Google Play Removes Apps: Causing Battery Drain, Excessive Data Usage

Google has removed 16 “utility” apps that committed ad fraud by artificially increasing engagement on advertisements, using infected devices. The applications, which were identified by a security firm, allegedly performed ad fraud by opening web pages in the background to click on advertisements while masquerading as a real user, according to a report. The apps had a total of 20 million installations, according to the security firm, before they were taken down from the Play Store. Here we will feature a google news on Google Play Removes Apps: Causing Battery Drain, Excessive Data Usage.

Google has reportedly removed 16 applications from the Play Store after McAfee identified them, according to a report by Ars Technica. According to the security company, the apps were previously accessible for download on Android smartphones and tablets. They were described as utility apps that let users convert different measurements, turn on the device’s flash as a torch, or scan QR codes.

The list of removed applications includes “utility” apps such as

BusanBus
Joycode
Currency Converter
High-Speed Camera
Smart Task Manager

K-Dictionary
Flashlight+
Quick Note
EzDica
Instagram Profile Downloader
Ez Notes

The security company discovered that the uninstalled apps had libraries such as “com.liveposting” and “com.click.case” that allowed users to click on links and adverts. Without the user’s knowledge, this would happen, increasing battery drain and network consumption.