Google wants to guarantee us as users the transparency of the use of our data not only in its products but also in the whole Android ecosystem, and for this the company announces a new security section on Google Play to guarantee your store as safe and reliable space.
To do this, Google Play will help us know what data affecting our privacy and security will be collected and how for each app before we download it. It is the evolution of the list of authorizations.
More transparency on Google Play
Google advises that developers agree their apps need to be more transparent, informing the user in the context of each app what data they collect, why, and the security practices they follow to protect our privacy.
Google wants apps to report on their download tab if:
- The application has security practices, such as data encryption.
- The application respects the family policy of Google Play.
- The app needs this data to function or if users have the ability to share it.
- The security of the application is verified by an independent third party.
- The app allows users to request data deletion if they decide to uninstall it.
Google will also ask developers to inform users:
- What type of data is collected and stored: for example, approximate or precise location, contacts, personal information (for example, name, email address), photos and videos, audio files and archive files.
- How the data is used: for example the functionality and personalization of the application.
All apps on Google Play should include this information and provide a privacy policy in their apps file so that the user knows before uploading how their data will be handled.
Google will give developers enough time to prepare for the new changes. In the summer they will launch their new policy. At the end of the year, developers will be able to add security and privacy information from the Google Play Console. In the first quarter of 2022, users will start seeing this new section on security in certain apps. In Q2 2022, all new and existing applications will be required to report this privacy information.
Via | Google