The Latest on Apple and Google’s App Updates

Here’s Apple’s new account deletion requirements and Google’s new policy for app developers to provide additional privacy and security details to users of their apps.

Apple’s new account deletion requirement 

Starting on June 30, 2022, Apple Store apps that enable users to create an account in the app must also permit the app user to delete their account from within the app itself. This is a change from prior practices, where some user accounts could only be deleted by contacting the company or filling out a form online.  

Beginning on June 30, 2022, all app submissions must include this capability. If not, the app will not be added to the Apple App Store. 

This change reduces the difficulty often associated with trying to delete a user account. Adding account deletion capabilities to apps will make it easier for users to control their data privacy by allowing them to choose whether to delete their account from within the app, without having to track down the deletion process on the company website or having frustrating calls with customer service. We are hopeful that this step in the right direction reduces barriers for consumers to take control of their data privacy. 

Google’s new requirement for providing privacy and security details 

App developers applying to list their app in Google’s Play Store now have the ability to fill out additional details about their app’s privacy and security practices in a new Data Safety section of the app description. If the app is approved and listed, that privacy and security information will be displayed with the app description in the Google Play Store.  

Starting in April 2022, app developers must get their Data Safety section approved and provide a Privacy Policy in order to have their apps added to Google’s Play Store. 

This is a change from prior practices, as the Data Safety section is new, and Privacy Policies were previously only required for apps that collected personal and sensitive user data. Now ALL new apps must include an approved Data Safety Section and a Privacy Policy. 

These changes will improve transparency in two ways:  

• Ensures that all apps listed on the Play Store include data safety and Privacy Policy information with the app listing, meaning the consumer can always review this information before deciding whether to download the app. 

• Consistency in how the information is presented to the consumer. The information will be found in the same places in each app listing: the Data Safety section and the Privacy Policy section. Consistency in how information is presented is key in allowing consumers to easily compare privacy and security practices of different apps, which empowers them to make educated choices based on their privacy and security needs. 

If you have any questions about these recent developments from Apple or Google, please do not hesitate to reach out to us here at Aleada! 

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from "Ask Aleada" Blog - Aleada Consulting authored by "Ask Aleada" Blog - Aleada Consulting. Read the original post at: https://www.aleada.co/ask-aleada-blog/2022/3/31/the-latest-on-apple-and-googles-app-updates