Google Play will oblige developers to share what information their apps collect and how they process it.
It became known that from next year, the developers of applications published in the Google Play Store will be required to provide data on what information their products collect and how the privacy of users is ensured. This innovation is similar to what Apple implemented in its App Store, requiring developers to publish information about the collected data.
According to available information, the new Google policy will apply to third-party products and branded applications of the company. Google said the initiative is intended to ” help people understand what data applications collect and process, how that data is protected, and additional details affecting privacy and security .”
After the new Google policy takes effect, an additional section will appear in the app descriptions with information about the product’s data. Developers will have the opportunity to tell users why the application needs access to certain data and how their processing affects the overall functionality. For example, applications will provide information about whether data is encrypted, whether third parties have access to it, and whether users can request that this information be removed from the developer base.
It will take several months before the new rules come into force, as Google intends to give developers enough time to make the appropriate changes. According to the available data, developers will be able to add information about the privacy of applications from the fourth quarter of this year. This data will begin to be shown to users from the first quarter of next year.
