Skip to main content

Google Safe Browsing API is here to make Android apps a whole lot safer from malware

Samsung Galaxy s7 Active
Jessica Star Lee/Digital Trends
Google wants to make browsing on an Android device even safer. At Google I/O in May, the company announced it would be bringing a device-local safe browsing application programming interface (API) to developers, and that day has finally arrived.

But what is a ‘device-local safe browsing API’? It is basically a way for developers to use the same protections that Google uses on the web and it determines whether a link is safe to visit or if it has been previously marked as a known threat on Google’s list. Examples of sites that would not be considered safe include social phishing websites that attempt to get login information from you, as well as sites that host malware. The API is aimed at being extremely easy to implement within an app.

“Since our initial launch we’ve shown hundreds of millions of warnings, actively warning many millions of mobile users about badness before they’re exposed to it,” Google employees wrote in a blog post. “We look forward to all Android developers extending this same protection to their users, too.”

Of course, as a mobile API, it is also built to keep battery use and bandwidth consumption as low as possible. Another great thing about the new API is that it is being rolled out in the latest version of Google Play Services, meaning all developers can take advantage of it and  it can be used on older devices — even those dating back as far as Android 2.3.

The API also uses the latest version of the Safe Browsing protocol, which basically means that it acts as quickly as possible — also saving on cellular data. Apps using the API are able to specify exactly which threats to avoid — malware, phishing, or both.

Editors' Recommendations

Christian de Looper
Christian’s interest in technology began as a child in Australia, when he stumbled upon a computer at a garage sale that he…
Best alternatives to Google’s preinstalled Android apps
Google Pixel XL

Every Android user out there is used to getting their shiny new Android phone preloaded with a slew of Google apps. From Maps to Gmail, Google's apps are central to the Android experience.

But what if you don't want to use Google's apps? Maybe you're not a fan of how they collect your data, or you want to try something new -- don't fret, there are plenty of other alternatives to choose from. Look no further than our list below.
Google Chrome

Read more
Google’s $5 Play Pass will make all the apps you want from the Play Store free
Google Play store on a smartphone in someone's hand.

Google is testing a subscription service for the Google Play Store, called Play Pass, where anyone paying a single $5-per-month fee will gain access to a massive catalog of apps to download without any further charge. The Play Pass is not official yet, but official-looking sign-up pages acquired by Android Police have been published, indicating Google is in the process of finalizing the service. The company has confirmed Play Pass is being tested.

The chance to download many apps for one flat fee will drive interest alone, but there are a few further benefits that could make Play Pass a must-have. The sign-up page shows the games downloaded using the subscription will be free, have no advertisements, and all paid content unlocked so as not to require further in-app purchases. The monthly $5 charge for Play Pass would easily be eaten up by two or three in-app purchases, emphasizing the value.

Read more
Stalking apps: Google deletes 7 Android trackers from the Play Store
how to send money on facebook smartphone friends internet connection

While there are already a bunch of legitimate apps and services that can let you know the whereabouts of family or friends, there are also a few sinister variations that let abusive types spy on partners, among others.

Antivirus firm Avast revealed on Wednesday that its researchers recently uncovered seven so-called “stalkerware” apps on the Google Play Store, all of which have now been removed by the web giant.

Read more