Today, Google decided to update their Play Developer Program Policies. This was done in an effort to maintain a good experience for all. That includes developers as well as users. The changes in the new policies include a new deceptive behavior language, clarification of payment policy section, as well as a Sensitive Events policy. Google has also clarified the Paid and Free apps section in the policies update. You can read the full Google Play Developer Program Policies by hitting up the source link below.
So what does Google mean by “Impersonation or Deceptive Behavior”? Well the newly updated developer program policies go into great detail to tell us exactly what Google means by that. “Don’t pretend to be someone else, and don’t represent that your app is authorized by or produced by another company or organization if that is not the case. Products must provide accurate disclosure of their functionality and should perform as reasonably expected by the user.” It’s pretty much common sense, but by writing it in the Google Play Developer Program Policies, Google covers their back from developers that might try to impersonate someone else.
Google has also updated the section on API’s or Application programming interfaces, and how developers should not be abusing them, or improperly using them. “We don’t allow content that harms, interferes with the operation of, or accesses in an unauthorized manner, networks, servers, application programming interfaces (APIs), or other infrastructure. Don’t transmit or link to viruses, worms, defects, Trojan horses, malware, or any other items that may introduce security vulnerabilities to or harm user devices, apps, or personal data. Apps that collect information (such as the user’s location or behavior) without the user’s knowledge (spyware) are prohibited.”
This policy is important for developers. As it tells you what you can and can’t do with apps and games that are submitted to Google Play. If you are a developer, it’s a good idea to take a look over this new updated policy and make sure you stay up to date with all the changes. The updated policy is linked below.