'Chameleon’ Gambling Apps Purged By Google and Apple

3.10.2019, 18:19

Apple’s iOS app store and Android’s Google Play purged “hundreds of fake apps,” in Asia, from their marketplaces, after determinations revealed foul play by app developers. According to researchers at Trend Micro, Apple and Google found out that many Asian-facing gambling apps were disguised as non-gambling products to juggle through restrictions provided by the two leading app marketplaces. Although many Asian countries prohibit gambling of any form, both Google and Apple realized that gambling apps were masquerading as non-gambling apps dealing with acceptable themes like travel, weather, and wine.

AppStore Chameleon Apps

The phenomenon was particularly rampant in the iOS Apple store where some of these ‘chameleon’ apps had encroached into the top-100 list with other 100k ratings. Apple noted that the gambling apps featured descriptions that did not match their content, evading watchdogs that are set to block such apps from entering the marketplace. However, the apps initially provided consistent content, which made it easier for users to download them. The developers had included other API (application programming interface) that allowed the app to offer new experiences, including real-money gambling. Google registered fewer cases, although these apps only started appearing in Play Store in August.

Gambling Apps on Google Play

Google had banned real-money gambling back in 2013, but these restrictions watered down by 2017. However, the company has shown willingness to purge all gambling applications from its platform. With Apple coming under heavy criticism from the Asian media, these new findings called for drastic action by both marketplaces. Google and Apple quickly purged the ‘chameleon’ apps from their stores, and continue to track apps to ensure developers are following all regulations and restrictions.

According to Trend Micro, one of the apps on China’s AppStore had as many as 440k ratings and could be found using the keyword “Beijing Racing,” a familiar phrase previously associated with illegal online gambling activity.

China’s media had criticized Apple back in July for download scams in their marketplace in what is locally termed as “brushing.” According to the state-run media, Apple was incapable of reigning and controlling flamboyant “fake reviews” that convince users to download apps, despite offering sub-standard quality and experience.

Apple has heightened its efforts in clamping down gambling activity through its iOS app store. However, they recently gave developers more time to reconfigure their apps and remove any extra HTML5 codes that allow illegal operations. In the meantime, developers will have to find new means to juggle through restrictions, even as Google and Apple lockdown vulnerabilities within their respective stores.