Updates to Google Play Policies 2020

Google Play is an essential distribution channel for overseas developers. In the past 12 months, 116 billion APPs and games in Google Play were downloaded by 2.5 billion mobile devices. On November 17, the second day of the Google Developers Conference 2020, Google explained in detail its policy update and other related information of Google Play 2020.

It is very important for developers to comply with Google Play policies, because they can be affected in different ways once there is a violation. It is important to emphasize that Google Play violations can be accumulated. High-frequency and minor violations can result to account blockade; once an account is closed, no new accounts will be allowed to be opened.

As a whole, Google Play's policies are divided into two main categories: Developer Distribution Agreement and Developer Content Policy, which are updated at least three to four times a year.

April 6 - Spring Update

1. Updated the Deceptive Behavior Policy and clarified the applications whose features involve deceptive behavior.

2. Media Content Manipulation Policy was made for applications that distribute or create falsified media content.

3. Updated Malware Policy

4. Updated Subscription Policy to ensure that developers can clearly convey subscription service information, including clear pricing and publicity, free trial and initial use discount, as well as management and cancellation of subscriptions.

Common violations of subscriptions are: 1. Failure to inform users that the corresponding subscription will be automatically renewed and continue to charge; 2. Annual subscription plans that show monthly fees; 3. Prices and terms that are not fully localized. 

5. Changing the Advertising Network Identification Program into Family Advertising Program.

6. Updated the Family Policy. Required the disclosure of collecting children's personal and sensitive information; further clarified requirements regarding Bluetooth usage; updated the "Advertising and Profits" section of Family Policy to prohibit spam and operational advertising and profits. 

7. Updated Location Information Policy to make behavior more transparent and restrict access to location data, especially background location information.