In the evergrowing world of internet, user data is a commodity. This is why the more personal user data is, the more expensive it becomes.
So here, nobody who collects data for money would stop collecting data, let alone delete it. But Google is requiring that Android app developers to allow users to have such freedom. Google wants users to be able to delete their accounts on third-party apps, and scrub any of their personal data.
To do this, Google has updated its Google Play Store data deletion policy, which gives users more control over their in-app data.
According to Bethel Otuteye, Senior Director, Product Management at Android App Safety, in a blog post:
What this means, developers of Android apps that enable account creation should provide an option for users to initiate account and data deletion, right within their apps, and online as well.
Otuteye said that the online option is especially important so that users can request to have their accounts and data deleted without having to redownload the app.
"As the new policy states, when you fulfill a request to delete an account, you must also delete the data associated with that account," explained Otuteye.
This practice simply gives users more choice.
For example, a user may want to delete the data associated with their account (images, videos, documents, etc.) while keeping the account active. If developers need to retain any of the data for security, fraud prevention, or regulatory compliance purposes, they have to clearly disclose those practices.
Google said that Android app developers have until December 7, 2023, to answer a series of data deletion questions concerning their apps in the data safety form.
Any developers who require additional time can request an extension to May 31, 2024.
And to ensure that users get what they deserve, Google wants to provide a new data deletion badge on Google Play Store listings for compliant apps.
"Early next year, Google Play users will begin to see reflected changes in your app’s store listing, including the refreshed data deletion badge in the Data safety section and the new Data deletion area," Otuteye said.
And after May 31, 2024, Google will take action against non-compliant apps, which might include removing them from the store altogether.
It’s worth noting that Apple implemented a similar policy on the App Store back in June 2022.
According to Apple, the process for deleting an account from an iOS app "should be straightforward and transparent."
So what Google is doing here, is following Apple's examples.