On Safer Internet Day this year, Google rolled out Enhanced Google Play Protect for Android devices in the Philippines.
This new feature is designed to combat the rising threat of online scams, particularly those stemming from sideloaded apps. With financial fraud and scams on the rise, especially through malicious apps disguised as quick loan or reward programs, this enhanced security measure offers real-time scanning to protect users from potentially harmful downloads from unofficial sources.
Enhanced Google Play Protect is designed to detect sophisticated techniques, including AI-driven evasion methods, used by malicious apps. The feature has already proven effective in other regions, and its impact is now being felt in the Philippines. As of February 10, it has blocked over 3.2 million high-risk app install attempts, potentially saving users millions of pesos.
In addition to Enhanced Google Play Protect, Google has also teamed up with various content creators to promote online safety. This year, it tapped EduCreator Coach Lyqa for a new YouTube video debunking various cybersecurity myths, while in previous years it had partnered with the likes of Ben&Ben to help spread the message of internet safety through a song.
Google is also expanding access to its #YOUTHink media literacy publication by releasing an Ilocano-language version, adding to the existing Filipino, English, and Cebuano versions.
