Giving users more transparency and control over account data Oceanapkmod

Posted by Bethel Otute, Senior Director, Product Management, Android App Security

Google Play has launched several initiatives recently to help developers build consumer trust by showcasing their app’s privacy and security practices in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. Today, we’re taking this work forward with a new data deletion policy that aims to empower users with greater clarity and control over their in-app data.

For apps that enable app account creation, developers will soon be required to provide the option to delete account and data from within the app and online. this web requirement, which you will link in your data protection formEspecially important so that a user can request the removal of the account and data without reinstalling an app.

While the Data Protection section of Play already lets developers highlight their data deletion options, we know users want an easier and more consistent way to request them. By creating a more seamless experience with this policy, we hope to better educate our shared users on the data controls available to them and build trust in your apps and in Google Play more broadly.

As stated in the new policy, when you complete an account deletion request, you must also delete the data associated with that account. The feature also gives developers a way to provide more choice: users who don’t want to completely delete their account can choose to delete other data only if applicable (such as activity history, pictures or videos). For developers who need to retain certain data for legitimate reasons such as security, fraud prevention, or regulatory compliance, you must clearly disclose those data retention practices.

Comment: Images are examples and subject to change

While we’re excited about the greater control this will give people over their data, we understand it will take time for developers to prepare, especially without existing deletion functionality or a web presence, which is why we’re sharing the information and Sharing resources.

As a first step, we’re asking developers to submit answers to the new data deletion questions in your app’s data protection form by December 7th. Beginning next year, Google Play users will begin to see visible changes to your app’s store listing, including a refreshed Data Protection section and the Data Deletion badge in the new Data Deletion area.

Developers who need more time to comply with the new policy can file for an extension in the Play Console till May 31, 2024.

For more information about the data deletion and other policy changes announced today:

As always, thank you for your continued participation in making Google Play a safe and trusted platform for everyone.