Google New Data Scraping Policy for Android Apps

Google has unveiled a new policy for Android apps that enable account creation. The rule mandates such apps to provide users with an option to delete both the accounts and the data associated with them.

Google aims to empower users with greater control over in-app data by this policy. For apps that enable app account creation, developers will soon need to provide an option to initiate account and data deletion from within the app and online.

 Google Play data safety section already allows developers to showcase data deletion options, the company aims to provide users with a more accessible and consistent way to request them.

The new policy means that when developers fulfil a request to delete an account, they must also delete the associated data. The feature will also enable users not wishing to delete their entire account to only remove some data types like images, videos, or history.

But developers needing to retain specific data for legitimate reasons (e.g., security, fraud prevention or regulatory compliance) would have to disclose those data retention practices. Developers requiring more time can request an extension in Play Console until May 31, 2024.