Experts warn against apps that waste users’ time, compromise privacy, drain battery, or degrade performance, JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes
In the first half of 2022, Google deleted over 1.1 million apps from the Play Store, with 1.3 million removed in just the first quarter of that year alone.
This extensive removal was part of Google’s ongoing efforts to enforce stricter guidelines for app quality and compliance with its policies.
In 2023, approximately 2.28 million apps were removed for violating policies and security concerns.
These removals underscore the growing challenge of ensuring app safety as thousands of new apps are launched daily, with many potentially posing risks to user privacy, device performance, and security.
While many apps promise to enhance device functionality—optimising performance, saving battery, or improving security—experts cautioned that some of these very apps could compromise privacy, drain resources, or even expose users to security risks.
Beyond app safety, the CEO of JP Morgan – the World’s biggest bank, Jamie Dimon, recently offered a broader perspective on digital habits, particularly for young people.
At the Georgetown University Psaros Centre for Financial Markets and Policy’s annual Financial Markets Quality Conference, Dimon advised students to limit their time on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook.
“A total stupid waste of time,” he remarked, suggesting that young people would benefit more from reading widely and exploring history books, which he described as a far more valuable use of their time.
Risks of suspicious apps
A Quora user, Vikas Sawant, cautioned Android users to be vigilant about potentially harmful apps on Google Play.
“Pay attention to the list of the most suspicious apps you may come across in Google Play. Delete them from your phone immediately to protect your personal data and extend the life of your phone,” he advised.
Sawant explained that some apps market themselves as tools to boost performance, extend battery life, or provide unique utilities like lie detection or defragmentation. However, “all they give you is ads,” he said.
“They often access your data and drain your battery.” With the vast number of apps released daily, Sawant warns that “not even Google can keep track of all the new programs,” making user awareness essential.
Adding to this advice, Android user Shashi Singh encouraged users to avoid unnecessary apps.
“Don’t install apps you don’t need for your day-to-day work. Just because somebody else has it doesn’t mean you should too,” Singh wrote.
He stressed the importance of downloading apps only from the Google Play Store to minimise security risks.
“If you do download apps from outside the app store, make sure they’re from secure, trusted sources,” Singh added, advising caution with apps from unfamiliar origins.
Specific apps to avoid
Another Android user, Arun Jose, highlighted the risks associated with popular apps like UC Browser.
“UC Browser is highly suspicious and sends users a barrage of ads daily,” he stated in a review, recommending the pre-installed Chrome browser as a safer alternative.
Jose also warned about Vidmate, a YouTube downloader known to have privacy risks. For a safer option, he suggests YMusic, which provides media downloads without intrusive ads.
CamScanner, a widely used app for document scanning, also raises concerns, according to an Android developer.
“Though it’s extremely popular, it has shown suspicious behaviour in the past,” he explained. Instances like these highlight the need to monitor app permissions carefully.
Similarly, flashlight apps, once essential but now largely redundant due to built-in device features, have been found to request excessive permissions—up to 77 in some cases.
“Why would a flashlight app need access to your location or phone usage?” the developer asks. Such requests are red flags, and users are advised to delete these apps if they’re still installed.
An Android user further warns about downloading apps from unknown websites. “If you install apps from any unknown website, always keep an antivirus like CM Security on your device,” they advised.
“Apps from unreliable sources can harbour viruses or malware that harm files and steal personal data.”
This user also suggested uninstalling rarely used or battery-draining apps like Facebook and Twitter, noting that accessing social media via a browser can help conserve battery life. They recommend considering battery savers or knowledge-focused apps as more productive uses of storage.
Recently removed apps
Teacher Indrajeet points out that even well-known apps can pose risks, citing six recently removed apps from Google Play due to suspicious activity.
These include four VPNs (HotSpotVPN, Free VPN Master, Secure VPN, and CM Security Applock AntiVirus) and two camera apps (Sun Pro Beauty Camera and Funny Sweet Beauty Selfie Camera).
This is a reminder that while Google removes apps periodically for security reasons, users need to stay informed about which apps are safe.
Freelancer Olivia Charlotte underscores the need for careful app selection, noting that “viruses and bloatware are becoming more common among Android users.”
While Google does remove malware from the Play Store occasionally, popular apps that aren’t technically malware may still have serious privacy implications.
Charlotte advised users to regularly review and delete any apps that could compromise their privacy.