Impersonation

^{Disclaimer: Policy summaries and key considerations are overviews only; always refer to the full policy for compliance. The full policy takes precedence in case of conflict.}

Policy Summary

Google Play prohibits apps and developer accounts that impersonate or misrepresent their identity, ownership or primary purpose. You must not coordinate with others to mislead users. Please review the full policy to ensure compliance.

Full Policy

We don’t allow apps that mislead users by impersonating someone else (for example, another developer, company or entity) or another app. Don’t imply that your app is related to or authorised by someone when it isn’t.  Be careful not to use app icons, descriptions, titles or in-app elements that could mislead users about your app’s relationship to someone else or another app.
 

Examples of common violations

• Developers that falsely imply a relationship to another company/developer/entity/organisation.

  

  ① The Developer name listed for this app suggests an official relationship with Google, even though such a relationship doesn’t exist.

• Apps whose icons and titles are falsely implying a relationship with another company/developer/entity/organisation.

  ①The app is using a national emblem and misleads users into believing it is affiliated with the government.
  ②The app is copying the logo of a business entity to falsely suggest it is an official app of the business.

• App titles and icons that are so similar to those of existing products or services that users may be misled.

  

  
  ①The app is using the logo of a popular cryptocurrency website in its app icon to suggest it is the official website.
  ②The app is copying the character and title of a famous TV show in its app icon and misleading users to think that it is affiliated with a TV show.

• Apps that falsely claim to be the official app of an established entity. Titles like 'Justin Bieber Official' are not allowed without the necessary permissions or rights.

• Apps that violate the Android brand guidelines.

For frequently asked questions about the impersonation policy, see this Help Centre article.

Key considerations

Do	Don't
Accurately represent your identity as a developer and your app's purpose.	Don't conceal your identity or app's primary purpose.
Ensure that your ownership details are truthful.	Don't coordinate with others to mislead users, especially for political or social content.
	Don't falsely imply an affiliation or relationship with another company, developer, entity or organisation.

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