Topics
previous
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP / Getty Images
Apps
Biotech & Health
Climate
Cloud Computing
Commerce
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
Fundraising
gadget
Gaming
Government & Policy
Hardware
Layoffs
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
concealment
Robotics
Security
Social
distance
startup
TikTok
Transportation
Venture
More from TechCrunch
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
newssheet
Podcasts
Videos
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
Google today isannouncingstrengthened protections for Android developers publishing apps to its Google Play store . The changes are a part of Google ’s broader attempt at save depressed - caliber and unsafe apps out of its app computer storage and off consumers ’ devices , which also late include the launch of a newreal - time app scan feature of speech to battle malicious apps . Today , the company say it will now require new Android developers with personal account to prove their app with a minimum of 20 people for at least 2 weeks prior to publication . It additionally plan to increase its investment in the app review process , warning of potential slowdowns in commendation for a diminished number of apps as these modification twine out .
allot to Google , developers that use its testing tools have , on average , 3 times the amount of app installs and drug user participation . That , of course , may not be a factor in full attributable to Google ’s creature , but to the developers who would utilise such app examination tools before slay publish . That is , they ’re likely developing higher - timber covering . But now , app testing will no longer be optional for developers with newly created Play Console chronicle , says Google .
Without ply an precise timeframe , Google tell that newfangled developers with individual score ( as opposed to new Organization account statement ) will be want to test apps with 20 masses or more for 2 weeks or longer before publishing to production . The company trust this will aid developers identify issues and bugs , and clear user feedback before their app ’s launch . It says the requirement will arrive in the caper Console in the “ coming days . ”
touch on to this , Google also contrive to invest more intemperately in its app review process , which , anecdotally , has long been study to be less stringent than Apple ’s with more reliance on automation over human follow-up . Today , Google says its followup team will commence to drop more sentence assessing newfangled apps to ensure policy compliance and that they do n’t gip users , include within the app or outside the Play Store .
This peculiar change follow an issue that ’s impacted both app stores in India , specifically , where predatory loaning apps have targeted financially insecure consumers , and then used unethical tactics to pressure borrowers to pay back debts . Applethis summertime also had to sweep its App Store of these apps , but Android is more popular in India , which mean the subject moreheavily impacts the Play Store .
However , Google is also take aim at apps that ask for elevated permissions with thelaunch of Android 14 . With this release , developer can use more granular license flow options , like asking only to get at blue-ribbon exposure or videos instead of the entirety of a user ’s photo gallery .
As a result of the app review changes , Google monish it may take longer to review “ a small portion of apps , ” including those that postulate “ certain machine permissions ” or those aimed at shaver .
Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
The ship’s company announced a few other update today , as well , including the ability for developers to choose their preferred deadline for meetingstricter verification requirementsassociated with publishing on Google Play . Developers who do n’t choose a timeframe before Feb. 29 , 2024 will have their deadline set for them , Google enjoin .
It also noted that , in addition to provide drug user with more information about which apps form well on their devices , and other efforts to highlight local and regional content , Google will sum a badge describe official government apps bulge out in 2024 .
