Google Play used AI to help block 1.75 million bad apps in 2025 (www.engadget.com)

Google announced a significant achievement in 2025, blocking 1.75 million apps that violated its policies using advanced AI technologies, a notable decrease from 2.36 million in 2024. This reduction is attributed to the company's implementation of "AI-powered, multi-layer protections," which deter malicious app developers from even attempting to publish harmful applications. Google now conducts over 10,000 safety checks on every app and employs generative AI models that assist human reviewers in identifying harmful patterns swiftly, further enhancing app safety. In addition, Google Play Protect detected more than 27 million potential malicious apps, while also preventing 255,000 apps from improperly accessing sensitive user data. This proactive approach is paramount for the AI and machine learning community, showcasing how AI can effectively streamline security processes and combat online threats. The integration of developer verification and stringent pre-review checks has fortified the Google Play ecosystem, making it more challenging for bad actors to infiltrate. Despite facing regulatory scrutiny over its market practices, Google's commitment to AI-driven defenses highlights its focus on user safety, which may also play a crucial role in addressing concerns over monopoly claims and regulation compliance. As the company continues to invest in these technologies, it sets a benchmark for safety standards in the app development industry.