How Google’s Enhanced Play Protect Keeps Your Phone Safe in the Philippines

 

At Safer Internet Day, Google introduced Enhanced Google Play safeguard, a new feature for Android devices that will help safeguard users from online scams.

Financial fraud and scams are a serious and growing issue in the Philippines. Sideloaded apps, which are downloaded from unapproved internet sources rather than the Google Play Store, are a major contributor to this problem. These fraudulent apps, which are often camouflaged as relatively safe quick loan apps or rapid reward games, usually steal personal information or dollars. 

To counteract this growing threat, Google announced a significant enhancement in mobile user protection: Enhanced Google Play Protect. This upgraded security function provides real-time scanning to better protect users from the risks of sideloaded apps. This feature, designed to detect harmful apps using complex approaches such as AI-driven evasion methods, has already showed significant increases in user safety in India, Thailand, Singapore, Brazil, and, most recently, the Philippines.

As of February 10, Enhanced Google Play Protect had prevented over 3.2 million high-risk app install attempts in the Philippines, averting potentially catastrophic financial losses. This equates to a savings of ₱3.2 million, assuming a single peso loss for each blocked install.

Online safety is crucial in today's fast-paced digital landscape. Google is reinforcing its commitment to user security with the launch of Enhanced Play Protect in the Philippines. This innovation automatically blocks the installation of potentially harmful apps from unofficial sources. We applaud Google's efforts to protect Filipinos online. By working together, we can build a stronger foundation for internet safety in the country,” said Emilio Benito Aquino, Chairperson and CEO of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

 

The power of local partnerships to create a safer online space

 

In addition to Enhanced Google Play Protect, Google has collaborated with several content providers to promote online safety. This year, it enlisted EduCreator Coach Lyqa to create a new YouTube video refuting several cybersecurity fallacies, but in prior years, it collaborated with artists such as Ben&Ben to disseminate the message of internet safety through music.

Google is also broadening access to its #YOUTHink media literacy publication by producing an Ilocano-language edition. This inclusive effort, which teaches people how to combat disinformation, intends to reach more Filipinos from various locations. #YOUTHink is also now accessible in Filipino, English, and Cebuano.

"Google is deeply committed to digital responsibility and internet safety," says Jackie Wang, Google Country Director for Thailand and the Philippines. "This commitment drives us to develop innovative products like Enhanced Google Play Protect and collaborate closely with local NGOs, communities, and ecosystem partners. Together, we can build a safer and more secure online space for Filipinos.”

 

To learn more about how Google keeps you safer online, visit Safer with Google.