Google has introduced a new data deletion policy, requiring all Android apps to allow users to delete their data. However, many big players like BYJU do not allow requests for account and data deletion natively on their platforms. Google has given developers time to comply with this new policy, which will take effect on December 7th.
Google Play Store listings will start showing this change in early 2024. This shift empowers users, relieving them of the worry about their sensitive information being at risk. They can now request the removal of their account and data at any time, without the hassle of manual contact with app developers or companies.
Apps with accounts will be required to request data deletion.
This helps users have better control and awareness of their in-app data, both in-app and online. This means users can request the deletion of their account without reinstalling an app. Ahead of the Play Store listing, developers have to answer a few questions related to data deletion in their app’s safety form and link an online data deletion option within the data safety section of their Google Play Store listing. Companies want to make the Android experience more intuitive for users and developers. Having control over data gives users more clarity and control over their data.
Play Store listings will have a data deletion option for online data deletion requests.
Users can directly go to their website or app to request the deletion of an account, and developers will also have to wipe data for an account upon request. This process, even if the app is not installed on their device, instills more trust in the Google Play Store and its apps, making users feel more confident and secure.
All Android apps that require users to create an account need to offer the option to delete it within the app and on the web. Users will also be able to choose what data they want to remove or keep, such as activity history, images, or videos, without having to delete their accounts. Giving users more control over their data is important, as most companies misuse this data for marketing and other purposes, which can be very annoying. Making data collection and usage more transparent is a major step towards better privacy and security features.
This change comes after Apple instituted similar rules for the App Store, where all apps listed on the App Store have to allow users to delete their account and data upon request via the app or web. It’s a good sign that big tech giants are working, being more concerned about privacy violations and data breaches and giving users more control over their data. Indeed, this functionality can protect users from privacy violations and data breaches, and companies and developers can protect their reputations.
It is still being determined how Google will check if this rule is being followed or if it is still up to developers to disclose and provide users with actual deletion confirmation. This new policy will be enforced early in 2024, while developers can request an extension via the Google Play Console until May 31st, 2024. After that, non-compliant apps will face delisting from Google Play.