Security News > 2022 > April > Google Play Store now forces apps to disclose what data is collected

Google is rolling out a new Data Safety section on the Play Store, Android's official app repository, where developers must declare what data their software collects from users of their apps.

Not only will developers declare what data they collect, but also what data they share with third parties, essentially disclosing the purpose behind the collection.

The third pillar of the Data Safety section will be the app's security practices, which describe the security mechanisms employed to protect the collected data, like the MASVS standard.

Finally, Data Safety will specify if the app follows Google Play Families Policy, which is geared toward children's protection.

Data Safety gives users a clear understanding of what happens with their data without requiring them to spend time digging into sections, while it also empowers Google with enforcement.

With the large amount of scam apps, malware, and usury apps found on Google Play, this new Data Safety section will not only be useful for Android users, but also allows Google to find policy violators more quickly.

News URL

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-play-store-now-forces-apps-to-disclose-what-data-is-collected/