Google has recently flagged several apps made by popular Chinese e-commerce giant, Alibaba, as malware. The affected apps include AliExpress, Alipay, Taobao, and several others. Users who have downloaded these apps are being urged to update them immediately to avoid potential security risks.

The issue was first reported by cybersecurity firm, Malwarebytes, which found that the affected apps were displaying behavior consistent with malware. The apps were found to be making unauthorized changes to users’ devices, such as creating shortcuts and displaying ads on the lock screen.

Google has since confirmed the issue and stated that it has taken steps to remove the malicious code from the affected apps. The company has also urged users to update their apps as soon as possible to ensure that they are not affected by the malware.

Alibaba has responded to the issue, stating that it is working with Google to address the problem. The company has also stated that it takes user privacy and security seriously and that it is committed to ensuring that its apps are safe and secure for users.

This is not the first time that Alibaba has faced scrutiny over its apps. In November 2020, the company’s AliExpress app was removed from the Google Play Store over allegations of copyright infringement. The app was later reinstated after the issue was resolved.

The incident highlights the importance of app security and the need for users to be vigilant when downloading and using apps. With the increasing use of mobile devices for online shopping and other activities, it is crucial that users take steps to protect their devices from malware and other security threats.

Users are advised to only download apps from trusted sources, such as the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, and to be cautious when granting permissions to apps. It is also recommended that users keep their devices up-to-date with the latest software updates and security patches.

The incident also underscores the ongoing tensions between China and the United States over cybersecurity and tech-related issues. The US government has previously accused Chinese tech companies, including Alibaba, of engaging in espionage and other illegal activities.

In response, China has accused the US of engaging in a “tech war” against Chinese companies and has vowed to take action to protect its tech industry. The ongoing tensions between the two countries could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry as a whole, and it is likely that these issues will continue to be a source of concern for both governments and consumers alike.

Google has recently flagged several apps made by popular Chinese e-commerce giant, Alibaba, as malware. The affected apps include AliExpress, Alipay, Taobao, and several others. Users who have downloaded these apps are being urged to update them immediately to avoid potential security risks.

The issue was first reported by cybersecurity firm, Malwarebytes, which found that the affected apps were displaying behavior consistent with malware. The apps were found to be making unauthorized changes to users’ devices, such as creating shortcuts and displaying ads on the lock screen.

Google has since confirmed the issue and stated that it has taken steps to remove the malicious code from the affected apps. The company has also urged users to update their apps as soon as possible to ensure that they are not affected by the malware.

Alibaba has responded to the issue, stating that it is working with Google to address the problem. The company has also stated that it takes user privacy and security seriously and that it is committed to ensuring that its apps are safe and secure for users.

This is not the first time that Alibaba has faced scrutiny over its apps. In November 2020, the company’s AliExpress app was removed from the Google Play Store over allegations of copyright infringement. The app was later reinstated after the issue was resolved.

The incident highlights the importance of app security and the need for users to be vigilant when downloading and using apps. With the increasing use of mobile devices for online shopping and other activities, it is crucial that users take steps to protect their devices from malware and other security threats.

Users are advised to only download apps from trusted sources, such as the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, and to be cautious when granting permissions to apps. It is also recommended that users keep their devices up-to-date with the latest software updates and security patches.

The incident also underscores the ongoing tensions between China and the United States over cybersecurity and tech-related issues. The US government has previously accused Chinese tech companies, including Alibaba, of engaging in espionage and other illegal activities.

In response, China has accused the US of engaging in a “tech war” against Chinese companies and has vowed to take action to protect its tech industry. The ongoing tensions between the two countries could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry as a whole, and it is likely that these issues will continue to be a source of concern for both governments and consumers alike.