Android Apps Must Allow Users to Delete Account and Data, Says Google

When you delete an app from your phone, the app’s files and data are typically removed from your device, including any cached or temporary data that the app may have created. However, it’s important to note that there may still be some residual data left behind on your phone after you delete an app. For instance, some apps may create files or folders outside of their main app directory, which may not be removed when you delete the app. Additionally, certain apps may store data online in the cloud or on external servers, which would not be removed when you delete the app from your device. Furthermore, some apps may request permissions to access certain data on your device, such as your contacts, location, or photos. Even after you delete the app, the data that the app accessed may still be available to the app’s developers or third-party advertisers, depending on the app’s privacy policy and terms of use. As per the Google’s latest announcement, the company wants users to have better control of what stays on their devices after they remove an application from their device.

Google has recently announced a new policy that requires Android apps on the Play Store to allow users to easily delete an account and its associated data, both inside the app and on the web. This move is aimed at promoting transparency and trust among users while also enabling greater control over their data. It also provides more flexibility by allowing users to delete specific data, such as uploaded content, without having to completely erase their account.

The policy will be implemented in stages, with creators having until December 7th to address questions about data deletion in their app’s safety form, and store listings reflecting the changes in early 2024. Developers have until May 31st of next year to file for an extension. Google’s new policy follows a similar rule instituted by Apple for App Store software and is part of a broader trend of regulators demanding more control over services. This includes the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed rule changes requiring easy ways to cancel subscriptions and memberships. By enabling greater control of accounts, Google and other companies hope to prevent privacy violations and associated fallout, such as data breaches.

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(Via)