Google gets serious about privacy and data usage policies on Google Play. Last year they announced that they were working on a new section in the app storewhere developers had to specify what data they collect with their apps, to which companies they share it, or what they collect it for.
This initiative follows the example that Apple has set with its app store and It’s something that should have happened years ago. How many times have we wondered what apps do with our personal data? Especially in applications like Instagram or TikTok, where many of us spend a good part of our time.
How does the new Data Security section work?
This section is not yet available, but it will be arriving little by little in the coming weeks to all Google Play users. The idea is to make the use of user data no longer a taboo. Google wants that, if you wonder what an app does with your personal information, you can know instantly, you just have to review this information in that section.
In addition, this section will also include data such as the security measures of an app. For example, if they use an end-to-end encryption systemif the security practices of the app have third-party validation or if they comply with the Google Play family policy.
What if a developer doesn’t include this information in their app?
Google has been clear and intends to be very strict, all developers have until July 20, 2022 to have up-to-date data usage information. Even developers whose apps do not collect user data should make a note of this in this section.
And for those who do not comply with this new requirement in the app, the sanctions can range from the suspension of updates on Google Play until they are expelled from the store. As the launch of this new section depends on each team of developers, it is to be assumed that at least in the first few months many apps will still not have the section up to date.
We would like to know your opinion, Do you think this section will make the apps more transparent with the use of our data? tell us in the comments.
Source| Google support
