Google has announced plans to remove low-functioning and low-quality apps from the Play Store, with a deadline of August 31. Forbes reports that the move is part of an upgrade to Google’s Spam and Minimum Functionality policy, which aims to raise app standards and improve user experience.
As stated in the updated policy, the targeted apps include those “that are static without app-specific functionalities, for example, apps with very little content and that do not provide an engaging user experience, text only or PDF file apps, for example, single wallpaper apps, and apps that are designed to do nothing or have no function.“
Google has increased its quality threshold , acknowledging that many apparently harmless apps are used as conduits for malware or as ruses for more harmful alternatives. Google intends to tighten its net by focusing on apps with little legal function.
There is growing concern that this would affect popular apps with millions of installs, as well as legal apps with low quality ratings.
Google advises developers to ensure their apps “Provide a stable, responsive, and engaging user experience. Apps that crash, do not have the basic degree of adequate utility as mobile apps, lack engaging content, or exhibit other behavior that is not consistent with a functional and engaging user experience are not allowed on Google Play.”
These modifications are a part of more extensive Play Store security improvements. Google updated its policies on July 17th, which included tougher guidelines for spyware enforcement and prevention, increased malware prevention, and a requirement for developers to remove third-party code from known malware distributors.
Developers should not be shocked by these changes, as they have six weeks to make sure compatibility. The updated policy will be effective on August 31.
Google has stated that the upcoming operating system update, Android 15, would provide the most significant privacy and security updates to date. Android 15 will feature “live threat detection,” which uses on-device artificial intelligence to monitor behavioral signals related to key permissions and app interactions.
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