Provision record
Google Play Store · Google Play Terms · View original document ↗

Malware Protection and Device Data Collection

High severity Common · 295 of 352 platforms
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Document Record

What it is

Google collects information about your device's network activity, installed apps (including apps not from Google Play), and URLs you visit as part of its malware protection system — and some of this data collection continues even if you turn off the protection feature.

This analysis describes what Google Play Store's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

The clause establishes Google's operational authority to gather security-related device data and take protective actions (warnings, removals, blocks) without prior user consent for each instance. It defines the scope of data collection that persists even when users disable certain protections, creating a baseline security monitoring framework.

Recent Activity

This document changed recently

Medium Jul 30, 2026

The updated terms establish two new financial obligations for subscription users. First, Google may charge your payment method up to 48 hours before the start of a billing period, rather than 24 hours as previously stated. Second, the revised terms now explicitly state that if a subscription charge fails and you have not cancelled, you remain responsible for the uncollected amount, and Google may attempt to charge a backup payment method. This may alter your billing dates and the timing of when you are billed each period. Additionally, users are now explicitly liable for any background data fees incurred by Google system services and content updates, including when the device screen is locked. You can review your subscription settings in Google Play to monitor billing schedules and update payment methods.

View change record →

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
3
Months Monitored
May 8, 2026
First Seen
May 8, 2026
Last Seen
This clause type exists across 4186 other provisions on other platforms.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Consumers who disable malware protection may not fully stop Google from receiving data about apps installed on their device, meaning a comprehensive app inventory and network connection data may be continuously transmitted to Google regardless of user settings.

What you can do

⚠️ These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
  • Delete Your Data
    To review and manage data Google collects from your device, visit myaccount.google.com/data-and-privacy. You can also disable Play Protect in the Google Play app under Settings > Play Protect, but note that some data collection may continue per the Terms.

How other platforms handle this

ZipRecruiter Medium

You may give us your Identity Data, Contact Data, Financial Data, Profile Data, and other information by filling in forms or by corresponding with us by post, phone, e-mail or otherwise.

NVIDIA NIM Medium

NIM container releases that collect data, collect it for the following purposes: (a) to properly configure and optimize products for use with Software; and (b) to improve NVIDIA products and services.

Glassdoor Medium

Some of our ad partners may also enable us to collect similar data directly from their website or app by integrating our or our affiliates' advertising technology.

See all platforms with this clause type →
▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
To protect you against malicious third party software, URLs, and other security issues, Google may receive information about your Device's network connections, potentially harmful URLs, the operating system, and apps installed on your Device through Google Play or from other sources. Google may warn you if it considers an app or URL to be unsafe, or Google may remove or block its installation on your Device if it is known to be harmful to devices, data or users. You can choose to disable some of these protections in the settings on your Device, however, Google may continue to receive information about apps installed through Google Play, and apps installed on your Device from other sources may continue to be analyzed for security issues without sending information to Google.

Excerpt from Google Play Store's Google Play Terms

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

(1) REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: This provision implicates GDPR Art.

Insight

Unlock the full institutional analysis

Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →

Applicable regulations

CCPA/CPRA
California, USA
Connecticut Data Privacy Act Amendments
US-CT
CAN-SPAM
United States Federal
DMA
European Union
ePrivacy Directive
European Union
FTC Act Section 5
United States Federal
GDPR
European Union
Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act
US-IN
Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act
US-KY
Universal Opt-Out Mechanism Expansion 2026
US

Provision details

Document information
Document
Google Play Terms
Entity
Google Play Store
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 8, 2026
Last verified
May 8, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-006648
Document ID
CA-D-00669
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
e3b0cf1a7c32b696344fca7c1ef1242415cd3c65dbf2dcd14f2c39fc628d5b29
Analysis generated
May 8, 2026 12:23 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Google Play Store
Document: Google Play Terms
Record ID: CA-P-006648
Captured: 2026-05-08 12:23:21 UTC
SHA-256: e3b0cf1a7c32b696…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/google-play-store/google-play-terms/provision/CA-P-006648/malware-protection-and-device-data-collection/
Accessed: Aug. 12, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Google Play Store's Malware Protection and Device Data Collection clause do?

The clause establishes Google's operational authority to gather security-related device data and take protective actions (warnings, removals, blocks) without prior user consent for each instance. It defines the scope of data collection that persists even when users disable certain protections, creating a baseline security monitoring framework.

How does this clause affect you?

Consumers who disable malware protection may not fully stop Google from receiving data about apps installed on their device, meaning a comprehensive app inventory and network connection data may be continuously transmitted to Google regardless of user settings.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 295 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Google Play Store?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Google Play Store.