Google Play Protect cannot be switched off during calls to protect against fraud
![Play Protect is always active: Google raises the level of call protection Google is stepping up its defences: Play Protect is now always on the lookout for security during calls](/media/post_big/Google-Play-Protect-2024-cover.webp)
Google has introduced new security measures in its annual security update for the Play Store and Android. One of the key new features is that users can no longer disable Google Play Protect during phone or video calls, even in popular third-party apps.
Here's What We Know
Thanks to the new approach, Google Play Protect scans more than 200 billion apps every day, a significant increase from 125 billion in 2023. This allows us to detect more than 13 million new malicious apps that try to enter the system from outside Google Play.
![Google Play Protect during calls Google Play Protect during calls](/media/uploads/google-play-protect-calling-1.webp)
![Google Play Protect security Google Play Protect security](/media/uploads/google-play-protect-calling-2.webp)
![Google Play Protect during calls, preview](/media/cache/f4/3d/f43d78be899c8b1105c7be7dcd99630e.jpg)
![Google Play Protect security, preview](/media/cache/83/73/83736d4fbe866b8d6557c8a787350962.jpg)
Malware protection has been strengthened due to cases where fraudsters tried to influence users by convincing them to turn off Play Protect during calls.This allowed malware to be installed from unverified sources. Now, if a user receives a request to disable app scanning, the system warns them that it could be a scam.
Chrome for Android will also now remind users to re-enable Play Protect if it has been disabled.
Other 2024 achievements include:
- Blocking 2.36 million apps that broke the rules.
- Banning more than 158,000 developer accounts that attempted to publish malicious apps.
- 91% of app downloads on Google Play now use the latest Android 13 security measures.
These updates contribute to even greater security for users by protecting their devices from dangerous apps and scams.
Source: 9to5Google