Google blocks a Xiaomi app over privacy concerns, users complain, Xiaomi responds

Google Play Protect is blocking a Xiaomi app for possessing tracking-like tendencies. A Xiaomi app called Quick Apps is unable to install an update, courtesy of a Google Play Protect notice that reads "This app can collect data that could be used to track you."

In a statement, Xiaomi issued a clarification. This is what Xiaomi had to say:

"We're aware of the update concerning one of our system apps called Quick Apps. Some users may get a notification that this app has been blocked by Google Play Protect. We are in touch with Google regarding this and it is likely happening due to a revision in Google Play Protect's algorithm. Rest assured that this system app is absolutely safe."

Last week, a Twitter user complained that Google Play Protect is preventing Xiaomi's Quick Apps app from installing the update.

Quick Apps is not available to download and install through the Google Play Store. Instead, the app is distributed on Xiaomi's own platform. Nonetheless, Google Play Protect scans through all apps installed on any device equipped with Play Services for malware, even if the app wasn't installed from the Play Store.

More details are awaited as to why Quick Apps was flagged by Google Play Protect as a potential tracker. For a long time, Quick Apps and Play Protect scans have been able to exist.

What is Google Play Protect?

Google Play Protect is Google's tool to keep malware at bay. Google claims Play Protect combines Google's machine learning algorithms and improves in real-time.

READ | Google strengthens its fight against malware apps on the Play Store

Recently, Google partnered with three cybersecurity companies -- ESET, Lookout and Zimperium -- to crack down on bad apps even before they are published on Play Store. Google has named this collaboration the 'App Defense Alliance'. Google said the primary objective of this collaboration is to ensure the safety of the Play Store. Google also said Google it is integrating the Play Protect detection systems with each of its partner’s malware detection engines.