Google Asks Android App Developers To Make It Easy For Users To Delete Data And Accounts

JAKARTA - Google has just given users better control capabilities for the data on their devices, after they removed the app from the device.

The new policy requires the Android application on the Google Play Store to allow users to easily delete their related accounts and data, both in the application and on the web.

The move aims to promote transparency and trust among users while at the same time providing greater control over their data.

In addition, this new policy also provides more flexibility where users can delete certain data, such as uploaded content, without having to completely delete their accounts.

"Online opinion is very important so that users can request their accounts and data be deleted without having to re-download the app," said Android Application Security Senior Director, Bethel Otuteye as quoted from the company's official blog, Thursday, April 6.

"As stated in the new policy, when you fulfill the request to delete an account, you must also delete the data related to the account," he added.

If developers need to store any data for security purposes, fraud prevention, or compliance with regulations, they must clearly disclose the practice to users.

Otuteye emphasized that developers have until December 7, 2023 to answer a series of questions about removing data related to their applications in data security forms.

Any developer who needs additional time can request an extension until May 31, 2024, after which the Google will take action against non-compliant applications, including removing everything from the online store.

Early next year, users will be able to see a new data deletion badge in the list of app stores suitable for the Google Play Store.

For information, Apple also implemented a similar policy on the App Store last June. It said the company removed the account from the iOS application had to be easy and transparent.