Policy updates
- We’re updating the Inappropriate content policy to prohibit apps published by or related to dangerous organisations and movements that are connected to violence against civilians.
- We’re updating our enforcement process to include the ability to limit the regions in which your app is available to users through Google Play.
- We’re updating our sexual content policy to explain that we may make an app available only to users in regions where the sexual content within that app is deemed appropriate.
Upcoming new policies
- We're adding a hostile downloader section to our mobile unwanted software policy to prohibit 'code that isn't in itself unwanted software, but downloads other mobile unwanted software (MUwS)'.
- We’re adding new specifications to our Families policy requirements for children's social apps and children's apps that have social features. These apps must provide in-app reminders on safely engaging with others online, features that require adult approval before turning on chat functionality that allow the user to share personal information, and allow ongoing management of social features. In addition, apps, where the main focus of the app is to chat with people that they do not know, must not target children.
- We're adding an Android emoji policy that requires apps running on Android 12 and above to comply with the latest version of Unicode-approved emojis within four months of availability. The policy will also present developers with different compliance options.
New examples and clarifications
Additionally, we’ve added new examples and clarifications to some of our policies. Please note that these aren’t new policies and we aren’t changing our enforcement standards and practices as a result of these updates.
- We’re clarifying our Families ads and monetisation policy requirements to be clear that ALL monetisation and advertising in apps that target children must comply with the policy.
- We're clarifying our subscriptions policy to more explicitly prohibit apps that subject users to deceptive or manipulative purchase experiences (including in-app purchases or subscriptions).
- We’re changing the heading for the data safety section, clarifying references to user data and providing a link to a Help Centre article for additional guidance.