Google will require Android apps to allow users to delete their account and data – Android

company announce that apps in the Play Store will soon allow users of Android devices to delete their accounts and data both inside and outside the app (for example on the app’s website). Developers should also be able to ensure that account data is deleted when a user requests that their account be completely deleted.

This particular strategy — which is of course compliant with various laws around the world, including the European General Data Protection Regulation — aims to “better educate” users about the control they have over their data and to boost trust both in apps as well as in the Play Store. According to Google, it also provides more flexibility for users, who will be able to delete specific data (such as some content they’ve posted) without having to delete their account entirely, if that’s what they want. Providing the above capability requires it to be available across the web ensuring that users do not have to reinstall an application just because their information has been deleted.

The policy will come into effect gradually. Android app developers have until December 7 to respond to data deletion questions on the app security form. The Play Store will start showing changes in early 2024, but developers will be able to request an extension until May 31 of the following year.

The changes come several months after Apple A similar rule was imposed applications in the App Store. Either way, the companies are concerned about the privacy breaches and the repercussions — they don’t want users to fall victim to data breaches because it wasn’t easy to delete accounts or sensitive information after they stopped using the app. But as we mentioned above in the text, the actions of companies like Google and Apple follow the increasing and intensified efforts of lawmakers and regulators to gain more control over the services, which until a few years ago were doing almost whatever they wanted with user data. . The European Union has the strictest legislation and gives its citizens complete power when it comes to managing their data. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also recently proposed some rule changes that would require easy ways to cancel subscriptions and memberships. Although in this particular case, the FTC is more focused on unwanted fees than protection of privacy and security, the message for app developers and the services that host them is clear: Give your users more control over their accounts or you’ll have to face the consequences, which they are in most cases. Cases heavy fines.