Starting July 17, 2024, you have 30 days to update your app to follow Google’s new rules. Here’s what’s changing:

Figure 1. Google Play Store.

New Rules

Register as an Organization

If your app deals with money, health, VPNs, or government services, you need to register as an Organization. This helps Google ensure these services are reliable. New developers will follow this first, and existing developers will get more details later. Figure 1 shows Google play store logo.

App Quality Standards

Google is raising the bar for app quality and user experience. Your app needs to meet these higher standards [1].

Clarifications on Existing Rules

SDK Requirements: We’re providing more examples of how certain tools (SDKs) can break Google’s rules, especially if they involve spyware or other issues.

Malware Policy: If your app uses third-party code that is known to be harmful, you must remove it.

Personal Loans Permissions: Apps offering Earned Wage Access (EWA) can’t request sensitive permissions.

Inappropriate Content: This now includes products with nicotine and sets rules for nicotine cessation aids with age restrictions [2].

Enforcement Process: Google has explained more about how it handles rule violations.

SMS and Call Log Permissions: New rules for system services and exceptions for financial apps handling secure calls.

Important Dates

Android Versions

From August 31, 2024, new apps and updates must support Android 14. For Wear and TV apps, Android 13 is needed. Make sure your app supports the latest Android versions, or ask for an extension until November 1, 2024, if you need more time.

Photo and Video Permissions

Starting October 31, 2024, apps can only access photos and videos if it’s essential for the app’s function. For one-time or rare needs, use the system picker.

Health Connect Permissions

From August 31, 2024, you’ll need to use a new Google Play Console form for apps requesting Health Connect permissions.

Google Play Families Ads SDK Program

You can apply to join this program until October 31, 2024. The program will reopen in 2025, and current members will continue as usual.

USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT Permission

If your app uses this permission and targets Android 14, you need to declare its core function. Starting October 31, 2024, apps not approved will need to ask users for this permission on new installs and handle denials properly.

For more details, visit Google’s policy pages.

Source: Google

References:

1. https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/19/24201756/google-play-store-update-purge-low-quality-android-apps
2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/googles-plan-to-make-play-store-safe-may-mean-death-for-some-apps-with-millions-of-downloads-heres-why/articleshow/111908893.cms

Cite this article:

Hana M (2024), Upcoming Google Play Store Policy Changes May Impact Your App, AnaTechmaz, pp. 172