Google has introduced a brand new Google Play Retailer information deletion coverage that may require Android builders to offer customers with a web-based choice to delete their accounts and in-app information.

Based on the brand new coverage, beginning in early 2024, Google Play customers could have higher management over their information since each retailer itemizing will show hyperlinks within the “Information deletion” space, permitting them to ask for his or her accounts and/or information to be deleted.

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

“As the brand new coverage states, once you fulfill a request to delete an account, it’s essential to additionally delete the info related to that account,” Google explained.

“The characteristic additionally offers builders a manner to offer extra selection: customers who could not wish to delete their account completely can select to delete different information solely the place relevant (corresponding to exercise historical past, photographs, or movies). 

“For builders that must retain sure information for authentic causes corresponding to safety, fraud prevention, or regulatory compliance, it’s essential to clearly disclose these information retention practices.”

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

Beginning in early 2024, customers will be capable to see the submitted information deletion info within the apps’ retailer listings, together with refreshed information deletion badges within the new Information deletion space, in addition to the Information security part.

Those that don’t file the required deletion observe data in time will not be capable 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 removing 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 technique to delete their accounts from inside the apps.