Starting today, Google has announced the rollout of a new security banner on the Google Play Store, targeting specific types of apps. This update aims to provide users with enhanced transparency regarding the security and privacy of mobile applications. The banner, first introduced for VPN apps, will indicate which apps have been verified by the Mobile App Security Assessment (MASA), a standard established by Google in the previous year to evaluate the security practices of mobile apps.
According to the announcement, the banner will offer insights into the apps that have met the minimum global security standard. It will display a badge highlighting the app's MASA status and direct users to the data safety section of the app for more information on data protection measures.
The MASA assessment is conducted by an independent third party and involves a comprehensive evaluation of security and privacy criteria, encompassing aspects such as encryption, authentication, data storage, network communication, and user consent. Apps that successfully pass the MASA assessment are considered to meet the industry's minimum mobile security and privacy standards.
Users interested in discovering which apps have undergone the MASA evaluation or seeking more information about the assessment process can access the "Learn More" button in the banner or the data safety section. This action will redirect users to the App Validation Directory, providing a comprehensive list of verified apps along with technical insights into the assessment.
Google has outlined plans to extend the security banner to encompass other app categories in the future, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to enhancing the safety and transparency of Android applications for users.
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