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Kyle Chua
Apr 28, 20222 min read

Google Play Add New Feature That Displays What Data Apps Collect

Google is adding a new feature to the Google Play Store, the company’s Android app market, to help users learn what data an app collects and why.

Starting today, users can pull up the Data safety section when they are browsing the store to see more information about how apps collect, share and secure data. Developers are required to fill in this section for their apps by 20 July this year. And they will have to update the information as functionalities or data handling practices change for their apps.


Some of the information that users will have access to in the Data safety section include:

  • Whether the developer is collecting data and for what purpose.

  • Whether the developer is sharing data with third parties.

  • The app’s security practices, like encryption of data in transit and whether users can ask for data to be deleted.

  • Whether a qualifying app has committed to following Google Play’s Families Policy to better protect children in the Play store.

  • Whether the developer has validated their security practices against a global security standard (more specifically, the MASVS).

“Apps should help users explore the world, connect with loved ones, do work, learn something new, and more without compromising user safety,” wrote Suzanne Frey, Vice President of Product on Android Security and Privacy, in a blog post.


“The new Data safety section, in addition to Google Play’s existing safety features, gives people the visibility and control they need to enjoy their apps,” she added.


Google has also made it easier for users to control what data apps collect when they are in use via new permission features. Users, for instance, have the option to choose whether to let an app access location for one time use, only while using the app or all the time. And these permissions can easily be reviewed or changed by going to the Android Privacy dashboard in the Settings menu.

 

  • Google is adding a new feature to the Google Play Store, the company’s Android app market, to help users learn what data an app collects and why.

  • Starting today, users can pull up the Data safety section when they are browsing the store to see more information about how apps collect, share and secure data.

  • Developers are required to fill in this section for their apps by 20 July this year.


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