Google Play Developer policies updated

Google is sending out a notice to Google Play Developers about some changes they’ve made to their policies. The newly updated Developer Program Policy page adds revisions like a new sensitive events policy for natural disasters and/or global conflicts. Everything else is more or less changes to the language used for current policies. It’s pretty cut and dry, but here’s the full list of changes outlined in their email:

• A new sensitive events policy addresses sensitivities around tragic events, such as natural disasters or global conflicts.


• To protect users from harm, we’ve introduced new deceptive behavior language to more clearly define expectations for app functionality.


• We’ve clarified language in the payment policy section for consistency and added links to a supplemental help center article for additional developer support.


• To ensure a secure and consistent customer support experience for our users, we’ve introduced a provision which governs the transfer of in-app virtual currencies purchased in an app.


• We’ve specified that apps should not harm, interfere with, or improperly access Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

Developers who publish an application or game after today will be subject to the new changes, while those who’ve already submitted content to Google Play will have 30 calendar days to comply or risk their app being removed from the Play Store. Google is also asking developers to provide feedback on their terms and polices in a brief survey here.

[Google Play Developer Program Policies]