Google has announced plans to introduce a new policy that will allow Android users to have more control over their data. The policy will require developers to provide an option for users to delete their data from within the app and online.
This initiative is part of a long-term plan to improve user trust and require developers to provide clear information on their applications’ privacy and security practices. Google will also require developers to clearly disclose their data retention practices when certain data needs to be kept for legitimate reasons, such as fraud prevention, security, or regulatory compliance.
Developers will need to link the web requirement in their data safety form, which will allow users to request account and data deletion without having to reinstall the application.
Currently, users can already access information on data deletion options in Google Play’s data safety section, but this upcoming option will make it easier for them to request data deletion.
Once the policy comes into effect, developers will be required to delete both the account and the data associated with it when a request is received.
However, users will be able to opt out of a complete account deletion and choose to have only selected data erased. This policy will increase user trust in apps and in Google Play more broadly, according to Google.
Google is currently requiring developers to submit responses to new data deletion questions in their application’s data safety forms, with the submission period ending on December 7. The first changes brought by the policy will start to appear in application listings in Google Play early next year.
These changes will include a new data deletion area and a refreshed data deletion badge in the data safety section. Developers can find additional information on these changes on the Data Deletion help center page.
