The Snap Store, operated by Canonical, is updating its policies to now require manual review of apps to protect users.
Snap Store, a platform for downloading and installing applications in the Linux ecosystem, operated by Canonical (the developer of Ubuntu), has faced serious security challenges. The store's reputation has been damaged by a number of cryptocurrency fraud incidents caused by a lack of strict checks when downloading new applications. In response to these threats, Canonical has taken significant steps to strengthen protection for users and developers by making adjustments to the Snap Store's app review policies.
The updated policy now centers on requiring manual review for all new applications. This process begins with the registration of the application name, requiring developers to provide detailed information about the functionality and purpose of their product. Canonical's engineering teams then begin a thorough analysis of the provided data, identifying possible inconsistencies and potential security risks. Additional contact with developers may be initiated to clarify information. Successful verification ensures that your app will be featured in the Snap Store, and requests for new apps will be processed within two business days.
This policy update is part of Canonical's broader strategy to improve the security and reliability of the Snap Store, and follows similar measures previously taken by Flathub, the Snap Store's main competitor. The KDE Store precedent, where downloading a global theme resulted in the loss of user data, highlights the need for such changes across the full range of software distribution platforms on Linux.
This move to a stricter app review policy on the Snap Store not only strengthens user and developer trust in the platform, but also helps create a safer and more reliable space for software distribution. The Snap Store's coverage of these changes reflects the importance of transparency and accountability in digital security, giving Linux users access to a wide range of applications without compromising their security.
Source: linux.org.ru