Google has announced a new policy for Android apps that allows account creation. The regulation requires such apps to provide users with the option to delete both their account and the data associated with it.
Describing the new feature in a blog post published Wednesday, Bethel Otuteye, senior director of product management for Android App Safety, said it aims to give users more control over in-app data. .
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“For apps that allow the creation of app accounts, developers should immediately provide the option to initiate account and data deletion within the app and online,” wrote Otuteeye.
“This web requirement to link to a data safety form is especially important so that users can request deletion of their account and data without reinstalling the app.”
Executives say Google Play’s data safety section already allows developers to showcase data deletion options, but the company aims to make it more accessible and consistent for users to request data deletion. revealed that there is
“By creating a more intuitive experience with this policy, we hope to better educate our shared users about the data controls available,” explains Otuteye.
The new policy means that if a developer fulfills a request to delete an account, the associated data must also be deleted.
This feature allows users to delete only some data types, such as images, videos, history, etc., even if they don’t want to delete their entire account.
Otuteeye clarified that developers who need to retain certain data for legitimate reasons (security, fraud prevention, regulatory compliance, etc.) must disclose how they retain those data.
“We are asking developers to submit answers to new questions regarding data deletion in the App Data Safety Form by December 7,” the post reads.
Developers needing more time can request an extension through the Play Console until May 31, 2024.
“Early next year, Google Play users will see changes reflected in the app store listing, including an updated data deletion badge in the data safety section and a new data deletion area,” concludes Otuteeye. rice field.
This new feature comes months after Mozilla published a report questioning the accuracy of the Play Store’s new data safety label.
Editorial image credit: quietbits / Shutterstock.com
