Google warns ALL users that thousands of apps need to be ‘hidden’ over major security threat

THOUSANDS of Android apps could disappear from sight over safety fears.

Google is cracking down on lazy developers who haven’t bothered to update their apps for years, putting millions of devices at risk.

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The Google Play Store is riddled with ancient apps that go without improvement as new versions of Android emerge.

Apps that don’t keep up with the times can become buggy and filled with security flaws, which hackers love to take advantage of.

So now Google has decided to take a major stand and hide any oldies.

Any apps that haven’t been updated within two years of the most recent Android operating system being released will be shunned from sight in the Google Play Store.

But the strict new rule won’t come into effect until November, giving techies enough time to get their act together.

Users who have downloaded offending apps in the past will still be able to find and re-install them though.

Anyone still using old apps that have gone years without updates might want to reconsider using them.

“The rationale behind this is simple,” the tech giant said in a blog post.

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“Users with the latest devices or those who are fully caught up on Android updates expect to realise the full potential of all the privacy and security protections Android has to offer.

“The good news is that the vast majority of apps on Google Play already abide by these standards.

“For other apps, we know this will require additional attention, which is why we are notifying developers well in advance and providing resources for those who need them.”

As part of several tightened rules announced on Thursday, Google also said it will start to block apps with content not “globally appropriate” from some areas where it’s considered offensive, while allowing them to remain in places where they’re not.

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