Some Android Allegedly, apps are being downloaded to the smartphone without the consent of the user. The Reddit thread has seen several users who have faced a similar problem. One such Android app has also been found listed on the Google Play Store. Given that the app is still listed on the Play Store, other malicious actors may also be bypassing the store’s security pre-requisites.
The app that is still listed on the Google Play Store and causes automatic downloads is “Weather Home-Live Radar Alerts & Widgets”. NS Thread Also shows some screenshots of the ad which led to the download. Despite the user opting out, the app got downloaded in the background.
The app reviews on the Google Play Store also highlight this problem and some users also claim that if the so called weather app is selected as the default, it replaces the entire outlay of the home screen.
One of the reviews read, “Warning to download this app without permission. I had an add up pop up on a game that I clicked on, and it started downloading. Is it every time an ad pops up, even if you cancel the ad. This is a big red flag. I wish I could block the app.”
The developers responded to the complaint saying that they are looking into the matter.
Another review stated, “Trying to turn off an ad just set itself up. I didn’t want this app, it pushed me too much like I was on the roof and what now? Hua was unsure about it. 1 star.”
According to a Reddit post, some ad providers claimed the technology belonged to DSP Digital Turbine, which found a way to avoid Google Play interactions in the process of installing an app.
To stay safe, Android users are advised to read reviews carefully before downloading an application. It will also help users to make sure that it is not fake and also give information on how good or bad the app is. In this specific case, however, users never got a chance to learn about the pros and cons of the app.
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