Developers have until July 20 to complete a new data security section under their applications to be more transparent to users.
Alphabet is introducing a new data security section under the apps in its Google Play Store for Android devices, which will give users more information on how their data is used.
Like the food labels in Apple’s App Store, the new Google Play Data Security section will include information filled in by app developers about what user data is collected, for what purpose, and whether it’s shared with third parties.
The section, which launched on Google Play yesterday (April 26), will also notify users whether data collection is mandatory or optional for the app to work. Developers have until July 20 to complete this section for their applications.
Google first announced that it was working on a new privacy section early last year, months after Apple introduced its own privacy summary section in the App Store.
It says this move is a response to feedback from users and application developers that displaying data collected by an application without providing additional context is “not enough”.
“Consumers want to know what their data is collected for and whether the developer shares user data with third parties,” wrote Susanne Frey, vice president of product for Android Security and Privacy, in a blog post announcing the feature.
Frey added that users also want to understand how application developers provide user data after downloading the application. “That’s why we created the Data Security section to allow developers to clearly mark what data is collected and what it is used for.”
In addition to some basic data collection data, developers can also use the Data Security section to explain application security practices, such as data encryption and whether users can request that data be deleted.
Google also followed Apple’s example by giving users more control over their data after downloading the app, with new permission features.
For example, when an app asks Android users about their location, users may choose to share this data only once, just while using the app or all the time. All permissions can also be changed later in the Android Privacy Dashboard, where users can view the data they share.
“Applications need to help consumers explore the world, connect with loved ones, work, learn something new and more without compromising consumer safety,” Frey said.
“The new Data Security section, in addition to Google Play’s existing security features, gives people the visibility and control they need to enjoy their apps.”
In February, Google said it was working on new measures to address the privacy of ad data on Android smartphones and limit in-app tracking – promising not to make changes as “dumb” as other moves like those taken by Apple.
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