Latest news with #PlayStore
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Texas governor signs app store age verification measure
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed a bill Tuesday requiring app stores, such as those run by Apple and Google, to verify user ages amid a push to ramp up protections for children online. The Lone Star State is the second to pass a law putting the responsibility of age verification on app stores, following Utah's lead. The Texas law is set to go into effect Jan. 1. Apple has pushed back on the measure, emphasizing that it shares the 'goal of strengthening kids' online safety' but is concerned it 'threatens the privacy of all users' by requiring app stores to collect and keep sensitive personal information about users. 'We believe there are better proposals that help keep kids safe without requiring millions of people to turn over their personal information,' an Apple spokesperson said in a statement. The pushback reflects a wider debate over who bears responsibility for determining users' ages — apps themselves or app stores. Social media giants, like Meta, X and Snap, have voiced support for shifting the onus of age verification onto app stores, as the conversation comes to Washington. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Rep. John James (R-Mich.) introduced a bill earlier this month that, much like the measure from Lee's home state, would require Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store to verify user ages. Meta is also part of a new lobbying group in Washington, the Coalition for Competitive Mobile Experience, pushing for app store age verification and raising concerns about Apple's app store practices. They argue that app stores are best suited to handle the issue because they already have age data. 'Parents want a one-stop shop to verify their child's age and grant permission for them to download apps in a privacy-preserving way,' Meta, X and Snap said in a joint statement following the Texas bill signing. 'The app store is the best place for it, and more than one-third of US states have introduced bills recognizing the central role app stores play,' they added. 'We applaud Texas for taking this important step and urge Congress to follow suit.' This story was updated at 7:09 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Hill
Texas governor signs app store age verification measure
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed a bill Tuesday requiring app stores, such as those run by Apple and Google, to verify user ages amid a push to ramp up protections for children online. The Lone Star State is the second to pass a law putting the responsibility of age verification on app stores, following Utah's lead. The Texas law is set to go into effect Jan. 1. Apple has pushed back on the measure, emphasizing that it shares the 'goal of strengthening kids' online safety' but is concerned it 'threatens the privacy of all users' by requiring app stores to collect and keep sensitive personal information about users. 'We believe there are better proposals that help keep kids safe without requiring millions of people to turn over their personal information,' an Apple spokesperson said in a statement. The pushback reflects a wider debate over who bears responsibility for determining users' ages — apps themselves or app stores. Social media giants, like Meta, X and Snap, have voiced support for shifting the onus of age verification onto app stores, as the conversation comes to Washington. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Rep. John James (R-Mich.) introduced a bill earlier this month that, much like the measure from Lee's home state, would require Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store to verify user ages. Meta is also part of a new lobbying group in Washington, The Coalition for Competitive Mobile Experience, pushing for app store age verification. They argue that app stores are best suited to handle the issue because they already have age data.
United News of India
20 hours ago
- Business
- United News of India
IndiaMART reiterates shopping with trust through Kaam Yahin Banta Hai campaign
New Delhi, May 28 (UNI) Enabling customers with a plethora of benefits from selection to convenience, India's largest online B2B marketplace - IndiaMART, launched 'Kaam Yahin Banta Hai' campaign here on Wednesday. The campaign premise showcases benefits such as a large variety, convenience, and the best prices, all of these with unparalleled trust that buyers can expect on the platform. With approximately 40% GST-verified trusted sellers, 8 million+ reviews and ratings for products, and a 4.8 Play Store app rating, 20+ crore registered buyers shop with confidence on the IndiaMART platform today and fulfil their business requirements. Taking a unique approach, the campaign series features three ad films creating a fun banter between a father-son duo and how IndiaMART swoops in to save the day. The father, a seasoned businessman accustomed to traditional sourcing and trading, is shown grappling with everyday business challenges such as arranging bulk quantities at the best prices or finding reliable suppliers. On the other hand, the son, a young, tech-savvy entrepreneur, finds better options, such as IndiaMART, to meet the business requirements easily at affordable prices. Each time, he confidently places a bet with the father - stating Lagi Shart?, a relatable expression to state a confident and a playful dare, showcasing the trustworthiness of IndiaMART. Winning the Shart everytime, the series reflects how every buyer-seller interaction is backed by trust, reliability and security, truly getting the business done. Leading the marketing vertical at IndiaMART, Dinesh Gulati, COO, stated, 'At IndiaMART, our mission is to 'make doing business easy' and democratize business opportunities for all. Kaam Yahin Banta Hai campaign iterates this commitment among our customers and showcases how moving from traditional methods to digital platforms like ours can genuinely make things easier. The campaign captures the essence of what we do every day, where trust is an implicit guarantee cutting across all interactions. UNI XC GNK 1317
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Dangerous phone myths that leave you ‘vulnerable' to Big Brother-style spying – & millions of gadget owners are affected
ANDROID users who follow dangerous phone myths are putting themselves at risk from Big Brother-style spying. The platform has long had a reputation for being more vulnerable to malware than iOS due to its open nature. 2 Yet many real threats today are not where most users think they are. The myths surrounding Android malware can give users a false sense of security and lead to risky behaviour. Here are EIGHT of the most common Android malware myths that put your phone at risk – and what you should be doing instead. Malware only comes from outside the Play Store The truth is bad actors are increasingly using sophisticated methods to avoid detection. One of the most common misconceptions is that Android malware only originates from sketchy websites, pirated APKs, or unofficial app stores. While these are certainly higher risk, they are not the only sources of malicious software. Increasingly, malware is showing up in apps that appear completely legitimate. Some sneak through Google Play 's review process, posing as flashlight tools, camera filters, VPNs, or even educational games. These apps may work as advertised, but quietly harvest user data, inject adware, or install background services that are hard to detect. Some use delayed activation, waiting days or weeks to execute harmful behaviour. While the Play Store is safer than most third-party stores, it is not immune to malware. Always check permissions, reviews, developer history, and download counts before installing apps. Avoid sideloading APKs unless you trust the source and understand the risks. Don't assume every app on the Play Store is safe. FBI and GCHQ issue urgent warning over Chinese spy operation accessing people's messages, photos and location You're safe if your phone runs Android 13 or later Not true. Threats keep adapting to OS changes. While older Android versions are more vulnerable to malware – especially those not receiving security updates – that doesn't mean newer versions are entirely safe. Even with Android 15's improved security features, malware campaigns continue to evolve with more sophisticated evasion techniques. Many malware threats rely on social engineering and trick users into giving up sensitive data or granting unnecessary permissions. Newer Android versions can limit what apps can do in the background, but they can't protect you from every human error. To stay safe, always be wary of apps asking for extra permissions. Malware can manipulate users into giving access, irrespective of the phone's Android version. Remember that safe behaviour is as crucial as system-level defences. You only need an antivirus app to stay safe on Android Another dangerous myth. Many antivirus apps on Android are more about marketing than real protection. They often run persistent background processes, drain the battery, and serve ads while offering little beyond what Google Play Protect already does. In reality, Android is built on a permission-based sandbox model that limits what apps can access. You probably don't need a third-party antivirus application if you're not sideloading random apps or tapping suspicious links. Some so-called security apps may also contain malware, or at the very least, aggressively collect user data. Ironically, users install them to feel secure, not realising they might be introducing more risk. Instead of downloading antivirus apps, focus on good digital hygiene. Don't grant unnecessary permissions, keep your OS up to date, avoid sketchy apps, and use Google's built-in security features to protect your phone. You'll know right away if your phone is infected Another popular myth is that malware instantly attacks your phone when you download it. While there are rare advanced persistent threats, most Android malware is less dramatic and more about stealthy profit-making. For example, they might steal your credentials, record calls, show fraudulent ads, or subscribe to paid services. Some spyware can operate for months without noticeable symptoms, especially if disguised as a system app. These types of malware often operate quietly in the background, draining your battery or mobile data. You may not notice them for days or even weeks. Watch for warning signs like overheating, unexpected data usage, performance lags, or strange notifications. Run a manual scan with Play Protect and check which apps can access your background data or display over other apps. Factory resetting your phone removes all malware In many cases, a factory reset will wipe malware from your phone. However, advanced malware can persist, especially if installed in the system partition or preloaded on the device by a malicious vendor. Some threats can survive resets or reinstall themselves through a hidden dropper. A factory reset is not a guaranteed fix. If your phone remains compromised, you may need to reflash the firmware or use special tools provided by security vendors. Rooted phones are always at risk Rooting your phone bypasses some built-in security features, which can increase your exposure to threats. But this does not automatically mean your device is compromised. You can still secure your rooted devices by limiting root access, using firewalls, and restricting permissions. Rooting expands both the risks and your control. If you understand the tradeoffs and take steps to mitigate vulnerabilities, a rooted phone is not necessarily a magnet for malware. VPNs protect you from all malware VPNs are great for encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address, but they don't offer comprehensive malware protection. They won't stop you from installing a malicious app, clicking a phishing link, or falling victim to a fake login page. Although many VPN providers offer malware filters, they're limited in scope. VPNs are a privacy tool, not an antivirus replacement. You can use them as part of your security toolkit, but they should not be your only line of defence. Google Play Protect is all you need against malwar e Google Play Protect is a valuable built-in defense mechanism. It scans apps for malware before and after installation and regularly checks for suspicious behavior. However, it has limitations. It may not detect sophisticated threats, especially those with delayed activation or encrypted payloads. Play Protect is a helpful security measure, but it is not foolproof. For complete protection, keep your device updated, use permission controls wisely, and be selective about the apps you install, even those from the Play Store.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Dangerous phone myths that leave you ‘vulnerable' to Big Brother-style spying – & millions of gadget owners are affected
There are simple ways users can protect themselves from malware SPY-PHONE! Dangerous phone myths that leave you 'vulnerable' to Big Brother-style spying – & millions of gadget owners are affected Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ANDROID users who follow dangerous phone myths are putting themselves at risk from Big Brother-style spying. The platform has long had a reputation for being more vulnerable to malware than iOS due to its open nature. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Many Android users are lulled into a false sense of security Yet many real threats today are not where most users think they are. The myths surrounding Android malware can give users a false sense of security and lead to risky behaviour. Here are EIGHT of the most common Android malware myths that put your phone at risk – and what you should be doing instead. Malware only comes from outside the Play Store The truth is bad actors are increasingly using sophisticated methods to avoid detection. One of the most common misconceptions is that Android malware only originates from sketchy websites, pirated APKs, or unofficial app stores. While these are certainly higher risk, they are not the only sources of malicious software. Increasingly, malware is showing up in apps that appear completely legitimate. Some sneak through Google Play's review process, posing as flashlight tools, camera filters, VPNs, or even educational games. These apps may work as advertised, but quietly harvest user data, inject adware, or install background services that are hard to detect. Some use delayed activation, waiting days or weeks to execute harmful behaviour. While the Play Store is safer than most third-party stores, it is not immune to malware. Always check permissions, reviews, developer history, and download counts before installing apps. Avoid sideloading APKs unless you trust the source and understand the risks. Don't assume every app on the Play Store is safe. FBI and GCHQ issue urgent warning over Chinese spy operation accessing people's messages, photos and location You're safe if your phone runs Android 13 or later Not true. Threats keep adapting to OS changes. While older Android versions are more vulnerable to malware – especially those not receiving security updates – that doesn't mean newer versions are entirely safe. Even with Android 15's improved security features, malware campaigns continue to evolve with more sophisticated evasion techniques. Many malware threats rely on social engineering and trick users into giving up sensitive data or granting unnecessary permissions. Newer Android versions can limit what apps can do in the background, but they can't protect you from every human error. To stay safe, always be wary of apps asking for extra permissions. Malware can manipulate users into giving access, irrespective of the phone's Android version. Remember that safe behaviour is as crucial as system-level defences. You only need an antivirus app to stay safe on Android Another dangerous myth. Many antivirus apps on Android are more about marketing than real protection. They often run persistent background processes, drain the battery, and serve ads while offering little beyond what Google Play Protect already does. In reality, Android is built on a permission-based sandbox model that limits what apps can access. 2 There is a valuable protection service on the Play Store – but it's not foolproof You probably don't need a third-party antivirus application if you're not sideloading random apps or tapping suspicious links. Some so-called security apps may also contain malware, or at the very least, aggressively collect user data. Ironically, users install them to feel secure, not realising they might be introducing more risk. Instead of downloading antivirus apps, focus on good digital hygiene. Don't grant unnecessary permissions, keep your OS up to date, avoid sketchy apps, and use Google's built-in security features to protect your phone. You'll know right away if your phone is infected Another popular myth is that malware instantly attacks your phone when you download it. While there are rare advanced persistent threats, most Android malware is less dramatic and more about stealthy profit-making. For example, they might steal your credentials, record calls, show fraudulent ads, or subscribe to paid services. Some spyware can operate for months without noticeable symptoms, especially if disguised as a system app. These types of malware often operate quietly in the background, draining your battery or mobile data. You may not notice them for days or even weeks. Watch for warning signs like overheating, unexpected data usage, performance lags, or strange notifications. Run a manual scan with Play Protect and check which apps can access your background data or display over other apps. Factory resetting your phone removes all malware In many cases, a factory reset will wipe malware from your phone. However, advanced malware can persist, especially if installed in the system partition or preloaded on the device by a malicious vendor. Some threats can survive resets or reinstall themselves through a hidden dropper. A factory reset is not a guaranteed fix. If your phone remains compromised, you may need to reflash the firmware or use special tools provided by security vendors. Rooted phones are always at risk Rooting your phone bypasses some built-in security features, which can increase your exposure to threats. But this does not automatically mean your device is compromised. You can still secure your rooted devices by limiting root access, using firewalls, and restricting permissions. Rooting expands both the risks and your control. If you understand the tradeoffs and take steps to mitigate vulnerabilities, a rooted phone is not necessarily a magnet for malware. VPNs protect you from all malware VPNs are great for encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address, but they don't offer comprehensive malware protection. They won't stop you from installing a malicious app, clicking a phishing link, or falling victim to a fake login page. Although many VPN providers offer malware filters, they're limited in scope. VPNs are a privacy tool, not an antivirus replacement. You can use them as part of your security toolkit, but they should not be your only line of defence. Google Play Protect is all you need against malware Google Play Protect is a valuable built-in defense mechanism. It scans apps for malware before and after installation and regularly checks for suspicious behavior. However, it has limitations. It may not detect sophisticated threats, especially those with delayed activation or encrypted payloads. Play Protect is a helpful security measure, but it is not foolproof. For complete protection, keep your device updated, use permission controls wisely, and be selective about the apps you install, even those from the Play Store.
