Google’s Play Store Rules Target Annoying Ads and Copycat Crypto Apps

Google is also changing how apps can use Android’s built-in VPN (or virtual ) tools. Apps will not be permitted to create their own VPNs to collect data from users unless they have the permission of the user. They also won’t allow VPNs to bypass or alter ads from other apps. Mishaal Rahman (technical editor at Esper) pointed out that this could help to clamp down on ad fraud in which users pretend they are clicking ads from one country but actually reside in another. However, Mishaal Rahman said it could also impact things like DuckDuckGo’s privacy-focused, app tracking protection.

SMALLER TWEAKS CAN ADD UP TO MAKE PLAY A FRIENDLIER PLACE TO GET APPS

Google’s new rules also include other changes. Developers will have to link to an online, simple way to cancel subscriptions if they sell subscriptions. However, Google does not say linking to Google Play’s subscription center counts. Google is also enforcing its anti-health misinformation policy by adding a section to the app that states apps cannot contain misleading information about vaccines or unapproved treatments.

This update also changes the language surrounding monitoring apps or “stalkerware”. It now requires that any app that tracks people must use a specific flag to tell Google what it is doing. Apps must also state that they can track or monitor you in their Play Store description. These apps can only be used to track children and employees. Google specifically states that these apps cannot be used to track someone else (e.g. a spouse) even though the user may claim they are aware.

One funny fact is found in the updated “Impersonation” section. In addition to other companies, developers, and organizations, Google’s new rules state that developers cannot trick users into believing that their app is associated or “entity”. Google illustrates this by showing an app that has iconography that can trick users into believing it is associated with a cryptocurrency or government project. There’s also a joke about how you can’t call your app Justin Bieber Official unless you are Justin Bieber himself or have his permission. However, it was already in according to the existing guidelines.

Google seems to have chosen the perfect timing for this example. Although the policy won’t be in effect until August, it was announced by Google just days before Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), wrote a letter seeking more information about scammy crypto apps available on the Play Store.