New Delhi: Following Apple, Google on Tuesday launched its own privacy-related labels on Google Play Store that will show users details about the data that is collected by Android apps and how it is processed. App developers have a deadline of July 20 to complete this section (privacy labels) and elaborate what details their apps gather on the Play Store.
"Today, we’re launching a new feature, the Data safety section, where developers will be required to give people more information about how apps collect, share and secure users’ data. Users will start seeing the Data safety section in Google Play today, and developers are required to complete this section for their apps by July 20th. As app developers update their functionality or change their data handling practices, they will show the latest in the apps’ Data safety section," Suzanne Frey, Vice President, Product, Android Security and Privacy, said in a statement.
"We heard from users and app developers that displaying the data an app collects, without additional context, is not enough. Users want to know for what purpose their data is being collected and whether the developer is sharing user data with third parties. In addition, users want to understand how app developers are securing user data after an app is downloaded," Frey added.
Misrepresenting an app’s data collection practices or missing the deadline to fill out this section may result in the app’s updates being blocked, and may even result in removal from the Google Play Store.
"Giving users more visibility into how apps collect, share and secure their data through the Data safety section is just one way we’re keeping the Android users and ecosystem safe," Frey added.