How to Check if an App Is Govt-Owned on Google Play Store

Shaurya Sharma is an expert in covering consumer, emerging, and gaming technology. His lifelong passion for technology keeps him informed about the newest releases and advancements. Shaurya is also experienced in front of the camera through his stint at CNN-News18, where he anchored numerous technology packages for TV. Today, driven by his desire to assist others in navigating technology, he has transitioned to Guiding Tech—where he writes about the latest in technology.

Note:Google introduced an update for Google Play that now alerts users if an app is affiliated with a government entity. Thus, this update tackles the prevalent issue of fake apps, making it easier to distinguish genuine apps, especially since official government apps are particularly impersonated.

How to Spot Government Apps?

1. Update Your Google Play Store

I updated my Play Store to version 40.7.29-31 to access this feature. Follow these steps to ensure you have the latest version:

Step 1:Open theGoogle Play Storeon your Android device and tap your profile picture at the top right corner.

Step 2:InSettings, tapAbout>Update Play Store. If the Play Store is up to date, you don’t need to take any further action.

2. Spotting Government Apps on Play Store

Step1:Open theGoogle Play Storeand search for agovernment-affiliated app, for instance, NASA.

Step2:Upon opening the app listing, look for aGovernment iconabove the install button, indicating its affiliation with a government entity.

Note: You can use these steps to verify other apps and avoid falling for impersonated government apps.

Also Read:How to change your country or region in the Google Play Store

Supported Countries

Google has launched this feature in various countries, including the US, India, South Korea, the UK, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Mexico, Japan, and Indonesia. Additionally, over 2000 government-affiliated apps feature the Government badge on Google Play.

In the US, apps like NASA, Mobile Passport Control, and CBP One have the badge. Similarly, in India, Google has added the badge to apps like Digi Locker and mAadhaar. Thereby enhancing the safety of millions of users worldwide and protecting them from potential impersonation.

Bonus: Additional Safety Measures to Take

FAQs

Do All Government Apps Have the Badge?

No, currently, not all government apps have received the official Government badge on the Play Store.

Should You Grant Android System Permissions to Government Apps?

Once you confirm the app’s affiliation with a government entity, you may grant it the necessary permissions to function properly.

Also Read:How to manually update Google Play Services

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 06 May, 2024

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*

Name*

Email*

Comment*

Δ

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

More in Internet and Social

6 Fixes for Websites Opening Automatically in Google Chrome

4 Fixes When Excel Worksheet Tabs Are Not Showing

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.

© 2024 Guiding Tech Media. All Rights Reserved.