Google reveals exactly how many bad apps (and developers) it blocked last year

Huge amount of Meta ads are scam, and first-known Android malware to utilize Gemini Created for znamenski.techradar@blogger.com | Web Version   February 25, 2026 CONNECT WITH TECHRADAR PRO  CONNECT WITH TECHRADAR PRO    Your round-up of the top security news of the week SIGN UP ⋅   SHARE Top stories Google rejected nearly two million Android apps and blocked more than 80,000 developer accounts from Google Play in 2025 The numbers of removed apps and accounts are less than previous years, but still worryingly high. Read more 'Social advertising is being used to defraud at scale across some of the largest platforms.': Nearly one in three Meta ads reportedly point to a scam, phishing or malware Scam ads create millions of impressions every month, tricking users into downloading malware, and more. Read more 'The AI model and prompt are predefined in the code and cannot be changed': Experts say PromptSpy is the first known Android malware to use Gemini to ensure infection PromptSpy Android malware uses Gemini AI and Accessibility Services to maintain persistence, record activity, and evade normal malware removal. Read more Who's watching who? Experts reveal criminals using fake enterprise software to gain access to company systems Someone put in a lot of effort to hide a RAT in plain sight, and even make money along the way. Read more A dangerous new Android backdoor has been found - Keenadu lurks in firmware, here's what we know Kaspersky found a new backdoor being distributed in brand new Android devices, used for ad fraud. Read more Top Las Vegas hotel is the latest ShinyHunters ransomware victim - hackers demand $1.5 million to not leak data ShinyHunters claim to have hit Wynn Resorts, stealing 800,000 recors. Read more Follow TechRadar Pro Contact Us: Feedback | Advertise Sign Up | Update Profile | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Terms and Conditions © Future Publishing Limited. Reg No. 2008885 England. Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA.