Google takes a page from Apple’s rendering with one new security area in the Google Play Store to help users better identify the types of data access and the permissions that Android apps have in the background. It’s not immediately clear what the section will look like or where to look for it, but it’s coming and developers have until early 2022 to stick with it.
Android developers need to specify what type of data is being collected and stored and how that data will be used.
“If we discover that a developer has misrepresented the data provided by him and violates the guideline, the developer must fix it,” Google announced the change in the Android developers’ blog. “Apps that do not comply are subject to policy enforcement.”
Google lists the criteria that are highlighted in the Play Store. It includes whether:
The app has security practices such as data encryption
The app follows our family guidelines
The app needs this data to function or when users have a choice to share it
The security area of the app is checked by an independent third party
The app allows users to request deletion of data if they choose to uninstall it
Every Android app on the Play Store must share this information, including the Google apps. The company announced that sometime this summer it will be sharing new policy requirements and resources with developers, along with detailed guides on privacy policies for apps. Google also promises to “continue to provide new ways to simplify control for users and automate more work for developers.”
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Google Play Store users will see the privacy and security page appear from early 2022. App developers will have to adhere to the new guidelines until the second quarter of 2022, but will have access to the new declaration functions from the end of 2021.
Currently, Android users need to browse the settings panel to check the permissions that installed apps can access. In the mobile version of the Play Store there is an option to extend app permissions. However, it takes about three taps for them to appear.
The new page is similar to that App data protection nutrition labels Apple rolled out its iOS 14 update last year. In the iOS App Store, users can see what permissions a company is requesting and what data is associated with them before they even download an app, similar to what Google suggests.
It is telling that Google enforced this new privacy and security mandate for Android apps just two weeks before the end Google I / O virtual developer conference.. Perhaps this is to emphasize that the Android maker is doing its part to dispel the doubts – some more justified than others – via the platform’s security protocols. And given the latest developments from Apple, it certainly seems to be well timed iOS 14.5 updateThis allows you to prevent apps from tracking you across websites and other apps.
