Another indicator is the
number of downloads – fake
apps may get thousands of
false reviews and downloads,
but it’s hard to hit a billion
unless you’re legitimate
(although the million in this case
is definitely worrying). It’s tougher for less popular apps. There are many other apps and brands being spoofed on Google Play, and you may not be as
familiar with their logo. Or the
developer may not be one you’ve heard
of – it’s easy enough to recognize Facebook as the listed developer of its
Messenger app, but you probably won’t
be familiar with the developer of
a retailer or restaurant app.
If you’re ever in doubt, head to the website of the brand or app in question,
which is likely to have a link to the
official download page on Google Play.
If you downloaded the fake WhatsApp
app but can’t find it for removal, head to
Settings, then Apps to see a list of
everything you’ve downloaded so you
can uninstall unwanted entries.
What do we think?
Google needs to clean up its Play store,
and fast. Of course, users need to take
responsibility and pay attention when
installing apps, but we’ve been
repeatedly told that Android apps
downloaded from the official store are
safe, yet a million downloads of the fake
WhatsApp version proves otherwise.
It’s a huge embarrassment for Google.
The company is developing some of the
most advanced artificial intelligence in
the world, including driverless cars that
can halt to avoid a pedestrian stepping
into the street, yet it can’t spot duplicate
apps stealing a popular developer’s
logo? We’re not impressed.