Google announced that the Play Store got a “Data Security” section in May last year, and it is now starting to roll out after a short delay. The new section will be fully available in the coming weeks, and full adoption by developers is set for July.
Android apps in the Play Store must indicate (“Collected data”) which data is stored and for what purpose. In return, users can “see if the app needs this data to work or if this data collection is optional.”
Developers must also identify (“Shared Data”) whether this information is communicated to third parties, as well as security / handling practices (eg data encryption during transport) of their applications, and whether end users can easily request that their data be deleted.
Other information that can be displayed in the section includes:
Data types cover: Location (approximate or exact), Personal information (name, email, address, phone number, etc.), Financial information (purchase history, credit score, etc.), Health and fitness, Messages (emails, SMS / MMS) , phones and videos, audio files, files and documents, calendar, contacts, app activity (interactions, in-app search history, installed apps), web browsing, app information and performance (crash logs, diagnostics) and device or other IDs.
Available purposes include: App functionality; Analytics; Developer communication; Advertising or marketing; Fraud prevention, security and compliance; Personalization; and account management.
The Data Security section of the Play Store App Listings is launching today and will be fully featured in the coming weeks. Developers have until July 20, 2022 to enter this information into the Play Console. As such, not all applications will necessarily have this information when the new page is rolled out to your device.
Until July 20, 2022, you can temporarily continue to release app updates, whether or not we find problems with the information you have revealed. If there are no issues, your app will be approved and you will not need to do anything. If there are any issues, restore the status of your data security form to “Draft” in the Play Console to release your app update. We also send the developer account an email, an inbox message in the Play Console and display this information on Political status (Politics > Political status) page.
By July 20, 2022, all apps must have completed an accurate data security form that reveals their data collection and sharing practices (including apps that do not collect user data).
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