To make its play store services safe for children, Google has announced a new set of rules and policies.
This Wednesday (May 29, 2019), Google Play Store introduced a major series of changes in its policies for every app to follow.
These changes monitor several aspects of app development related to the handling of data and keeping a track of the demographics the developer chooses to target. This will also require developers to reveal whether or not their target audience consists of kids.
In case kids are not the intended audience, the developer is required to ensure that their app does not appeal to children. Google has made it a point to keep a close watch on the apps and ensuring that they are in line with the amended policies.
One of Google’s blog posts explains,
“Over the last few years, we’ve helped parents find family-friendly content through the Designed for Families program and empowered them to set digital ground rules for their families with Family Link parental controls. After taking inputs from users and developers, we are evolving our Google Play policies to provide additional protections for children and families.”
The following dates should be kept in mind relative to the new changes:
- May 29, 2019: All new apps must follow these updated policies related to children from this day.
- September 1, 2019: The final date given to all developers to make necessary changes and acquire the new target audience.
If developers regard children as their target audience, then they are obligated to follow Google Play Store guidelines in their apps to govern the handling and use of personal data and content.
Google emphasizes the need to ensure that these changes are abided by every mobile app developer on the Play Store.
