So basically, if there’s any app where the developer releases a Play Store version, but also has a separate non-Play Store version with added functionality that goes against the Play Store’s ToS, Play Protect is going to remove it from your device?
Not flag it, or remove permissions, or freeze it, just straight remove it.
So for example, the Private Internet Access VPN app has a play store version without the ad and tracker blocking functionality, because that goes against the Play Store TOS. But you can get the full version with the ad blockers as an APK from the official website.
I don’t believe that play protect actually scans or does anything to an apk that isn’t installed through Google play, but you do have the option to turn it off through the Google play store settings.
*Seems that it potentially may remove apks from other store installs. If that’s the case, shut the stupid thing off if it causes you problems.
So for example, the Private Internet Access VPN app has a play store version without the ad and tracker blocking functionality, because that goes against the Play Store TOS. But you can get the full version with the ad blockers as an APK from the official website.
What?
I have the play store version of Mullvad and it has ad & tracking blocker functionality.
Wasnt there an issue where certain devs’ accounts were compromised and malware was being distributed?
EDIT: that wasnt why. Kde connect was removed until its sms functionality was removed due to new security policies: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/mobile/kde-connect-kicked-from-google-play-returns-less-the-app-it-was/
So basically, if there’s any app where the developer releases a Play Store version, but also has a separate non-Play Store version with added functionality that goes against the Play Store’s ToS, Play Protect is going to remove it from your device?
Not flag it, or remove permissions, or freeze it, just straight remove it.
So for example, the Private Internet Access VPN app has a play store version without the ad and tracker blocking functionality, because that goes against the Play Store TOS. But you can get the full version with the ad blockers as an APK from the official website.
Is Play Protect gonna nix that, too?
I don’t believe that play protect actually scans or does anything to an apk that isn’t installed through Google play, but you do have the option to turn it off through the Google play store settings.
*Seems that it potentially may remove apks from other store installs. If that’s the case, shut the stupid thing off if it causes you problems.
Yet there are straight up ad blockers on the Play store.
What?
I have the play store version of Mullvad and it has ad & tracking blocker functionality.