Android Developers Can Block Apps On Devices That Don’t Pass SafetyNet

While rooting a device typically allows users to do more things on Android that what is normally allowed, there are some safety/security concerns with it which is why it didn’t come as a surprise to learn that Netflix has recently started to block its app from being installed on rooted Android devices.

Now it seems that Google is giving Android developers a chance to do the same as well and while the company did not mention it during their I/O presentation, the Google Play support page highlights how developers can go about doing the same for their apps, and blocking their apps from being installed on devices that do not meet SafetyNet standards.

We know that one of the advantages Android has over competing platforms would be its customizability, but like we said, sometimes this can lead to security concerns, especially with malicious apps that can sometimes request for permissions it does not need, and sometimes this can lead to disastrous consequences.

That being said, the folks at 9to5Google have noted that despite this, users can still sideload APKs if they cannot be directly installed from the Google Play Store, although that method does come with its own set of concerns, such as whether or not the app you’ve downloaded is legit to begin with, or a malware masquerading as a legit app.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: Android, Apps, Security