Watch out, Google Play’s Early Access could become a breeding ground for malicious apps — with no public reviews or ratings, what could go wrong?

Google Play's Early Access program could become a breeding ground for malicious apps, according to new research from Bitdefender. The platform allows developers to list early-access apps for testing and feedback, but it lacks publicly displayed user reviews and ratings. This makes it difficult for users to evaluate the legitimacy of an app before downloading it.

The absence of user feedback means that malicious actors can easily hide their scams, fake gambling apps, and malware-laden packages, masquerading as legitimate software. The Early Access program does not allow users to publicly warn others about fake apps, making it easier for malicious developers to exploit users. Additionally, developers can promote their apps through sponsored Facebook and TikTok videos, using deepfakes of celebrities or offering outrageous rewards to entice users.

Fake gambling apps are particularly vulnerable, often featuring deepfakes of popular figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Jason Statham, and Andrew Tate. Other listings mimic well-known apps, using financial incentives, such as doubling the money users invest for completing tasks, to appear legitimate. Some scam apps have even downloaded thousands of times, but many remain available on the Google Play Early Access store.

Bitdefender warns that Google Play's reputation depends on users being able to trust the apps they download, but the Early Access program removes almost every way users can detect a malicious app before installing.