, or run malicious code.
The delisted Android apps still work on the phone. However, they carry security threats that can no longer be resolved. This update can help users proactively manage and control applications, ensuring protection against external threats.