Google bans shopping app with over 900 million users over security issues, delete it immediately

People are being urged to delete one of the most popular apps on Play Store since Google suspended it after finding malware in some versions. Pinduoduo, a Chinese budget shopping app, which has over 900 million users, was removed from the online store amid security concerns.

Announcing the ban, Google advised users to delete the app immediatelywhilst they carry out their investigation.

Pinduoduo unsanctioned versions

The alert has been issued due to security concerns over malicious software being found on unsanctioned versions that were not found on Play Store. A spokesperson for Google said, as per CNN:

Google Play Protect enforcement has been set to block installation attempts of these identified malicious apps. Users that have malicious versions of the app downloaded to their devices are warned and prompted to uninstall the app.

The suspension of the app seems to come at the same time as several others also faced temporary removal from the Play Store as Google cracks down on instances of malware.

In a statement responding to the claims, the makers of Pinduoduo confirmed that its app had been ‘temporarily suspended' from the Play Store as its version was ‘not compliant with Google’s Policy.’

We are communicating with Google for more information. We have been told that there are several other apps that have been suspended as well. We strongly reject the speculation and accusation that the Pinduoduo app is malicious just from a generic and non-conclusive response from Google.

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Removing Malware from your phone

Malicious software – or malware – refers to any software designed to steal data or cause harm to computers and mobile devices. Increasingly malware is found hidden in apps, legitimate or otherwise, and can be used to steal personal details from a person’s phone.

As Pinduoduo is one of China’s most popular e-commerce platforms, it becomes an appealing target for hackers to make pirated versions with malware inside, which users unwittingly download thinking it is the genuine article.

If you have this app on your phone, follow the instructions to remove the app in order to stay safe. It is quite possible that the app will return once the investigation is complete and security concerns are addressed, as per The Mirror.

How to delete the app on Android phones:

• Open the Google Play Store app .

• At the top right, tap the profile icon.

• Tap Manage apps and devices. Manage.

• Tap the name of the app that you want to delete.

• Tap Uninstall.

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Sources used:

- CNN 'Google suspends Chinese shopping app Pinduoduo over malware'

- The Mirror 'Google bans hugely popular Android app and warns users to delete it now'