Google is introducing a new ‘Pause Play Protect’ feature that enables users to temporarily disable malware scanning for sideloaded apps. This initiative aims to reduce the repetitive warnings that users encounter when installing multiple apps at once. The pause feature automatically reactivates Play Protect after 24 hours, thereby minimizing long-term security risks while facilitating easier bulk app installations. Although the rationale behind the pause feature is open to interpretation, it seeks to enhance user experience.
Currently, users can bypass warnings individually, but this new option may streamline the process during mass sideloading, particularly when setting up a new device. Play Protect, launched by Google in 2017, serves as a defense mechanism against malware on Android devices. It scans not only sideloaded apps but also continuously monitors applications available on the official Play Store, preventing harmful software from masquerading as legitimate apps. In addition to pre-download scans, Play Protect alerts users about apps that may access sensitive personal information.
Last year alone, it flagged over 13 million new apps outside the Google Play ecosystem, bolstering overall security. However, the introduction of the ‘Pause Play Protect’ setting has prompted questions about its necessity. The option appears when users attempt to disable the ‘Scan apps with Play Protect’ toggle in the Play Store, with the prompt indicating that pausing will halt scans for malware in sideloaded apps. While this feature may be useful for users who intentionally download malicious software—though questionable—its primary application appears to be during bulk installations to mitigate warning fatigue.
Currently, the pause option is not visible in the latest Play Store versions on various devices, indicating it may still be undergoing A/B testing or a phased rollout.
Leave a Reply