Why Google banned Chinese developer with 600 million app downloads
In a major move, Google has launched a crackdown against DO Global, a popular Chinese app developer. The company, according to a BuzzFeed report, was found to be engaged in ad-fraud and other malicious activities. As a result, the search giant investigated the case and took down dozens of the developer's apps from the Play Store. Here's more on the matter.
Put together, DO Global apps had half a billion downloads
DO Global, which is partly owned by Chinese internet giant Baidu, had some 100 apps on the Play Store, with a whopping 600 million downloads. However, BuzzFeed and CheckPoint research recently found that at least six of its apps were generating fake ad-clicks to gain revenue, among other fraudulent activities. Their findings were reported to Google, resulting in the crackdown.
Apps had ad-fraud code, different owner names
At least six DO apps had a code that generated malicious ads even when the program was closed, to boost ad revenue. Plus, many other programs made by the company were listed under different developer names, contacts, addresses - a move aimed at concealing ownership.
Google pulled nearly half of DO Global's apps
After investigating the report from BuzzFeed, Google took down nearly half of DO Global's apps from the Play Store. It removed 46 programs and also appears to have banned the developer from its AdMob network, the platform used by apps to sell ads. This happens to be one of the biggest crackdowns ever launched against a developer on the Play Store.
And, apparently, more apps could be removed
Google claimed it strongly acts against malicious behavior but denied providing any specific details. However, sources familiar with its internal investigation told BuzzFeed that the company is looking to ban DO completely, and may remove more of its apps soon. This would be a major blow for the company which claims to have over 250 million monthly active users on its apps.
DO Global acknowledged the 'irregularities'
Following Google's move, DO Global apologized for what it called 'irregularities' in some of its apps. The company told BuzzFeed it conducted an investigation and fully understands and accepts the decision made by Google. "We have cooperated with them by doing a thorough examination of every app involved," the company said, adding that it will strictly follow rules and conduct reviews in the future.
