Facebook will let EU users download Android apps via Ads; Do you trust Meta?

[Ink]

Content source

https://www.androidauthority.com/facebook-download-android-apps-ads-3340900/

• Meta will allow European users to directly download Android apps via Facebook ads.
• The company will start a pilot program later this year with a selection of developers.
• There are a few reasons why we’re skeptical of Android apps being hosted on Facebook.

Meta reportedly claims that app developers who host their apps on Facebook will see higher conversion rates for their ads than ads linking to the Play Store. It’s also believed Meta won’t take a cut of in-app purchases via this route for now.

The Facebook Android app is also capable of bypassing the Play Store to quietly update itself, so we wonder whether apps installed via Facebook ads would have similar capabilities. That could be a problem if a developer decides to make unwanted changes to the app, or if a previously legitimate app gets sold to a shady party.

It’s also worth noting that the Play Store has several privacy and security features in place. This includes Google Play Protect for detecting malware, a list of data collected by a given app, and a list of security measures for each app. Several other third-party app stores also have privacy and security measures in place, but there’s no word on Meta’s features in this regard.

 

[MuzzMelbourne]

Nup, can't see any problems with this system...

Where's that 'shakes his head in disbelief' emoji...

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

Meta wants you to download apps directly from Facebook: boon or bust?

The exact contours of Meta’s own app distribution platform are still shrouded in mystery. It’s possible that Meta’s sweetheart deal for app developers is just a bait-and-switch, and that they’ll change the rules of the game once they are hooked. Or maybe Meta is willing to trade one thing for another, namely potential commissions for the freedom to track users without any limits. In any case, we at AdGuard will be following the situation with Meta’s equivalent of an app store closely and will update you when more details become available.

Meta wants you to download apps directly from Facebook: boon or bust?

As the EU law is set to loosen Google and Apple’s grip on the app store market, Meta is eager to join the fray. For better or worse? Read on to find out.

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