Following in the footsteps of Apple, which for more than a year has forced developers to be more transparent about the data collected by their applications, Google Play is also starting a major project.
Since yesterday, some users may notice the appearance of a privacy card, integrated into the page of certain applications on Google Play. A way for Google to reassure about the collection of data, but which is not infallible.
More transparency
According to the blog post published yesterday by Google, developers have until July 20 to take the time to conscientiously fill out the confidentiality form linked to their products.
This sheet will be in the form of a list, covering several categories (location, personal information, financial information, etc.), and explaining the way in which the personal data of users is collected, or is not collected.
The idea is to provide more transparent information on the collection of data, the use made of this data, but also any third parties who may have access to it. These sheets must also indicate whether these dates are encrypted or not. In detail, here is the information that must appear on these sheets:
- Does the developer collect data? If so, for what purpose?
- Does the developer share this data with third parties?
- What are the developer’s encryption and data transfer practices?
- Can users request to have their data deleted from the servers?
- Has the app complied with Google Play’s Family Policy, intended to better protect children on the Play Store?
- Has the developer had its security practices certified to adapt them to international standards?
A non-binding measure
But if these sheets can indeed provide a rich complement of information to future users, they are entirely based on the good faith of the publishers.
Indeed, it is up to the rights holders to complete these forms. And, for now, Google does not plan to carry out checks. Note that this was also true for Apple, until an article in the washington post move the lines, and motivate the company to carry out spontaneous audits.
Asked by Tech Crunch, Google has also reportedly said that if it catches a developer in the act of lying about the amount of data collected, it will not delete the application, but will ask him to return to the ranks. In the event of a recurrence, more drastic measures could be taken.
On the same subject :
The Brave browser deploys an unprecedented feature that strengthens the respect of privacy
Sources: Google, Tech Crunch
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