Google blocks apps from outside Play Store for Advanced Protection users

Google will block apps from outside the Play Store for users of the Advanced Protection Program. They can then only use such apps under certain conditions. Also, Google Play Protect automatically turns on for those users.

Google makes the changes to Advanced Protection, or “Advanced Security.” That applies to specific users such as journalists, lawyers, activists and politicians who are more at risk of being attacked. Google writes that it is no longer possible for those users to install .apk files from outside the Play Store. Such applications are often used to proliferate malware. It will not be an optional feature, but a feature that is enabled for all users. Apps that have already been downloaded and installed before will remain on the phone. Moreover, they can simply be updated. It is also still possible to install apps via alternative app stores if they are provided by manufacturers themselves. Users can also install apps through the Android Debug Bridge.

Google also says it will automatically enable app scanning through Play Protect for Advanced Protection users. That option, like the .apk blocker, is not optional. The changes will not apply to G Suite users for now. For that, Google refers to the options that system administrators have with that package to install unverified apps. The feature will be rolled out in the coming days.