Play Store’s new safety feature reveals how apps handle user data
"Apple recently added a new privacy label to the App Store in order to increase transparency about the types of data used by each app"
Apple recently added a new privacy label to the App Store in order to increase transparency about the types of data used by each app. And it appears that Android users will benefit from a similar level of transparency in the Play Store. Google is expanding the Play Store's app transparency policy, which will include more information about how an app uses user data under the "safety section."
Google's upcoming Play Store safety section:
Google announced in its Android developer blogs that it is adding a safety section to Google Play that will provide a summary of the data that an app collects or shares. It also tells you whether the data is secure, as well as other information affecting a user's privacy and security.
According to the company, they needed simple, easy-to-understand ways to communicate app safety while also assisting users in making informed decisions about how their data is treated. Furthermore, developers will add context to clarify data usage and how safety practices can affect the app experience.
In total, the Google Play Store's safety section will highlight:
- If the app employs security measures such as data encryption.
- If the app adheres to the Google Play Family policy.
- Check to see if the application requires this data to function or if users have the option of sharing it.
- If the app's safety section has been independently verified by a third party.
- If the app allows users to request that their data be deleted if they decide to uninstall it.
“It can be a big change,” Google says, “so we're sharing this ahead of time and building with developers alongside us.”
What will be included in the safety section?
According to Google, the safety section will include information on the types of data collected and stored by a specific app. Location, contacts, personal information (e.g., name, email address), images and videos, audio files, and storage files are all examples of data.
Developers would also be required to report on how the data is used. Furthermore, Google Play will have a policy requiring developers to provide accurate information. During the process, if developers are found to be misrepresenting the data they submit and in violation of the policy, they will be penalized.
Developers would also be required to report on how the data is used. Furthermore, Google Play will have a policy requiring developers to provide accurate information. If developers are found to be misrepresenting the data they submit and violating the policy during the process, they will be asked to correct it.
Launch Dates
Surprisingly, Google will also share the details and provide a policy for its in-house apps. To that end, the tech behemoth is giving developers plenty of time to adjust to the change.
Beginning this summer, the company will share the new policy requirements and resources, including detailed guidance on app privacy policies, with customers. Furthermore, beginning in the second quarter of 2022,
Beginning this summer, the company will share the new policy requirements and resources, including detailed guidance on app privacy policies, with customers. And, beginning in the second quarter of 2022, all Google Play Store apps must include this information.
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Rahul Shrestha
