Policy updates and clarifications
- We're updating the All files access permission policy for apps that target Android 11+ and need to access external storage so that users have more access control over their device storage.
- We're adding regional updates for real money gambling countries, and are adding clarifications to the gamified loyalty programme policy requirements.
- We’re updating the sexual content and profanity policy with additional examples of prohibited apps.
Additionally, we’ve added new clarifications and examples 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 updating the Families policy requirements with additional clarity on app functionality.
- We’re clarifying the News policy as it relates to user-generated content apps, contact information and use of advertising.
- We’re reiterating our definition of malware and clarifying the definition of stalkerware.
- We’ve clarified an example of common violations in the misleading claims policy.
- We’ve added a Help Centre link to our payments policy that contains additional information about Google Play’s billing system and answers to frequently asked questions about the payments policy.
- We’ve clarified the personal and sensitive information policy.
- We've clarified requirements for COVID-19 status apps.
- We’ve added an example of a common ads violation to the families ads and monetisation policy.
Upcoming new policy
- The new package visibility policy introduces an approval process for the new QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permission which controls access to the inventory of installed apps on a device. Developers will have 60 days to comply with changes.