Boosting user privacy and busi... Note

Boosting user privacy and business protection with updated Play policies

Google Play is implementing new policies to enhance user privacy and protect businesses from fraud. The Android Contact Picker will become the standard for accessing contact information, promoting user trust. Apps using contacts must adopt the picker or other privacy-focused alternatives, with exceptions requiring justification via a Play Developer Declaration. A streamlined location button is also introduced for one-time precise location access to simplify user choices. Apps needing this access must use the button or declare why it is insufficient. For business security, Google is launching an official account transfer feature within the Play Console. This tool allows secure account ownership transfers, replacing previous, less secure methods. Unauthorized account transfers, like sharing credentials, will be prohibited. All account ownership changes must utilize the new transfer feature, which includes a seven-day security cool-down period. Play policy insights in Android Studio and pre-review checks in Play Console will help developers. Developers are encouraged to review these changes and update their apps accordingly. Further details, deadlines, and policy information are available on the Policy Announcements page.