Updates to Google Play Policies 2020

July 8 - Summer Update

1. As for the compliance of the new policy, all new and existing applications have a grace period of at least 30 days (unless otherwise specified).

2. New requirements were made for applications that request broad access to device storage including a requirement that applications of Android R must have appropriate access permission and declaration review process.

3. Released a News Policy highlighting the rules for news apps in Google Play.

4. Updated User-generated Content (UGC) Policy requiring an in-app reporting of AR anchoring for sensitive locations.

5. Updated the Home Content Advertising and Profits Policy, and illustrated prohibited spam and operational advertising and profiting practices.

There are two pieces of good news for developers in the summer update.

Firstly, policy implementation was improved. Previously, many new policies went into effect immediately for new applications, but now they are applied equally to both new and existing applications, unless otherwise specified. Generally, a grace period of at least 30 days is provided, giving developers more time for reorganization.

Secondly, the Policy Center was improved. More examples and instructions were added, as well as more detailed information in the handling of email violation, such as violations of screenshots, to help developers locate specific violations and facilitate rectification.

September 16, September 28 - Fall Update

1. Payment Policy was updated. All in-app settlement systems must be accessed through Google Play. APPs already using other settlement systems before the update must complete all necessary changes by September 30, 2021; new APPs submitted after January 20, 2021 must comply with the new version of the policy.

2. Misrepresentation Policy was updated. It was clearly pointed out that applications or developer accounts are not permitted to pretend to be any person or organization, or to falsely state or conceal their ownership or primary purpose, nor are they permitted to engage in activities that deliberately mislead users. It is not allowed to give false information or conceal their origin region, or targeting contents to users in another countries.

3. Gambling Application Policy was updated to allow the launch of government-issued cash gambling applications in Brazil.

Above are some of the highlights of the policy update. Please go to Google Play Policy Center for more detailed information.