Google announced plans to increase app disclosures on privacy practices on its Google Play Store. From next year, all apps, including Google's own, will be required to give Android users more information about how they collect and use data on customers.
Similar to the privacy labels introduced recently on Apple's App Store, the upcoming safety section in Google Play is expected to help people understand the data an app collects or shares, if that data is secured, and additional details that impact privacy and security. It will include information such as whether the app has security practices, like data encryption; if the app follows Google's Families policy; if the app needs certain data to function and whether users have a choice in sharing it; if the app’s safety section is verified by an independent third-party; and if users can delete their data when they uninstall the app.
The developers will be responsible for the information disclosed in their section, including any text and screenshots. Google may take enforcement action against the app if it finds they are providing inaccurate or misleading information in violation of the policy.
The give publishers plenty of time to prepare, the new policy will take effect from Q2 2022 for all new app submissions and app updates.
