Google Play Store Now Flags Government Apps to Combat Counterfeits

Google is aware of major fake app issues on the Play Store that can be exploited by bad actors. Now, the company is offering real badges for apps that belong to government organizations. These changes have rolled out on the Play Store in markets like India, and we’ve independently checked to see the new feature on the Android App Store. Google realizes that millions of people use the Play Store to download apps and while they are advised to use the platform to get new apps, this badge gives them extra assurance about the developer.

GOOGLE PLAY STORE APP BADGE FOR GOVERNMENT IN INDIA: WHAT YOU GET
When you open the Play Store and search for apps like mAadhaar, Digi Locker or mParivahan, you will see the government icon right below the listing. When you tap on the badge, a pop-up box appears with the message below, which reads, “Play Verified This app is affiliated with a government entity.”

This is the badge that Google has recently added to the Play Store for users in India. The company pointed out that more than 14 countries are now part of this badges roll out covering 2,000 state and central government applications. This badge is essential to keep users aware of genuine apps, which can be a challenge for many, who fall into the trap of fraudulent apps claiming to be from the government.

Google claims its security checks on the Play Store are solid but previous examples have shown us that there are chinks in its armor hoping that badges like this will help people distinguish between real and fake apps. The government badge cannot be given to just any developer, and it guarantees app publishers to use official email IDs to host their apps for customers.