Google has announced several important changes to strengthen protections for Android developers who publish apps on the Google Play Store. The company is also improving its app review process to further improve the quality and security of the Play Store.
These steps are part of Google’s ongoing efforts to combat malicious apps, fraud, and policy violations. It aims to benefit both developers and consumers by maintaining the integrity of apps across the extensive Play Store ecosystem.
New testing requirement for developer accounts
One of the most significant changes is that Google will now require new individual developers to test their apps before full release.
Starting soon, developers with newly created Play Console accounts will be required to test their app with at least 20 people for a minimum of 2 weeks before production release. This testing period will allow developers to identify issues, gather user feedback, and improve quality before public release.
Google cites internal data showing that developers using its testing tools get, on average, three times more installs and engagement. While testing was previously optional, making it mandatory for new developers should further improve app quality and experience.
The company believes this testing requirement will be especially beneficial for small, independent developers without an established user base. It provides real-world feedback so they can refine apps before they launch.
Expanded Investment in Application Review Process
In addition to pre-launch testing, Google says it will dedicate more resources and staff to review apps for policy compliance, fraud, and abuse.
While details remain limited, Google indicates that its teams will spend more time thoroughly evaluating new apps before they are available for download. This hotfix aims to block apps that defraud users through misleading claims, illegal activities, or other tactics.
The expanded reviews may slow approvals for a “small portion of apps,” including those that ask for advanced permissions or are targeted at children. But Google emphasizes that this compensation will improve protection and integrity across its vast ecosystem of apps.
Stop predatory loan applications
These changes directly follow incidents where predatory lending apps infiltrated both the Play Store and the App Store in India. These apps offered exploitative loans to financially vulnerable people and then used unethical practices to force repayment.
Google and Apple eventually removed the apps after public outcry. However, the worrying situation highlighted vulnerabilities in app review processes, particularly in the Play Store, which reaches more Indian users. Tightening reviews aims to curb these types of abusive apps in the future.
Supporting developer success
While instituting new app testing and review policies, Google says it also wants to help developers comply with Play Store standards.
One way to help developers is to allow them to choose preferred deadlines to meet the increased verification requirements announced earlier this year. Developers who do not select a timeline before February 2024 will have a deadline set.
Google is also adding new permission controls in Android 14 to allow more nuanced, selective access to user data, such as photos or videos. This will help developers request only the necessary permissions.
Additionally, new Play Store features will highlight quality apps tailored to users’ devices and recommend popular regional apps. A new badge will also identify official government apps starting in 2024.
Ongoing efforts to strengthen application security
The recently announced changes represent Google’s latest efforts to protect Play Store users and developers. Other recent initiatives include:
- Launch real-time application scanning to detect malicious code and attack abusive applications, reducing their distribution.
- Remove apps with disruptive ads after receiving user feedback. This is intended to provide a better experience.
- Block apps that contain misleading titles or icons that imitate popular apps to trick users.
- Ban apps with out-of-context collection or use of user data in their code. This further safeguards privacy.
- Remove 100,000 fraudulent developer accounts involved in fraud and other violations to prevent recurrence.
- Add new policies that restrict gambling and firearms applications to better protect minors and at-risk groups.
A responsible guardian role
As the guardian of the Android app ecosystem accessed by more than 3 billion devices, Google is under heightened pressure to ensure the integrity of the Play Store.
By requiring hands-on testing and reviews for more apps, Google aims to defend its role more responsibly. But its control position also faces constant criticism and regulatory scrutiny over allegations of anti-competitive conduct.
Google emphasizes that its most recent changes are inspired by direct feedback from developers to improve the app environment. But regulators may argue that more oversight is still needed to completely overhaul Google’s dominance in the mobile market.
However, the policy updates represent encouraging progress by proactively working with developers and investing greater resources in application research. This shared responsibility approach will ultimately strengthen protections for consumers, developers, and Google itself.
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn