Google has confirmed that it has carried out a massive crackdown by shutting down the IPidea network, which has been secretly using millions of Android devices as a proxy connection without the owner's knowledge.
In an official statement, Google explained that the network works through free applications and software that users download without suspicion. Once installed, hidden code in the application allows third parties to divert internet traffic through the user's device, so that a private connection can be used for activities such as fraud, spam, and cyber attacks.
Google says most users are unaware of the activity. However, their devices can potentially be part of a high-risk online operation without warning or clear indication.
To stop the practice, Google used a court order in the United States to shut down the website and the backend system connected to the IPidea network. In addition, the company also removed a number of related applications from the Google Play Store, blocked risky traffic, and cut off network access from mobile phones, computers, and other smart devices that were affected.
As a follow-up step, Google activated Play Protect to warn users, remove apps containing malicious proxy code, and prevent the reinstallation of similar apps in the future.
Big win for online safety! 👏
Google and partners just took down IPIDEA, one of the world's biggest proxy networks, used by hundreds of bad actors to hide their activity.
Read how Google Threat Intelligence Group led this effort: https://t.co/lGdkDuNmBH pic.twitter.com/VKw5LKknEl
— Google Cloud Security (@GoogleCloudSec) January 28, 2026
Cyber security experts consider the scale of the IPidea network to be very dangerous. In previous similar cases, millions of connected devices can be collectively used for large-scale cyber attacks.
Meanwhile, IPidea denied supporting illegal activities and claimed that its services were intended for business interests. However, a number of analysts assessed that the risk of abuse and privacy violations was too great to be ignored.
Google urges Android users to be more vigilant when downloading free apps, periodically checking app permissions, and removing suspicious or no longer used apps to maintain data security and privacy.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
