Policy archive

We are continuously evolving our policies to make Google Play the safest and most trusted experience possible. You can find past policy announcements on this page. To view current and upcoming deadlines, go to the policy deadlines page.

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Past announcements

12 July 2023

New policies

  • Effective from 31 January 2024
    • To give developers more control over where their apps appear, we’re updating our device and network abuse policy to state that all apps running on-device Android containers, which simulate all or portions of the Android OS, must respect the new REQUIRE_SECURE_ENV flag. Apps can add this flag to their manifest to indicate that they don't want to be run in an on-device Android container.
  • Effective from 7 December 2023
    • We’re introducing the blockchain-based content policy that states that developers must complete a declaration for apps that enable users to transact blockchain-based digital content. Additional requirements apply for NFT gamification to promote user transparency and safety.
  • Effective 1 August 2023
    • We’re adding new guidelines to our Deceptive Behaviour policy to provide guidance on 'non-transparent behaviour'. Developers must make the app’s functionality clear to users. We’re also emphasising that techniques to evade app reviews are not allowed.
  • Effective 31 August 2023
    • We’re introducing new requirements under our personal loans policy to state that personal loan apps operating in Thailand must provide documentation demonstrating their capacity to offer or assist with personal loans within the country.

Policy updates

  • Effective 31 August 2023
    • To boost trust and transparency on Google Play, we’re updating our Play Console requirements policy to expand what developer verification is required to publish apps. Developers must accurately provide their account information to make their app available to users. If registering as an organisation, developers must ensure that their account information is up to date and consistent with the details stored on their Dun & Bradstreet profile. This update will roll out to new developer accounts first. Existing developers will receive more information in October.
    • To keep Google Play safe and secure for users, we’re updating our financial services policy to mandate that any app containing financial features must submit the Financial features declaration form (available from the end of July), along with supplementary information and documentation.
    • We're updating the list of example APIs or SDKs that are not approved for use in apps that solely target children as part of our Families APIs and SDKs policy.
    • We’re updating the Request install packages permission policy to expand the permitted functionalities to include companion apps used to sync Android phones to wearables or IoT devices.
    • We’re updating the VPN policy to emphasise that VpnService cannot be used to engage in ad fraud.
  • Effective from 19 July 2023
    • We’re updating our real-money gambling, games and contests policy to reflect completion of the online crane games pilot programme in Japan. Beginning 12 July 2023, online crane game apps may be listed on Google Play globally subject to certain requirements, including a declaration form.
New examples and clarifications

Additionally, we’ve added clarifications to some of our existing policies. Because these changes aren’t new or updated, our enforcement standards and practices remain the same.

  • We’re updating our SDK requirements to include guidelines for a recently announced Deceptive Behaviour policy update.
  • We’re updating the examples in our Tobacco and alcohol policy to clarify our existing policy.
  • We’re centralising existing ads requirements to make it easier for you to find this information.

Download a full policy view PDF.

5 April 2023

New policies

  • Effective from 7 December 2023
    • To give users more control over their data, we're introducing a new account deletion requirement under our user data policy. If your app allows users to create an account, then it must also allow users to request for their account to be deleted in the app and through a web resource. All developers must also update their Data safety form in Play Console, where some information may be displayed on your app’s Data safety section on Google Play.
  • Effective from 31 January 2024

    • We’re adding new guidelines to our Device and network abuse policy:

      • For apps targeting Android 14 and above, a new set of policy restrictions will apply to the usage of foreground services (FGS). Apps can only declare foreground services (FGS) for appropriate use cases. Developers must also specify a valid foreground service type for each foreground service (FGS) used in your app and declare the foreground service permission that is appropriate for that type.
      • We’re introducing a new JobScheduler API and requirements that makes user-initiated data transfers easier and more transparent.

Policy updates

  • Effective from 31 May 2023
    • We're updating our Families policy on app functionality to allow you to leverage your web-based content in apps.
    • We’re introducing additional requirements for personal loan apps targeting users in Pakistan. Personal loan apps in Pakistan must submit country-specific licensing documentation to prove their ability to provide or facilitate personal loans.
    • We’re updating our personal loans policy to state that apps with the primary functionality of providing or facilitating personal loans may not access user contacts or photos.
    • We’re updating our user ratings, reviews and installs policy to state that we don’t allow apps to incentivise users to install other apps as the app’s main functionality or to incentivise users to rate or review apps.
New examples and clarifications

Additionally, we’ve added clarifications to some of our existing policies. Because these changes aren’t new or updated, our enforcement standards and practices remain the same.

  • We’re collecting and centralising some of our existing SDK requirements to make it easier for you to find this information. We’re adding more examples of common SDK-caused violations to help you decide which SDKs are safe to integrate into your apps.
  • We’re clarifying our sexual content and profanity policy to state that we don't allow apps or app content that contain or promote non-consensual sexual content, predatory behaviour or solicitation of sexual acts in exchange for compensation.

Download a full policy view PDF.

22 February 2023
  • Effective 26 April 2023
    • We’re updating Google Play’s Payments policy to respond to the recent regulatory developments in India. Developers can offer an alternative billing system alongside Google Play’s billing system to users in India making in-app purchases within Play-distributed apps on mobile phones and tablets.

Download a full policy view PDF.

14 December 2022

New clarification

We've added clarifications to our Target API Level policy. Because this is a clarification, our enforcement standards and practices for this policy remain the same.

  • We’re noting exceptions to the Target API Level policy, which can be found in our updated Help Centre article. These exceptions include permanently private apps and apps that target automotive or wearables form factors and are bundled within the same package.

Download a full policy view PDF.

16 November 2022

Policy updates

  • Effective from 31 January 2023
    • We’re introducing additional requirements for personal loan apps targeting users in Nigeria and Kenya. Personal loan apps in these two countries must complete declaration forms and submit documentation for our review in order to remain or publish new personal loan apps on Google Play.
    • We’re updating our Deceptive ads policy to clarify that ads must not simulate or impersonate the user interface of any app features.
  • Effective from 31 May 2023

New examples and clarifications

Additionally, we’ve added new examples and clarifications to some of our existing policies. Because these policies aren’t new or updated, our enforcement standards and practices for these policies remain the same. 

  • We’re updating our user data policy to emphasise that developers are responsible for the end-to-end user data handling practices for data acquired within their apps.
  • To better align with the existing policy language, we're renaming the Designing apps for children and Families policy page to Google Play Families policies. We're also consolidating the page formerly known as Families ads and monetisation onto the newly titled Google Play Families policies page.

Download a full policy view PDF.

2 November 2022

We've added clarifications to one of our existing policies. Because this policy isn’t new or updated, our enforcement standards and practices for this policy remain the same. 

Policy clarification
Download a full policy view PDF.
11 May 2022

Upcoming new policy

  • Effective 3 October 2022:

Policy update

  • Effective 3 October 2022:
    • We’re updating the user data policy to include Health Connect data as a type of personal and sensitive user data.
 
Download a full policy view PDF.
7 September 2022

Policy update

  • Effective 28 September 2022
    • We’re conducting a limited-time pilot enabling distribution of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummy apps to users in India by developers incorporated in India. 
Download a full policy view PDF.
27 July 2022

Upcoming new policies

  • Effective 30 September 2022
  • Effective 1 November 2022
    • We’re introducing new requirements for the FLAG_SECURE declaration under our device and network abuse policy stating that all apps must respect the FLAG_SECURE declaration and must not facilitate or create workarounds to bypass the FLAG_SECURE settings in other apps.
    • We’re introducing new requirements under our permissions policy to state that all apps must have acceptable core functionalities to use VpnService class. We’ve also added guidance on key requirements for using VpnService class.
  • Effective from 31 July 2023
    • We’re introducing a new restricted permission requirement for exact alarm API, stating that apps must only declare this permission if their core functionality requires an exact alarm. Apps declaring the new restricted permission that do not meet these criteria will not be permitted on Google Play. 

Policy updates

  • Effective 31 August 2022
    • We’re updating health misinformation guidelines to state that we don’t allow apps containing misleading health claims that contradict existing medical consensus, or that can cause harm to users.
    • We’re updating our impersonation policy to clarify that the policy prohibits impersonation of other entities or organisations.  We’ve also added some new examples regarding app titles and icons.
  • Effective 30 September 2022
    • We’re updating our subscriptions policy to state that users must be able to easily cancel their subscriptions from within the app.
  • Effective 1 November 2022
    • We're updating our Families self-certified ads SDK programme to require that self-certified ads SDK providers must submit new policy-compliant, self-certified versions and a test app to remain in the Families self-certified ads SDK programme.
  • Effective from 15 February 2023
    • We’re updating our existing stalkerware guidance with a monitoring apps flag 'IsMonitoringTool' for all legitimate monitoring applications. All apps that use this tool must also disclose monitoring or tracking functionality in their Google Play Store description.

New examples and clarifications

Additionally, we’ve added new examples and clarifications to some of our existing policies. Because these policies aren’t new or updated, our enforcement standards and practices for these policies remain the same. 

  • We’re clarifying our child endangerment policy to reinforce that we prohibit the use of apps to endanger children, including the facilitation of child trafficking, grooming and sextortion.
  • We’re clarifying our Families data practices policy to state that apps that solely target children must not transmit Android advertising identifier (AAID), SIM serial, build serial, BSSID, MAC, SSID, IMEI and/or IMSI. Apps that target both children and older audiences must not transmit AAID, SIM serial, build serial, BSSID, MAC, SSID, IMEI and/or IMSI from children or users of unknown age.
  • We’re consolidating health and medical-related policies into an easy-to-navigate page.
  • We’re clarifying our ads policy to emphasise that ads and their associated offers served in your app must be consistent with your app's content rating.
  • We’re clarifying our ads policy to state that the ad ID may no longer be connected to a persistent identifier or personally identifiable information for any purpose including analytics purposes.
  • We’re clarifying the Made For ads guidelines under our spam policy to prevent apps from displaying interstitial ads repeatedly to distract users from engaging with an app and performing in-app tasks.
  • We’re moving country-specific guidelines from our Real-money gambling, games and contests policy page to a link on our gambling application form for easier reference.
  • We’re clarifying our sensitive events definition and examples under the inappropriate content policy to state that we don’t allow apps that capitalise on or are insensitive towards a sensitive event with significant social, cultural or political impact (for example, civil emergencies, natural disasters, public health emergencies, conflicts, deaths or other tragic events).
  • We're clarifying privacy policy guidelines under our user data policy to state that all apps must post a privacy policy link in the designated field within Play Console and a privacy policy link or text within the app itself. We’re also specifying that privacy policies must be publicly accessible and non-geofenced.
Download a full policy view PDF.
6 April 2022

Upcoming new policies

  • Effective 11 May 2022:
    • We’re updating our Families policy to explain that if an app contains content that is not globally appropriate, we may make the app available only to users in regions where content within that app is deemed appropriate.
  • Effective 11 July 2022:
    • We're introducing a limited-time pilot for online crane games to be distributed on the Google Play Store to users in Japan only. Learn more.
  • Effective 29 September 2022
  • Effective 1 November 2022:
    • To provide users with a safe and secure experience, we are expanding on Google Play’s target API level requirements to include existing apps that aren’t updated. Apps that don’t target an API level within two years of the latest major Android version release will not be available on Google Play to new users whose devices run the latest versions of Android. Developers can request a six-month extension if more time for migration is needed. Learn more.

Policy updates

  • Effective 11 May 2022:
    • We're introducing additional requirements for developers offering personal loans in the Philippines. Eligible developers must complete a declaration form, submit necessary documentation and meet additional disclosure requirements. We're also updating the declaration requirements for India and Indonesia to clarify that developers should submit additional documentation if their developer name does not match the name on the submitted licence. Developers offering personal loans in India as facilitators must also prominently disclose the names of all partnered NBFCs and banks in the app’s description.
    • We’re updating the hate speech policy to prohibit caste- and immigration-related hate speech. 
    • We’re updating our deceptive behaviour – misleading claims policy to allow certain apps that use embedded dedicated oximeter sensors (subject to further conditions), and require details about oximeter readers and target devices in app descriptions. We continue to prohibit apps that claim to have oximeter functionality but do not have wearable, hardware or smartphone oximeter sensor support.
    • We’re updating our Families certified ad SDK programme policy to explain that providing sufficient information for Google Play to review an SDK may include submitting new versions and any other information needed to comply with certification requirements. We’re also updating the policies to clarify that SDKs are responsible for self-certifying that each SDK version release is compliant with the latest Play Developer Programme Policies.
    • We’re updating our Accessibility policy to explain that the Accessibility API is not designed for and cannot be requested for remote call audio recording.
  • Effective 14 September 2022
    • We’re expanding the scope of the News policy to include apps that are listed under the 'News and Magazine' category on Google Play, and that describe themselves as a news app in the app metadata. We're also updating the News policy to allow one method of listed contact information instead of two for news apps, and to allow original publishers to omit listing authors for every article. 
  • Effective 11 October 2022:

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 existing language in the Android Emoji policy about which apps are already compliant and which apps will need to come into compliance.
  • We’re clarifying in our enabling dishonest behaviour policy that we prohibit apps that generate fake bank accounts.
  • We’re clarifying existing language in the Families policy to make it clear that apps that solely target children may not request location permission, or collect, use and transmit precise location.
Download a full policy view PDF.
15 December 2021

Policy update

  • Effective 17 January 2022:
    • We’re clarifying our Subscriptions policy to state that subscriptions must provide sustained or recurring value to users throughout the life of the subscription, and may not be used to offer what are effectively one-off benefits to users.
Download a full policy view PDF.
18 November 2021

Policy update

  • Effective 18 December 2021:
    • We’re updating Google Play’s payments policy to respond to the new regulations in South Korea. Developers can now accept payments for in-app purchases from mobile and tablet users in South Korea with an alternative in-app billing system in addition to Google Play’s billing system. 
Download a full policy view PDF.
27 October 2021

Policy updates

  • Effective 1 December 2021:
    • 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

  • Effective 2 February 2022:
    • 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)'.
  • Effective 1 April 2022:
    • 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.
  • Effective 11 May 2022:
    • 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.
Download a full policy view PDF.
28 July 2021

Upcoming new policies

  • Effective 1 September 2021:
    • We're offering a Developer Preview of app set ID for essential use cases such as analytics or fraud prevention. App set ID cannot be used for Ad Personalisation or ads measurement.
    • We’re adding new restrictions in our Families policy requirements on identifiers used in apps that target children. Developers need to comply by 1 September 2021, except for ad ID changes. For ad ID, developers have until 1 April 2022 to comply.
    • We’re adding a new section in our Enforcement policy to close inactive or abandoned developer accounts after one year of dormancy and additional factors.
  • Effective 15 October 2021: 
  • Effective 28 October 2021: 
    • We’re updating our user data policy to prohibit linking persistent device identifiers to personal and sensitive user data or resettable device identifiers unless for pre-approved use cases.
  • Effective 20 July  2022: 
    • We’re adding a new data safety section to the user data policy where developers must provide accurate information related to personal or sensitive user data that their apps collect, use or share. All apps must also post a privacy policy in the Google Play Console and within the app itself.

Policy updates

  • Effective 1 September 2021: 
    • We’re updating the inappropriate content policy to institute new restrictions on sexual content, specifically prohibiting compensated sexual relationships (i.e. sugar dating). 
  • Effective 15 September 2021: 
    • We’re updating the Financial services policy to clarify the definition of the total cost of the loan and require that all personal loan apps are properly tagged under the Finance category. We are also adding new requirements for personal loan apps in India and Indonesia. 
  • Effective 29 September 2021: 
  • Effective 4 October 2021: 
    • We’re updating our Ads policy to indicate changes in the usage of Android advertising ID. When a user deletes the Android advertising ID on a newer device, the advertising identifier will be removed and replaced with a string of zeros. 

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 updating our App promotion policy with additional examples of prohibited ads/promotional tactics for encouraging app downloads.
  • We’re clarifying and consolidating guidance on providing required app information, such as login credentials for apps with login walls, to us via the Play Console. 
  • We’re adding a link to an updated Help Centre article which will provide further policy clarifications for news apps.
Download a full policy view PDF.
31 March 2021

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.
Download a full policy view PDF.
28 January 2020

We’re updating our Real-Money Gambling, Games, and Contests policy so more developers around the world can build sustainable businesses, and in a way that helps keep consumers safe. Here's a summary of all the changes:

  • We’re expanding the number of countries in which developers can publish licensed real money gambling apps to include: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the United States (in addition to the existing permitted countries: Brazil, Ireland, France, and the United Kingdom).
  • We’re introducing new requirements for gamified loyalty programs.
  • We’re also updating various portions of the policy with additional examples to provide further clarification.
Download a full policy view PDF.
28 September 2020

We’re updating our payments policy to clarify when Google Play’s billing system should be used for in-app purchases. This clarification is important to increase user protections across Play-distributed apps and makes the policy easier to understand. 

Any existing app that is currently using an alternative billing system will need to remove it to comply with this update. For those apps, we are offering an extended grace period until 30 September 2021 to make any required changes. New apps submitted after 20 January 2021 will need to be in compliance. To view additional information about this update, please visit our Help Centre.

Download a full policy view PDF.
11 November 2020
  • We’re adding information regarding the acceptable use of SMS and call log data for business CRM apps and default handlers. If you want to make changes to your apps in accordance with these revised guidelines, you can do so starting today. [Current policy | Upcoming policy – effective 16 December 2020]
  • We’re updating our policy coverage section with additional clarity on apps that may pose a high risk of abuse. [Current policy | Upcoming policy – effective 16 December 2020]
  • We're updating our user data policy to align with changes to the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement to reflect our reliance on standard contractual clauses to transfer personal data from the European Economic Area or the UK to the US as of July 2020. [Current policy | Upcoming policy – effective 16 December 2020]
 
Additionally, we’ve added new clarifications and examples to some of our policies. 


As a reminder, if your app accesses location in the background, you can now submit your app for feedback by completing the Location Permissions declaration form in the Play Console.

Download a full policy view PDF.
16 September, 2020
  • Effective date: 21 October 2020. We’re updating our Misrepresentation policy to clarify that developers and apps taking part in coordinated activity that misrepresents or conceals the origin of an app or content are a violation of Google Play policy.  
  • Effective date: 21 October 2020. We’re updating our gambling apps policy to allow a government-published real money gambling app in Brazil. 

In addition, we’re correcting a typo in our stalkerware policy. All apps will have until 1 October 2020 to comply with this correction. 

Download a full policy view PDF. (all policies as of 21 Oct. 2020)
 
 Download a full policy view PDF. (all policies as of 1 Oct. 2020)
8 July 2020

8 July 2020:

We’ve introduced new policies and policy updates that need your attention. All new and existing apps will receive a grace period of at least 30 days from the issuance of this notification (unless otherwise stated) to comply with these changes. Here’s a summary of all the changes:

  • We've introduced new requirements for apps requesting broad access to device storage, including an appropriate access and declaration review process for R-targeted apps.
  • We’ve launched a News policy to highlight requirements for News apps published on Google Play. Visit the Help Centre for more detailed information on this policy and future developer requirements. 
  • We’ve updated our User-generated content (UGC) policy to require in-app reporting of AR anchoring on sensitive locations. 
  • We’ve updated our Families ads and monetisation policy to clarify prohibited spammy and manipulative ads and monetisation practices. 

We’ve also updated several policies (including inappropriate content, gambling, mobile unwanted software and ad fraud including impression fraud) with clearer language and additional examples. Please note that these aren’t new policies and we aren’t changing our enforcement standards and practices as a result of these updates. You can review these changes here. We encourage you to review these policy updates carefully in case any of your apps are impacted.

 

Download a full policy view PDF.
16 April 2020

April 2020: 

Enforcement timelines Any new apps or app updates published after 16 April 2020 will immediately be subject to the latest version of the Developer Programme Policies. Apps available on Google Play as of 16 April 2020 will have 30 days from this date to come into compliance to prevent removal, unless otherwise noted.

Various updates as outlined below:

  • We've updated our deceptive behaviour policies to emphasise functionally deceptive apps and our requirement to provide accurate disclosures and metadata.
  • We've updated our malicious behavior policies to introduce a user notification requirement prior to apps beginning large resource file downloads.
  • We've introduced a manipulated media policy for apps that spread or created altered media.
  • We've updated our malware policy. Visit the Google Play Protect site for additional information about enforcement and reporting malware.
  • We've updated our subscriptions policy to ensure transparent communication of subscription offers and responsible implementation of monetisation tools and services.
    • Any new apps or app updates published after this notification will immediately be subject to the latest version of the Developer Programme Policies. Apps currently on Google Play will have 60 days to come into compliance
  • We've rebranded the ad network certification programme to families ads programme.
  • We've updated our Families policy to include disclosure of collection of personal and sensitive information from children.
  • We've updated our Families policy to provide further clarification on the use of Bluetooth.
  • We've updated our Families ads and monetisation policy to prohibit spammy and manipulative ads and monetisation practices.
  • We've updated our location policy to promote transparency and limit access to location data, especially in the background.
    • Because compliance with this location policy may require substantial changes to your app, affected developers will have an extended timeline to make any necessary updates. To view timelines and other updates, please visit our Help Centre.
Download a full policy view PDF.
November 2019

November 2019: Various updates as outlined below:

  • We've clarified our misleading claims policy to highlight the prohibition of any disinformation or deception around medical, health-related and government services apps.
  • We've updated our metadata policy to ensure developers create better descriptions and titles that accurately represent their app.
  • We've updated our ad network certification policy to provide further clarification on ad SDK requirements.
  • We've updated our  monetisation and ads policy on in-app virtual currencies.
  • We've updated our spam and minimum functionality policies to set higher quality standards for applications on Google Play.
Download a full policy view PDF.
August 2019

August 2019: Various updates as outlined below:

  • We've updated our device and network abuse policy with an additional example addressing apps that facilitate proxy services to third parties.
  • We've expanded our financial services policy to protect users from deceptive and exploitative personal loan terms.
  • We've clarified our misleading claims policy with an additional example regarding demonstrably deceptive content that may interfere with voting processes.
Download a full policy view PDF.
May 2019

May 2019: Various updates as outlined below:

  • We've introduced a new Families policy and updated our Designed for Families programme policy.
  • We've introduced a new ad network certification policy for apps that serve ads to children.
  • We've updated our inappropriate content policies to clarify our existing sexual content and hate speech policies and introduce new policies on marijuana, tobacco and alcohol.
  • We've updated our payments policy to introduce a requirement to disclose odds for lootboxes.
  • We have updated our gambling policy with additional examples.
  • We've clarified our user-generated content policy to explicitly prohibit monetisation features that encourage objectionable behaviour by users.
  • We've updated our minimum functionality policy to ensure that apps on our platform are designed in a stable, engaging and responsive way that satisfies all functionality requirements.
  • We've updated our intellectual property policy to make clear the prohibition of the sale or promotion for sale of counterfeit goods within an app.
Download a full policy view PDF.
January 2019

January 2019: Various updates as outlined below:

Download a full policy view PDF.
October 2018

October 2018: Various updates as outlined below:

  • We've clarified our malicious behaviour policy prohibiting surveillance and commercial spyware apps.
  • We've clarified our Designed for Families programme requirements and primarily Child-directed Declaration guidelines to prohibit misrepresentation of the participating apps and their target age group.
  • We've updated our user data and permissions policies for more clarity and coverage; including the restriction of call log and SMS permission usage.
  • We are also removing user information available on the Contacts Provider; to learn more click here.
  • We've updated our enforcement section to explain the extent of our policy coverage, including the actions that we may take on apps that violate our policies.
Download a full policy view PDF.
July 2018

July 2018: various updates as outlined below:

  • We've clarified our child endangerment policy to emphasise the prohibition of adult themes in apps that appeal to children.
  • We’ve introduced a new policy that prohibits any sale of dangerous products, including firearms, explosives, etc. Our violence policy has also been updated accordingly.
  • We've introduced a new policy on cryptocurrency mining in our financial instruments section.
  • We've clarified our spam policies to explicitly prohibit repetitive content on our platform. We also don’t allow apps whose primary purpose is to serve ads.
  • We've introduced a new policy on misrepresentation in our privacy, security and deception policy section.
Download a full policy view PDF.
April 2018

April 2018: Various updates as outlined below:

Download a full policy view PDF.
November 2017

November 2017: Various updates as outlined below:

Download a full policy view PDF.
October 2017

October 2017: Various updates as outlined below:

  • We’ve more clearly defined the geographical restrictions for our gambling policy.
  • We’ve provided clarity on baseline functionality that must be present for apps on Google Play.
  • We’ve identified certain guide app behaviour that will preclude publication on Google Play.
  • We’ve taken additional steps to protect users by limiting how and when developers can make permission requests.
Download a full policy view PDF.
August 2017

August 2017: Various updates as outlined below:

  • We’ve introduced new policies on gambling apps, which are currently permitted only in the UK, Ireland and France.
  • We’ve clarified our user data policy to provide detailed guidance on prominent disclosure.
  • We’re now hosting Android Instant Apps policies in a new category dedicated to other Android programmes.
  • We’re now hosting content rating guidelines under our Store Listing and promotion category.
Download a full policy view PDF.
June 2017

June 2017: Various updates as outlined below:

  • We have introduced new guidelines on data protection as required by the EU-US Privacy Shield.
Download a full policy view PDF.
May 2017

May 2017: Various updates as outlined below:

 
Download a full policy view PDF.
April 2017

April 2017: Various updates as outlined below:

  • We’ve clarified the programme requirements for Designed for Families and added eligibility criteria for augmented reality and virtual reality apps.
  • We’ve introduced a Child-directed Declaration policy that requires developers to declare whether their app is primarily child-directed in the Play Console.

Download a full policy view PDF.

October 2016

October 2016: Updated the example section in the metadata policy for clarity.

Download a full policy view PDF.
July 2016

July 2016: Various updates as outlined below:

  • Addition of a Google Play Families programme policy tile to the Policy centre.
  • We’ve clarified our privacy and security policies to help developers better determine when privacy disclosure is required, and where such disclosure should be available to users.
  • We've updated our restricted content policies to further clarify our stance on sexually explicit services.
  • We’ve updated our gambling ad policies to share the requirements to which a developer must adhere when displaying gambling ads in Play.
  • We’re introducing a user-generated content policy that outlines minimum safety feature requirements.
  • We’ve added examples to both the deceptive behaviour and violence policies, to clarify disallowed behaviour or content.
Download a full policy view PDF.
May 2016
May 2016: Updated the payments section with information about Android Pay.
March 2016

March 2016: Various updates as outlined below:

Download a full policy view PDF.
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