Security News > 2020 > February > Google Bans 600 Android Apps for Obnoxious Ads

Google has removed nearly 600 Android apps from the Play Store for serving up obnoxious, invasive ads that aren't easily "x'd" out of.

Google said Thursday that the apps violated its disruptive ads policy - and are therefore also banned from Google's ad monetization platforms, Google AdMob and Google Ad Manager.

Free apps are often monetized by showing ads in-between levels on a game or between menu areas - while users are actively using an app.

Many of the offending apps flagged by Google were found to be showing random, intrusive ads even when the apps weren't being actively used.

"What was once treated as a recommendation is now becoming a requirement that publishers are demanding from their upstream partners. The recent Google action is just one in an increasing stream of actions undertaken by both websites, mobile apps and the platforms that distribute content to ensure the ads they serve comply with various security, data and creative quality policies. These actions reflect a strategic shift that prioritizes long-term user relationships over short-term advertising revenue."

News URL

https://threatpost.com/google-bans-600-android-apps/153101/