Google would require Android apps to allow you to delete your account

Google has introduced a brand new Google Play Retailer knowledge deletion coverage that can require Android builders to supply customers with an internet choice to delete their accounts and in-app knowledge.

In accordance with the brand new coverage, beginning in early 2024, Google Play customers can have higher management over their knowledge since each retailer itemizing will show hyperlinks within the “Knowledge deletion” space, permitting them to ask for his or her accounts and/or knowledge to be deleted.

Builders who present an in-app account deletion expertise will also have to offer a web-based choice since Google needs to permit customers to delete their knowledge with out reinstalling every app.

“As the brand new coverage states, if you fulfill a request to delete an account, you should additionally delete the info related to that account,” Google explained.

“The characteristic additionally offers builders a manner to supply extra selection: customers who could not need to delete their account completely can select to delete different knowledge solely the place relevant (similar to exercise historical past, pictures, or movies). 

“For builders that must retain sure knowledge for respectable causes similar to safety, fraud prevention, or regulatory compliance, you should clearly disclose these knowledge retention practices.”

​The brand new Play Retailer rule will likely be going into full impact subsequent 12 months, with the builders first being required to share extra particulars on their knowledge deletion practices by December 7.

Beginning in early 2024, customers will have the ability to see the submitted knowledge deletion data within the apps’ retailer listings, together with refreshed knowledge deletion badges within the new Knowledge deletion space, in addition to the Knowledge security part.

Those that don’t file the required deletion observe data in time will not have the ability to publish new apps or launch app updates.

Whereas builders can ask for an extension through the Play Console till Could 31, 2024, after this date, non-compliant apps could face elimination from Google Play.

Google’s announcement follows an analogous transfer made by Apple, which, starting June 2022, has been requiring builders of apps with an account creation choice to additionally present the customers with a option to delete their accounts from throughout the apps.