What you need to know
- Google has updated some Play Store policies.
- These policies target apps made to look like other, more popular apps, while banning apps containing misleading health information.
- One new policy aims to make it easier for consumers to opt-out of subscriptions, while another seeks to improve in-app ads.
- These Play Store policies will come into effect in the coming months.
Google’s Play Store is constantly evolving to tackle some of the biggest problems with Android apps. The latest changes came out recently and aim to make your favorite Android apps a little better with some much needed policy updates.
Google clarifies a policy on health misinformation, which prohibits apps from “containing misleading health claims that contradict existing medical consent.” This is notable as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect communities while monkeypox continues to spread to more areas.
Additionally, Google is also cracking down on apps that mislead users or impersonate other, more popular apps. This includes imposing a relationship with a company or entity or using an app icon too close to another application.
(image credit: google)
This seems to be related to another policy announced by Google last year that aims to clean up app titles and icons.
Another policy update ensures that apps will make it easier for users to cancel their subscriptions if they are offered in an app. As of September 30, apps must provide an “easy-to-use, online method to unsubscribe” or a link to Google Play’s Subscription Center. However, it is the developer’s responsibility to notify users of their refund policies.
Google’s policy on in-app ads could appreciate a change. As of September 30, apps have been barred from showing those annoying full-screen interstitial ads that randomly appear during gameplay or during the app’s loading screen.
(image credit: google)
Google clarifies that these ads are OK if the user has selected one:
“This policy does not apply to rewarded ads that have been explicitly opted-in by users (for example, an ad that the developer explicitly calls to be an ad in exchange for unlocking a specific game feature or piece of content). offer the user to see).”
You can read more about the updated policies on the Google Play Help page.
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