While Google is known to be very strict when it comes to bad apps, there are some instances when someone gets into the system. One such case was recently reported where the fake Telegram app used malicious codes on thousands of users. This app also had 100k+ installs which had the malicious code inside their phones.
Now, Google is banning a new developer from China who was operating on the Google Play Store. This ban is reportedly for violating advertising policies set in place by the company. Now, you would be aware of a popular app called TouchPal keyboard replacement.
Yes, that app developer named CooTek is being banned by Google from the Play Store. It is known that CooTek is listed on NYSE and is a major developer from China. Dozens of app from CooTek are already known to be removed and access to Google’s ad platform for them has also been revoked.
There was an invasive adware plugin called BeiTaAd which was being used by CooTek in all of its apps. This was even used on TouchPal keyboard as well which showed ads inside the keyboard. Reportedly, Lookout researcher said that these ads were so bad that they would “render the phones nearly unusable.”
Although CooTek said that they would remove BeiTaAd from their apps, it was found out that separate code enabled the same ads which were accepted into Google Play Store. CooTek spokesperson said “There was not any re-engagement on the ad activity pointed out by Lookout on any of the versions which we updated, The findings claimed by Lookout this time are lack of evidence [sic] and the logic is not convincing.”
But what matters is that Google has been convinced that CooTek is doing bad practices with ads. A Google spokesperson said that “Our Google Play developer policies strictly prohibit malicious and deceptive behaviour, as well as disruptive ads, When violations are found, we take action.”