First privacy-focused app store coming in January

The people behind a security-first smartphone said Tuesday they will launch a complementary app store in January.

The store will be for users of the Blackphone, an anti-surveillance smartphone designed by security software firm Silent Circle and cellphone maker Geeksphone.

{mosads}All apps will be vetted to ensure their security bonafides.

“We’re not intending to replicate a mass-market app store right now,” Blackphone CEO Toby Weir-Jones told The Guardian. “We’re not going to do games or have our own versions of social network apps. We’re much more interested in a private marketplace with quality apps with things that have a broad alignment with our privacy and security focus.”

Blackphone first launched in February. Its intent is basic, yet difficult — provide a secure space for its users.

It’s been able to offer secure calls, texts and Internet browsing, but has remained limited when it comes to apps.

Blackphone users don’t have access to Google’s Play Store, even though the phone’s operating system is based on Google’s Android platform.

The Blackphone app store will help the phone “reach a wider audience that cares about usability, that cares about intuitive use as well as privacy benefits,” Weir-Jones told the Guardian.

The public has been clamoring for ways to secure their communications since government leaker Edward Snowden disclosed a number of government spy programs that collected information on Americans.

Major companies like Apple and Google have announced heightened encryption technology on their smartphones as a result.