Google has dropped the hammer on a wide range of apps in the Google Play Store, including those that mine cryptocurrency, contain hate speech, and those that contain adult content aimed at minors. The changes are part of Google efforts to clean up the Play Store and make it a safer place.
Developers who have apps in the Play Store with the restricted content will have their apps immediately removed and, in some case, could have their apps reported to law enforcement officials. In almost all cases, not only will the app be removed but the developers account will be removed from Google all together.
According to the new Developer Policy, here are some of the key areas of change for developers:
Sexually Explicit Content
- Depictions of sex acts or sexually suggestive poses.
- Promotional images of sex toys.
- Content that depicts, describes, or encourages bestiality.
- Apps that promote escort services or other services that may be interpreted as providing sexual acts in exchange for compensation.
Hate Speech
- violence, or incite hatred against individuals or groups based on race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, nationality, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or any other characteristic that is associated with systemic discrimination or marginalization
Violence
- Graphic depictions or descriptions of realistic violence or violent threats to any person or animal.
- Apps that promote self harm, suicide, eating disorders, choking games or other acts where serious injury or death may result.
There are also further restrictions on gambling apps, apps that promote the sales of firearms and other areas. None of these changes should come as a big surprise and are all in an ongoing effort to improve security and safety in the Google Play Store.
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