Google suspends Chinese shopping app amid security concerns


PTI, Mar 21, 2023, 5:20 PM IST

AFP photo

Google has suspended the Chinese shopping app Pinduoduo on its app store after malware was discovered in versions of the app from other sources.

Google said in a statement Tuesday that it suspended the Pinduoduo app on the Google Play app store out of “security concerns” and that it was investigating the matter.

The suspension of the Pinduoduo app –- mainly used in China –- comes amid heightened US-China tensions over Chinese-owned apps such as TikTok, which some US lawmakers say could be a national security threat. They allege that such apps could be used to spy on American users.

Pinduoduo is a popular e-commerce app in China which often offers discounts if users team up to buy multiples of an item. Google warned users Tuesday to uninstall any Pinduoduo app not downloaded from its own Play store.

“Google Play Protect enforcement has been set to block installation attempts of these identified malicious apps,” Google said in its statement. “Users that have malicious versions of the app downloaded to their devices are warned and prompted to uninstall the app.” It was unclear if there are similar security concerns around the Pinduoduo app for Apple users, and Pinduoduo was still available to download from Apple’s iOS store Tuesday.

PDD Holdings Inc, which operates Pinduoduo, did not immediately comment. Hong Kong traded shares in the company tumbled 14.2 per cent on Tuesday.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Nelamangala accident: Police expedite probe, CCTV images being scrutinised

Minister Parameshwara directs police to ensure tight security in Bengaluru on New Year’s eve

Teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony: PM Modi at Christmas celebrations

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passes away

Passenger gets back misplaced bag containing valuables worth Rs 20 lakh at Mangaluru airport

Karnataka govt approves 9 industrial projects worth Rs 9,823 Cr

Shami not fully fit yet, ruled out of remaining two Tests in Australia

Related Articles More

ISRO to study how crops grow in space on PSLV-C60 mission

ISRO & ESA agree to cooperate on astronaut training, mission implementation

Snatcher lands in police net in Delhi, AI tech helps reveal identity

AI Meets Health: The Rise of Smart Fitness Solutions

Power Up by Powering Down: 10 Energy-Saving Tips for Every Home

MUST WATCH

Tulunadu Daivaradane

Feeding Birds with Creative Paddy Art!

Areca Nut

HOTEL SRI DURGA BHAVANA

Harish Poonja


Latest Additions

Kalaburagi: Woman sustains burns after live electric wire falls on her

Nelamangala accident: Police expedite probe, CCTV images being scrutinised

Rohan Estate Mukka – Resort-style luxury layout launched

Minister Parameshwara directs police to ensure tight security in Bengaluru on New Year’s eve

Teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony: PM Modi at Christmas celebrations

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.