# Google says Android partner turned 1.3 million devices into a botnet

https://mins.news/en/item/126100

- The Verge, 2026-11-02 20:37 UTC
- Tech
- Original: https://www.theverge.com/tech/1024807/google-botnet-android-tv-shut-down

> Google says Shenzhen-based Videostrong Technology secretly planted a backdoor in 1.3 million devices, using them for ad fraud, data theft, and unauthorized traffic routing. Google says it dismantled the backdoor, ended its relationship with the manufacturer, and barred it from making or selling certified Android devices or supplying software for them.

## Related coverage

- [Google dismantles botnet secretly running on 1.3 million Android TV boxes](https://mins.news/en/item/127563) — Ars Technica, 2026-11-03