Policy deadlines

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. 

Announced 27/07/2022

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 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.

Announced 2023-04-05

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.

Announced 2023-04-05

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.

Announced 2023-22-02

We’re updating our Families self-certified ads SDK policy to require developers to only use self-certified versions of SDKs when serving ads to children or users of unknown age.

Announced 16/11/2022

We're updating our Families policy on app functionality to allow you to leverage your web-based content in apps.

Announced 2023-04-05

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.

Announced 2023-04-05

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.

Announced 2023-04-05

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.

Announced 2023-04-05