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Apple with iOS 14 introduced App Privacy labels for App Store apps, which are designed to let customers know details about the data that an app will collect about them before they make the decision to install an app.

google-privacy-labels.jpg

Google is planning to follow in Apple's footsteps with the Play Store, introducing a new feature that will require developers to provide transparency into how apps are using data.

On the Android Developers Blog, Google announced a new "safety section" for the Play Store that will "help people understand the data an app collects of shares, if that data is secured, and the additional details that impact privacy and security."

Developers will be asked to share what type of data is collected and stored and how the data is used. Play Store listings will also outline whether apps employ security practices like data encryption, if Google's Families policy is followed, if the data sharing details have been verified by an independent third party, and if an app allows users to request data deletion.

As with Apple's App Privacy labels, Google Play developers must self-report information, and Google will introduce a policy that requires developers to provide accurate details. If a developer violates this policy, Google will "require the developer to fix it" and there could be "policy enforcement" consequences.

Google plans to share additional policy requirements and resources this summer, and all Play Store apps will be required to provide this information starting in the second quarter of 2022.

Article Link: Google Plans to Add Privacy Labels to Play Store Apps Next Year
 
Let’s see how many companies decide to complain or take pot shots. Think Schmuckerberg will publicly wring his hands again?

I also wonder how many MR members who went apoplectic about Apple doing this will again go apoplectic about Google following suit.

Finally, I wonder how many Apple haters will finally recognize what innovation can look like, beyond bezel size, that is.
 
Google and their token gestures, I bet the way they implement this will be no different. it really grates me that as a consumer I want better choices and they keep on failing me.

As an example, like how they made it mandatory for Nest Camera green LED lights to be on when recording and even flashing when viewing - all so they could say "hey look at us, we care about your privacy". They actually removed functionality from me so they could claim to be user cool.

Firstly who would ever see a camera pointing at them and assume that it wasn't on? Secondly, now any burglar or would be criminal can be fully confident that if the light is off, my Outdoor cameras are off so they are good to go. I could of course cover the light, but then there is no deterrent. It is a camera, if you want privacy you wouldn't have it in the room in the first place.

At times I think that many of Google's departments are run by clueless technophobes. Shrinking the Pixel 4 battery whilst others were increasing theirs, removing the telephoto lens on the Pixel 5, being other prime examples. I often wonder what they could achieve if some grown ups were put in charge. /rant
 
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Will they honestly disclose what data their own apps collect? That could be embarrassing. :p
They already do. The question is if the toggles to turn off the information flow actually DO what they’re supposed to do beyond what the customer can see and thinks is happening.
 
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Google realizing they need to try to build trust but they'll take the time to find a way to make it look trustworthy while still collecting all your data.
 
Facebook has been sending non-stop notifications about how 14.5 hurts small businesses and trying to do anything they can to get people to keep sharing all their data.

That'll just be winding down when this launches and it'll start all over again.
 
Android looks like a futuristic OS compared to iOS, which has literally looked the same since 2007
Disagreeable. Android looks just like iOS with worse icon. I used the test thingy and it was terrible. Also, all google does is copy Apple all day, even Android is a copy cat of iOS.
 
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Disagreeable. Android looks just like iOS with worse icon. I used the test thingy and it was terrible. Also, all google does is copy Apple all day, even Android is a copy cat of iOS.
Uhh there's not a single "android" look, pixel, Samsung, OnePlus phones look different, and each of them has launchers support. Shows how knowledgeable you are about Android...
 
Uhh there's not a single "android" look, pixel, Samsung, OnePlus phones look different, and each of them has launchers support. Shows how knowledgeable you are about Android...
I am very aware of that, and all the other looks still look awful. And the first Android just copied iOS blatantly. Basically, Android copied iOS right from the start.
 
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Trusting Google with your privacy is like trusting Lenin to spread capitalism

I just don’t understand. I’ve been using Google services for almost 15 years now. Yes I use Apple hardware, and mainly icloud.
But I’m a heavy long time google services user and don’t feel the least bit violated. I use Google knowing my searches, emails etc are not private. It’s pretty obvious since almost everything is free.
 
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