Google says its AI systems helped deter Play Store malware in 2025 | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Sarah Perez

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Google has reported significant progress in safeguarding its Android ecosystem in 2025, attributing much of its success to enhanced AI-powered security measures. The company prevented 1.75 million malicious or policy-violating apps from being published on Google Play, marking a decrease from the 2.36 million blocked in 2024 and 2.28 million in 2023. This reduction reflects Google’s growing investment in proactive security systems and AI technology, which has proven effective in deterring bad actors. Google emphasized how its AI-driven initiatives have transformed app review processes. By integrating generative AI models into the review system, human reviewers can identify complex malicious patterns more efficiently. Additionally, Google now conducts over 10,000 safety checks on every published app and continuously re-evaluates apps post-publication to ensure ongoing security. These measures have significantly reduced the number of harmful apps reaching users. The company also highlighted its success in blocking apps that sought unauthorized access to sensitive user data, with more than 255,000 such attempts prevented in 2025—a stark drop from the 1.3 million blocked in 2024. Furthermore, Google Play Protect identified and addressed over 27 million malicious apps outside the Play Store, up from 13 million in 2024. These numbers suggest that bad actors are increasingly targeting users through non-Play Store channels. Google’s efforts have not only enhanced user safety but also raised the bar for app security standards across the industry. By combining developer verification, mandatory pre-review checks, and real-time AI protections, Google has created a robust defense system against emerging threats. The company plans to expand its AI investments in 2026 to stay ahead of evolving cyber risks, ensuring Android users remain protected from malware and other malicious activities. This approach matters to tech enthusiasts as it underscores the importance of innovation in cybersecurity. By leveraging advanced AI and rigorous review processes, Google is setting a precedent for secure and reliable app ecosystems, which is critical as cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication.

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/19/2026