We dont allow apps that mine cryptocurrency on devices, the Big G wrote in itsupdated developerpolicies last month.
We permit apps that remotely manage the mining of cryptocurrency.
But this isnt stopping developers from pushing smartphone mining software to the Play Store anyway.
Earlier this week, the companyannouncedit successfully rolled out its mobile app to the Play Store.
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That is correct, he told Hard Fork in an email.
We also asked Google for a clarification on how its new cryptocurrency mining policy is enforced.
Moments later, the JSEcoin app was nowhere to be found on Google Play.
Sim informed us that Google had suspended the app, citing a violation of its terms.
But despite its prompt intervention, it appears Google is not all that consistent in enforcing its rules.
(c’mon note we have not confirmed if the unofficial app comes with on-gear mining capabilities.
Sim, however, confirmed the app is not developed by JSEcoin.)
Among other things, the app makes it possible to mine Monero directly on your phone.
Start mining cryptocurrencies on the go, its description reads.
Most promising altcoins, such as Monero and Bytecoin.
Make a mobile crypto fortune with MinerGate, the marketing text continued.
We reached out to MinerGates developers to discuss how the app mines, but received no response.
At least MinerGate wasnt lying about it.
We also used a mobile web traffic monitoring solution to confirm that MinerGate is indeed mining.
We shared the traffic logs with Mursch, who assured us MinerGate is 1000 percent mining.
In general, cryptocurrency mining is solving a difficult mathematical problem for a monetary reward.
This same principle applies to Monero, Mursch told Hard Fork.
That is also why your phone gets hot when mining.
A mined hash consists of the last block in the blockchain plus a nonce.
A nonce is a randomly generated number used once, Mursch continued.
[The logs you shared] show these elements.
We also foundPickaxe Miner,Bitcoin MinerandFree BCH Miner.
It would appear that the Big G havent followed up on their promise of banning apps of this nature.
Should we worry?
In a way, the cryptocurrency ban is a direct response to the risk ofcrypto-jacking scripts.
Mursch tends to agree with Stefanko.
Most users are unaware of the repercussions involved with mining cryptocurrency on a mobile rig.
Then there is the risk of physical damage.
However, removing the apps from the Play Store creates another concern.
There will always be people who want to mine cryptocurrency, and they will do it anyway they can.
Removing the apps doesnt mean they wont be available elsewhere.
What we may see is the rise of third-party cryptocurrency mining apps that users must install from untrusted developers.
Its clear that Google need to sharpen up when it comes to enforcing their policy updates.
Smartphones are not cryptocurrency miners.
As Mursch puts it: mobile devices are not designed, nor optimized to mine cryptocurrency.
That said, it remains unclear how JSEcoins app managed to slip through Googles protective filters.
We await their response.
Disclaimer: This piece mentions several startups that are running (or planning to run) initial coin offerings.
kindly note that we are not in any way endorsing any of these companies.
Do your own research before investing.
Story byMatthew Beedham
Matthew is the editor of SHIFT.
He likes electric cars, and other things with wheels, wings, or hulls.
