Google Joins Apple in Banning Crypto Mining Apps

The Google PlayStore has joined Apple’s App Store in banning cryptocurrency mining apps. Assuming users will not sideload on Android, this move can close any cryptocurrency mining activities on both platforms.

Google wrote in its Developer Policy, reported by Android Police, its official and updated stance about cryptocurrencies in its PlayStore.

“We don’t allow apps that mine cryptocurrency on devices. We permit apps that remotely manage the mining of cryptocurrency.” – Google Play Developer Policy Center

This is in addition to cryptocurrency mining browser extensions in the Chrome web store that were removed. The company shares that most of the developers failed to comply with its policy or are simply malicious.

Google also removed Monero-mining ads on Youtube in January 2018. The Javascript is provided publicly by Coinhive that, when embedded on a website, will mine the cryptocurrency Monero.

• Read more: Google Removes Monero-mining Ads on YouTube

Google and Apple are clamping down on crypto-mining applications as their popularity spiked around 44.5% last year. Most of them hijack a user’s device without permission. Users who are hit with a crypto mining malware may notice a significant decrease of battery life and massive CPU drain.

• Read more: Apple Bans Crypto Mining Apps on iOS

According to a report by Skybox Security in its mid-year update, it says that 32% of cyber attacks are from crypto miners against ransomware’s 8%. Comparing it to last year stats, the figures are completely reversed.

Source: Coindesk