Google announces two key privacy changes for Android devices

Google has made two changes to the Android operating system to improve user privacy. These changes will apply to all phones running the Android system, including the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.

The first change requires that all apps which allow account creation must also provide an option to delete the account and associated data. Google has outlined this new policy on the Android Developers Blog.

Developers Required to Allow User Data Deletion:

Developers will need to provide users with the ability to delete their accounts and data from within the app and online. This requirement will take effect in early 2024, with developers having until December 2023 to ensure compliance. An extension until May 2024 is available upon request.

The second change aims to prevent predatory loan behaviors. Personal loan apps will no longer be able to access a user’s contacts or photos. Google has updated its Personal Loans policy to reflect this change, which will be implemented from May 31, 2023.

The change to the account deletion policy follows a similar requirement made by Apple for all apps installed via the App Store.

Compliance with Policy:

Developers must have their processes in order to ensure compliance with the new policy. The web requirement linked in the Data Safety form is crucial to enable users to request account and data deletion without having to reinstall an app.

Personal loan apps will no longer be able to access user contacts or photos. Google’s decision is aimed at preventing predatory loan behaviors.

Google has posted the details of the change in a Google Play support forum. The change is part of an update to Google’s Personal Loans policy.

Google’s changes to the Android operating system will apply to all phones running the system, including the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.

New policy for developers:

Developers must comply with the new policy by early 2024, with an extension available upon request until the end of May 2024.

The account deletion policy is a new requirement outlined in the Android Developers Blog. Developers must ensure users can delete their accounts and associated data from within the app and online.

Google’s decision to stop personal loan apps from accessing user contacts and photos is part of an effort to prevent predatory loan behaviors.

The Personal Loans policy update, which includes the change preventing access to user contacts and photos, will come into effect on May 31, 2023.

The new policy mirrors a similar requirement made by Apple for all apps installed via the App Store.