UK Marketing Google Play Policy Updates: New Standards & Guidelines for App Developers - April, 2024

The latest policy announcement from Google Play, dated April 3, 2024, brings a series of updates and changes that app developers need to adhere to. Developers have a 30-day window from the announcement date to align their apps with these new standards. This article aims to distill these policy adjustments and provide strategic insights for developers.

Child Safety Standards Policy

Google Play is introducing a Child Safety Standards policy. This requires social and dating apps to adhere to specific standards and self-certify their compliance on the Play Console before publishing. This move is likely to ensure a safer environment for younger users.



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Health Apps Console Declaration

To improve the visibility and management of health-related apps, Google Play is launching a Health Apps console declaration. Apps with health or medical-related features must attest to this declaration on the Play Console.

Who Should Complete the Health Apps Declaration?

Every developer with an app published on Google Play is required to complete the Health apps declaration. This applies to apps on closed testing, open testing, or production tracks, as well as pregranted and preloaded apps that update through Google Play.

Interestingly, even developers whose apps do not offer any health features are required to complete this form, certifying that their app does not offer such features. However, system services and private apps are exempt from this requirement.

For a comprehensive understanding of what health features developers need to declare, you can refer to [this specific guide].

Inappropriate Content and Manipulated Media Policies

Updates to the Inappropriate Content policy now provide guidance on sexual content in book and video catalog apps. The Manipulated Media policy has been expanded to include audio as a type of media covered under this policy.

※ Inappropriate content includes:

• Sexual Content and Profanity
• Hate Speech
• Violence
• Violent Extremism
• Sensitive Events
• Bullying and Harassment
• Dangerous Products
• Marijuana
• Tobacco and Alcohol

Personal Loans and Foreground Services Policies

The Personal Loans policy has been clarified to ensure loan repayment periods comply with local regulations. The Permissions for Foreground Services policy has been updated with an exception for the "dataSync" foreground service type, enabling its use for Play Asset Delivery functionality.

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Terrorism Content and Dangerous Organizations Policies

Google Play is merging its policies on Terrorism Content and Dangerous Organizations into a single Violent Extremism policy.

Spyware and Personal Loans Policies

The Spyware policy has been updated to reinforce Google Play's commitment to protecting users from malicious applications, code, or behaviors. The Personal Loans policy has been revised to restrict additional use cases from accessing sensitive permissions.

Concluding Remarks

The recent policy updates by Google Play underline the platform's commitment to user safety, app functionality, and regulatory compliance. Developers need to review these changes carefully and adjust their apps accordingly to avoid potential compliance issues.



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