Google Play's App Listings Will Require Privacy Info Next Year, Just Like the App Store

Starting next year, apps on Google Play will show details about what data they collect, as well as other information about their privacy and security practices, in a new safety section in their listing. From a report: The announcement comes just a few months after Apple started displaying similar privacy information in the App Store. In the same way Apple's policy covers both its own apps and those developed by third parties, Google says its first-party apps will also be required to provide this information. According to Google, the initiative is meant to "help people understand the data an app collects or shares, if that data is secured, and additional details that impact privacy and security." The section will detail what user data an app has access to (like location, contacts, or personal info like an email address), but Google says it also wants to let developers give context to explain how it's used and what it means for their apps' functionality. In particular, Google says apps will give information about whether data is encrypted, whether they comply with Google's policies around apps aimed at children, and whether users can opt out of data sharing. Google says the information will also highlight whether a third party has verified the app's safety section, and whether users can request that their data be deleted. The new policy won't come into effect for several months, and Google says this should give developers enough time to implement the changes.

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