Google Play Protect blocks installation of AnTuTu Benchmark app

AnTuTu is a popular benchmark app. It is so popular that even manufacturers use its benchmark results to boast about how powerful their devices are. However, security concerns caused Google to remove all AnTuTu apps on the Play Store earlier this year. Now, Google is taking it a step further by blocking the app from being side-loaded.

If you try to sideload the AnTuTu app, Google Play Protect Services will warn you that the app can collect data that can be used to track you. At the moment, users can choose to install the app even with the warning but there are speculations that it may prevent the installation in the future. The Play Protect security warning comes up when you try to install versions 8.3.9 and 8.3.5 of the app. Surprisingly, AnTuTu is still listed on Apple’s App Store.

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Also, it has been reported that if you visit the AnTuTu site via Google Chrome, you get a security warning that the site contains harmful apps that can collect tracking data.

AnTuTu is yet to issue a response to this new development. Back in March when its apps were pulled down from the Play Store, it responded with a statement saying it wasn’t owned by Cheetah Mobile, a developer whose apps have violated Play Store policies several times and had to be pulled down. Once there is an official statement, we will update the article.

Nevertheless, we will advise you to steer clear of the app until it is considered safe.