Security News > 2020 > December > Data Broker X-Mode Being Booted From Mobile Apps
Google on Wednesday confirmed it is banning location tracking software developed by data collection firm X-Mode Social from apps on Android-powered mobile devices, which dominate the global market.
Vice News reported last November that X-Mode was collecting the location data of people using apps intended for Muslim audiences, particularly the dating platform Muslim Mingle.
Google sent developers a warning giving them seven days to rid their apps of X-Mode software or request more time if doing so is technically complex, according to a spokesperson.
"If X-Mode is still present in the app after the timeframe, the app will be removed from Play," the Google spokesperson said, referring to the internet giant's online shop for mobile apps and digital content.
According to the Journal, it also gave developers a warning that X-Mode tracking software must be removed from smartphone apps which otherwise risk being blocked.