The number of apps on the Google PlayStore will soon be a lot smaller. Google has been sending notices out to developers around the world telling them that it could totally remove apps that don’t meet Google’s User Data Policy from the Play Store.
(Photo: Nordenergi)
The message is directed, in particular, to app developers whose apps request “sensitive permissions (e.g. camera, microphone, account, contacts, or phone)” from users, but don’t have a valid privacy policy. This means that if you have been downloading apps and granting them these permissions, your data might not be as secure as the apps led you to believe.
(Photo: TermsFeed)
Those developers will now have to submit a valid privacy policy both on the Google Play Store listing and within the app. Developers have been given until March 15 to comply with this request, at which point Google will either limit the visibility of offending apps, or remove them altogether.
Even though the move may get rid of a lot of apps, it could wind up making the Play Store more useful – getting rid of “zombie apps” that have been around for years without being updated or those that have been rendered useless by newer versions of Android. Not to mention that a less crowded PlayStore makes it easier to find what you’re looking for.
(Photo: Android Authority)
