Google has updated developer program policy page to make the platform more secure and easier to navigate for users. The search giant also outlined the types of apps not allowed on the platform. For example, apps that disclose personal information such as credit-card and social-security numbers without authorization are not allowed.
Google is also restricting developers from using names or icons similar to existing apps, ostensibly to cut down on piracy.
“Don’t pretend to be someone else, and don’t represent that your app is authorized by or produced by another company or organization if that is not the case,” Google said on its policy page. “Products or the ads they contain also must not mimic functionality or warnings from the operating system or other applications.”
To ward off spam, the policy also said developers shouldn’t post repetitive content, and product descriptions should not be misleading or loaded with keywords to boost its relevancy in the store’s search results. Google noted that sending SMS, email or other messages on behalf of the user without their approval is forbidden.
“We are constantly striving to make Google Play a great community for developers and consumers,” Google said in the email. “This requires us to update our policies when we launch new features, like subscription billing, and also when we see unhealthy behavior, like deceptive app names and spammy notifications.”
Violations to any of these rules could get developers and apps kicked out of Google Play for good.
