Policy Deadlines

To provide a safer and more predictable experience for child users, we are updating our Google Play Families Ads and Monetization policy to disallow ads practices that are not clearly identifiable as advertising by child users. App developers and SDK providers will need to ensure that their ads are not presented as offerwalls and that their ad closing functionality does not immediately trigger a new ad.

Announced 2023-10-25

We’re updating our Personal Loans policy to state that we’re expanding the documents we will accept as proof that personal loan apps in Thailand are operating in accordance with local regulations.

Announced 2023-10-25

We’re clarifying our User Generated Content policy to explain how different UGC experiences may require different in-app moderation efforts.

Announced 2023-10-25

To give users a better experience, we’re introducing new limitations for using the USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT permission. For apps targeting Android U (API level 34) and above, we’re changing this permission to a special app access permission. Only apps whose core functionality requires a full screen notification will be granted this permission by default. All other apps will need to request permission from the user.

Announced 2023-10-25

To help ensure generative AI apps are safe for users, we’re reminding developers that all genAI apps must comply with our policies. We’re also requiring that certain genAI apps have user reporting or flagging features.

Announced 2023-10-25

We’re adding a new Health apps policy under “Health Content and Services” to introduce new requirements for apps that fall under the Health apps categories. We’re also updating the policy to reflect current public health guidance.

Announced 2023-10-25

For a more privacy preserving experience for users, we’re introducing the Photo and Video Permissions policy to reduce the number of apps permitted to request broad photo/video permissions (READ_MEDIA_IMAGES and READ_MEDIA_VIDEO). Apps may only access photos and videos for purposes directly related to app functionality. Apps that have a one-time or infrequent need to access these files are requested to use a system picker, such as the Android photo picker.

Announced 2023-10-25

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.

Announced 2023-04-05

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.

Announced 2023-04-05

We’re introducing the Blockchain-based content policy that states 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.

Announced 2023-07-12

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 they don't want to be run in an On-device Android Container.

Announced 2023-07-12

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 organization, developers must ensure 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.

Announced 2023-07-12

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 end of July), along with supplementary information and documentation.

Announced 2023-07-12

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.

Announced 2023-07-12

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.

Announced 2023-07-12

We’re updating the Request Install Package Permission policy to expand the permitted functionalities to include companion apps used to sync Android phones to wearables or IoT devices.

Announced 2023-07-12

We’re updating the VPN policy to emphasize that VpnService cannot be used to engage in ad fraud.

Announced 2023-07-12

We’re clarifying our Financial Services policy to emphasize personal loan apps may not access sensitive permissions and must comply with our Permissions policy.

Announced 2023-10-25

We are clarifying the Deceptive Behavior policy to include additional examples of misleading claims.

Announced 2023-10-25

We’re updating the examples in our Sensitive Events policy.

Announced 2023-10-25