Policy Deadlines

To give users a better experience, we’re introducing new limitations for using the USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT permission. For apps targeting Android U (API level 34) and above, we’re changing this permission to a special app access permission. Only apps whose core functionality requires a full screen notification will be granted this permission by default. All other apps will need to request permission from the user.

Announced 2023-10-25

We’re adding a new Health apps policy under “Health Content and Services” to introduce new requirements for apps that fall under the Health apps categories. We’re also updating the policy to reflect current public health guidance.

Announced 2023-10-25

For a more privacy preserving experience for users, we’re introducing the Photo and Video Permissions policy to reduce the number of apps permitted to request broad photo/video permissions (READ_MEDIA_IMAGES and READ_MEDIA_VIDEO). Apps may only access photos and videos for purposes directly related to app functionality. Apps that have a one-time or infrequent need to access these files are requested to use a system picker, such as the Android photo picker.

Announced 2023-10-25

We’re introducing a Child Safety Standards policy requiring Social and Dating apps to follow specific standards and self-certify compliance on Play Console before publishing.

Announced 2024-04-03

To enhance the visibility and management of health-related apps on Google Play, we’re introducing a Health Apps console declaration. Apps with health or medical-related features or functionality must attest to this on Play Console. Learn more

Announced 2024-04-03

We’re updating our Manipulated Media policy to include audio as an additional example of a type of media covered under the policy.

Announced 2024-04-03

We’re clarifying our Personal Loans policy to ensure loan repayment periods comply with local regulations.

Announced 2024-04-03

We’re updating our Health Connect policy to streamline the Health Connect application process and align with the Health Apps policy. The existing form-based application will be replaced with a new Play Console declaration later this year.

Announced 2024-04-03

We’re clarifying our User Generated Content policy to explain how different UGC experiences may require different in-app moderation efforts.

Announced 2023-10-25

To help ensure generative AI apps are safe for users, we’re reminding developers that all genAI apps must comply with our policies. We’re also requiring that certain genAI apps have user reporting or flagging features.

Announced 2023-10-25

To give developers more control over where their apps appear, we’re updating our Device and Network Abuse policy to state that all apps running On-device Android Containers, which simulate all or portions of the Android OS, must respect the new REQUIRE_SECURE_ENV flag. Apps can add this flag to their manifest to indicate they don't want to be run in an On-device Android Container.

Announced 2023-07-12

We’re adding new guidelines to our Device and Network Abuse policy:

• For apps targeting Android 14 and above, a new set of policy restrictions will apply to the usage of foreground services (FGS). Apps can only declare foreground services (FGS) for appropriate use cases. Developers must also specify a valid foreground service type for each foreground service (FGS) used in your app, and declare the foreground service permission that is appropriate for that type.
• We’re introducing a new JobScheduler API and requirements that makes user-initiated data transfers easier and more transparent.

Announced 2023-04-05

To comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulation, beginning March 6, 2024, we’re updating our Payments policy to allow developers to direct European Economic Area (EEA) users outside their app, including to promote offers for in-app digital features and services, subject to program requirements. Additionally, we’re expanding our alternative billing programs for EEA users to include more eligible device types and app categories. Learn more

Announced 2024-03-06

We’re updating our Personal Loans policy to restrict additional use cases from accessing sensitive permissions.

Announced 2024-04-03

We're updating our Spyware policy to clarify our existing approach to protecting users from malicious applications, code, or behavior.

Announced 2024-04-03

We’re consolidating our Terrorism Content and Dangerous Organizations and Movements policies (formerly under the Violence policy), into a single Violent Extremism policy.

Announced 2024-04-03

We’re updating our Permissions for Foreground Services policy with an exception for the “dataSync” foreground service type to permit its use for Play Asset Delivery functionality.

Announced 2024-04-03

We’re updating our Inappropriate Content policy with guidance on sexual content in book and video catalog apps.

Announced 2024-04-03

We're updating our Mobile Unwanted Software policy to clarify that developers must not request or deceive users into disabling device security protections such as Google Play Protect.

Announced 2024-04-03

We’re updating our Malware policy to clarify that Maskware is a subtype of malware. Maskware is an application that utilizes a variety of evasion techniques in order to serve the user different, or fake, application functionality.

Announced 2024-04-03