Some industry commentators argue that the recent surge in malicious mobile apps found on independent app marketplaces is the result of new restrictions imposed by the major app-store platforms. Yet none of the developers removed from the major platforms, the commentators’ alleged culprits, has released a new app on those alternative marketplaces.
Analysis: Because of new restrictions imposed by major app-store some developers are posting malicious apps on other independent app marketplaces. However, none of those got removed from major app-stores and have released a new app on alternative marketplace.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument made in the editorial?
Ways to weaken the argument: 1. By providing information that the person posting malicious app got removed.
2. They are not being removed because they are not posting anything malicious.
3. The apps aren't malicious at all, that's why they are not being removed.
(A) Many of the malicious apps found on independent marketplaces resemble legitimate apps removed from major platforms and are offered by unrelated developers.
Offered by unrelated developers, not by the major app store developer, not related to them.
(B) Historically, the independent marketplaces have had far fewer resources to detect and remove malicious apps than major app-store platforms do.
The argument is not concerned about the independent marketplace.
(C) Shortly after the policy changes were announced, several new developer groups began targeting independent marketplaces to distribute apps with fewer compliance checks.
Here, it suggests that developer remain the same, but due to the policy change (restrictions), they started to publish their apps somewhere else, and those marketplaces have fewer compliance checks, which means those apps aren't malicious. This would weaken the argument.
(D) The major app-store platforms did not coordinate their policy changes with one another.
This is not relevant for weakening the argument.
(E) Some users continue to prefer downloading apps through official app stores, even after the policy changes.
This is not relevant to the agrument.