It’s kind of a domino effect. After Apple implemented an app tracking transparency system that bypasses a user’s decision whether or not to allow tracking by iOS apps, Google now also wants to know what apps it collects and what it does with user data.
According to Google, this measure aims to maintain a close connection between the company and the developers to keep Google Play a safe space.
Google will also enjoy "app tracking transparency."
Google will launch a new feature for the Play Store Security Zone. As stated by the company Here on your pageIn this regard, this procedure aims to help users get a better understanding of the types of data access and permissions that Android apps have in the background.
Thus, programmers will be required to report in the app description about the data being collected and for what purpose. The research giant has given a deadline until 2022 to meet this new requirement.
Yes, this scale is familiar. The approach is practically the same as Apple's when structuring iOS 14.5 with an app-tracking transparency system. Then, as the beta version of iOS 14.5 continued, users started accessing the data that the app requested from the user after downloading it.
Back then, some companies, like Google, took a long time wanting to update their apps, keeping in mind everything the user has understood from that moment on.
Therefore, this novelty suggested by Google is also based on App Tracking Transparency (ATT). The question that remains is whether, after that, Android will also ask the user if it allows tracking!
Google wants to bring good practices to the Play Store
In the case of Android, Google says it will look at some of the criteria for apps remaining in the Play Store. These include:
- Applications will need security practices (such as data encryption);
- If the app developer really needs to collect data from users to work or if they have the option to share this information themselves;
- The application will have to allow users to request that their data be deleted if they decide to uninstall the service from their device;
- There must be a security check in the app by the developer or by a third party;
- Applications will need to follow company policy for Families and parental control functions.
In fact, the company leaves a very clear message. These notes show how Google intends to follow the model that Apple has followed for many years.
If we find that a programmer has misrepresented the data they provided and is in violation of policy, we will ask them to fix the problem.
It raises the bar for Google on its Android Developers blog.
George Orwell is a writer and contributor covering politics, society, culture, and current affairs. His work focuses on providing clear analysis and thoughtful commentary on the issues shaping modern Britain and the wider world, helping readers better understand complex topics.
