Google Launches New Data Privacy Policy, Developers Are Free To Share Information On App Store

JAKARTA - Earlier this year, the Google Play Store launched a new data privacy section that relies on developers to disclose the information their apps collect. This may mean that Google will no longer display the list of verified app permissions it automatically collects from each app, which normally gives developers full control over what they choose or don't choose to disclose to users.

When Google first announced its new data privacy section last year, the company made it clear that its systems would rely on information provided by developers. On its support page, Google states that developers have until July 20 to fill out a data privacy form for their app, noting that developers "own" must make a "complete and accurate statement" for their app.

“Google Play reviews apps across all policy terms; but we can't make decisions on behalf of developers about how they handle user data," explained Google, as quoted by The Verge. “Only you have all the information required to complete the Data security form.”

Google said it would take "appropriate action" if it found discrepancies between the information reported by the developer and the information contained in the app itself.

It's worth noting that the Apple App Store also has a similar policy for its privacy "nutrition" label, and also requires developers to submit "self-reported summaries" of their apps' privacy practices.

Just as Google does now, Apple puts its trust in developers to provide correct information about the data their apps collect, which according to a report from The Washington Post is often “misleading or downright inaccurate.”

While Google doesn't show any plans to replace auto-generated app permissions with the data privacy section, it looks like Google is quietly swapping it out.

Esper senior editor Mishaal Rahman stated that Google will no longer display the list of verified permissions it automatically collects from each app.

In a thread on Twitter, Rahman showed a screenshot comparing one app listing to the old "Permissions" section, and another having only "Data security."

As Rahman points out, Google keeps app permissions in the Play store, but that's not visible from the front end. He suggests downloading an open source Play Store alternative, called Aurora, which still displays permissions before you download the app.

But it would make more sense for Google to show app permissions and data privacy sections. This way, users can compare the two to confirm that the developer's reported permissions are consistent with Google's findings. But when The Verge contacted Google to confirm about the app's permissions, unfortunately it didn't get an immediate response.