Google Play to step up measures against malware in apps with DUNS number starting 31 August 2023

Google Play is taking steps to improve its harmful app detection and removal systems to combat the spread of malware in apps. With billions of users worldwide, Google Play has strict policies to ensure the safety of its users, and any app containing malware is strictly prohibited.

To ensure the security of its platform and protect users’ data, Google Play offers a number of tools, including Google Play Protect, which scans apps daily to identify and remove malicious apps. Additionally, users can improve harmful app detection by turning on this feature in their account settings.

As part of measures to combat the constant intrusion of malware viruses into the Google Play app store. Starting August 31, organizations are now required to provide a D-U-N-S number when creating a new Play Console developer account . This is part of Google’s efforts to boost trust and transparency on its platform. This new requirement aims to strengthen the security and reliability of the platform by making it difficult to register malicious developer accounts. 

The measure adopted by Google is widely recognized and used by the United Nations and other app market provider, Apple, which makes it reliable and effective.

In addition to the D-U-N-S number, Google is also improving transparency in the Play Store. The “Contact details” section of the apps will be renamed to “App Support” and will include additional information about the developers.

With the change, users will have access to the company name, full office address, website URL and phone number, providing a clearer understanding of each company’s responsibility for the available apps.

Google states that it will regularly check the information provided by the developers to ensure the accuracy and veracity of the data presented. If inconsistencies are identified, the account won’t be able to publish new apps, and existing ones can be removed.

What is D-U-N-S Number

A Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned to a business entity by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). This number is used to maintain accurate and timely information on the company in the D&B database , such as financial data, creditworthiness, and other important details. The D-U-N-S number is used by both public and private sector organizations to help verify a company’s existence and credibility.

You may visit this link to apply for a Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number

Whiles requiring the D-U-N-S number and providing greater transparency in developer information possibly Google reduces the possibility of registering malicious accounts and bolsters user trust.

More Information ℹ

• Google Play
• D-U-N-S number
• Dun & Bradstreet