New Google guidelines prevent apps from collecting unnecessary data

Seeking to provide more protection to Android users, Google is preventing apps from collecting unnecessary data that isn't required for the app to work. Apps that save and disseminate such personal data that doesn't need to be collected must explain to the user how the data is going to be used. In addition, the user must give permission to the developer to collect the information.

Even apps installed from outside the Google Play Store have to follow Google's new requirements, or else a warning will pop up to remind users that an app is trying to collect data from them without permission. Developers have 60 days to make the requested changes, or else their apps will appear with a warning..

Just the other day, we told you that Google is banning all apps that end up placing ads on your lockscreen. Apps whose main raison d'être is to provide an alternative lockscreen for your handset ARE allowed to show ads.


With these new guidelines, Google is tightening up the flow of personal data in the Play Store to help prevent identity theft.

source: Google