TL;DR
- Google Play Store has started rolling out a new “Pause” feature for Play Protect, allowing users to temporarily disable app security scans.
- Unlike the previous “Turn off” option, the new feature automatically reactivates Play Protect the next day, reducing the risk of users forgetting to turn it back on.
- This update should help protect Android users from malware and scams while still allowing them to sideload apps without long-term security risks.
I feel like its just the first step in completely removing the off option (like how on Windows you cant turn off Defender, only pause it). Am I being too cynical?
I don’t see that as a downside
I think the downside is one of consent. There’s no way to categorically indicate that you don’t want to participate in the play protect program.
No, it’s been coming
You’re probably right, sadly