Google Safe Browsing Extends to Android Apps Requiring User and Device Data

Advertisement
By Ankit Chawla | Updated: 4 December 2017 18:19 IST
Highlights
  • Google is extending its Safe Browsing initiative to Android apps
  • The company has also updated Google Play policies on the same front
  • Google hopes Android apps inform users of their data requirements
Google Safe Browsing Extends to Android Apps Requiring User and Device Data

Striving towards better user privacy, Google's Safe Browsing team on Friday announced new and improved regulations for Android apps that are both on and off the Google Play Store. Now, app developers handling user and device data will have to provide their own privacy policies after installation. Failure to comply will result in a Safe Browsing warning from Google.

Once the user has installed the app on their Android device, the app will need to prompt a privacy policy that explicitly mentions what kind of data it procures from the user. If the data is not functional to the working of the app, an explanation will be required so that the user can choose to give or not give access.

These requirements will apply during all instances when the app has to collect personal or device data from the user. For instance, the app will not be allowed to send crash reports and analytics reports without the consent of the owner. The regulations will come into place in the next "60 days" - let's say, February 1- and a Safe Browsing/ Google Play Protect warning will be shown on all pages leading to the non-compliant apps. This gives Android developers about two months to update their apps and make them compliant with the new rule.

On its blog post, Google said, "These requirements apply to apps in Google Play and non-Play app markets. The Google Play team has also published guidelines for how Play apps should handle user data and provide disclosure."

Advertisement

Google Safe Browsing has proven to be quite effective in the past. The new Unwanted Software Policy from Google is actively working cut down on unwanted and malicious mobile behaviour in the Android ecosystem. Gmail was recently updated with anti-phishing checks that put up Safe Browsing warnings before clicking on a malicious link received in an e-mail.

 

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. Nothing Phone 3 Surfaces on Walmart Website Which Reaffirms Its US Launch
  2. Here's When Samsung Might Launch the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7
  3. Poco F7 Design Spotted in Leaked Renders; Battery Specifications Revealed
  1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24 Price Lowered on Amazon With Discounts, Cashback Offers
  2. Maryade Prashne Now Streaming on SunNXT: Everything You Need to Know
  3. Good Wife OTT Release: When and Where to Watch Tamil Legal Drama Online?
  4. Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 Update for Pixel Reportedly Brings New Launch Animation for Gemini Overlay
  5. Jinn - The Pet OTT Release Date: When and Where to Where to Watch Tamil Horror-Comedy Online?
  6. DD Next Level Now Streaming: Know Where to Watch This Tamil Horror-Comedy
  7. Nothing Phone 3 Listed on Walmart Website, Reaffirming Its Launch in the US
  8. OnePlus Pad Lite Design and Key Specifications Leaked, Could Launch Soon
  9. Samsung's Upcoming Running Events Reportedly Hint at Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7 and Watch 8 Series Launch Timeline
  10. Poco F7 Design Spotted in Leaked Renders; Battery Specifications Revealed via Flipkart
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2025. All rights reserved.