Security is, as it should be, a prime motivator when it comes to adding new features regarding any Google product or platform. When that platform is Google Play Storehowever, security takes an even more important role in protecting 2.5 billion users from potential malicious threats within 2.25 million available apps. Now, the investigative snoopers at Android Authority have noticed a change in the code for the Google Play Store app that suggests a new filter could be coming soon that could see apps disappear from search results and recommendations. The question, and one we have yet to answer, is why?

Forbes2 million Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp accounts deleted – here’s whyOf Davey Winder

Google Play Store 43.7.19-31 APK code teardown

As first reported by Stephen Schenck at Android AuthorityThe Google Play Store app for Android users has revealed some interesting secrets deep inside the Android application package, or APK for version 43.7.19-31. It should be remembered, before I go any further, that such code is only an indication of upcoming features and is no guarantee that they will end up in production.

It should be remembered, before I go any further, that such code is only an indication of upcoming features and is no guarantee that they will end up in production. But that said, such first-look leaks are often in the apps we actually use, and not until recently, so it’s exciting to consider what might be behind this latest feature: filtering apps that link to external apps. According to the menu option revealed by the leaked code, this would allow users to apply for a Google Play Store filter that would remove apps from search results and recommendations if they meet the criteria.

Unfortunately, beyond “link to external apps”, it’s not at all clear what the criteria means, how that linking is determined, or even what the purpose of the Google Play Store app filter might be. There is no support documentation available, according to Schenck’s code teardown, to provide any concrete clues as to the motivation behind this feature.

ForbesGmail Privacy Alert – 2 Ways to Fix Google Email IssuesOf Davey Winder

Could this be a security suggestion for Google Play Store?

I have contacted Google for a statement and will update this article in due course. But in the meantime, I have to speculate that this might be one Security in the Google Play Store feature. After all, running an app that then redirects to an external source, another app, is a well-trodden path for malicious actors. There’s one problem with this theory, though, and it’s a big one: if this was a security-related move, why would Google make it an optional filter setting in the Google Play Store app rather than a mandatory one? If we go further down this road, why wouldn’t Google include additional guidance to developers around such a security risk along with applicable consequences for breaking the rules? I suspect we’ll have to wait for either Google to get back to me with that statement or for the feature to appear in a future Google Play Store app version and follow the support documentation to find out.

ForbesStop using your passwords – 1Password and Google WarnOf Davey Winder