It’s not common to see tech giants paving the way for transparency, especially when it comes down to users. But some changes must be commendable and we’re starting off with Google’s ‘Data Safety Section’.
To help rid the growing concerns of millions of users, Google is on a mission to safeguard users' rights with the launch of its 'game changing' Data Safety Section which puts pressure on developers to showcase which apps could potentially end up invading user privacy.
This seems to be a feature that is quite in line with Apple’s initial attempt at doing something similar via its Privacy Labels. And while Google may be a little late to the party, it’s better late than never as this is a feature that was much needed.
The company recently announced how it is ready to start the feature’s rollout in the Google Play Store, adding a more cohesive approach to tackling such issues.
In case you’re wondering what exactly the new update will feature, well, Google will ask developers to come forward and highlight what data is being collected, how data can be used, whether or not third parties will gain access, and any security measures in place to protect them. Developers will be quizzed about if they’ve gone the extra mile to add verification for better security practice.
But how honest the developers are in terms of their transparency is not something that can be confirmed or counterchecked. Therefore, everything relies upon their trustworthiness.
However, the new initiative by Google is definitely being applauded as the right step forward as it keeps developers in check in terms of their accountability.
While the company at first predicted the launch would take place in February, it didn’t happen and now Google plans on launching it today.
As far as the rollout is concerned, it could take a few weeks before users can avail it from the Play Store immediately. In the meantime, we hope developers can make the most of this time and get things straight.
Read next: Google Android vs Apple iOS: Data Reveals Which OS Dominates Market Share
To help rid the growing concerns of millions of users, Google is on a mission to safeguard users' rights with the launch of its 'game changing' Data Safety Section which puts pressure on developers to showcase which apps could potentially end up invading user privacy.
This seems to be a feature that is quite in line with Apple’s initial attempt at doing something similar via its Privacy Labels. And while Google may be a little late to the party, it’s better late than never as this is a feature that was much needed.
The company recently announced how it is ready to start the feature’s rollout in the Google Play Store, adding a more cohesive approach to tackling such issues.
In case you’re wondering what exactly the new update will feature, well, Google will ask developers to come forward and highlight what data is being collected, how data can be used, whether or not third parties will gain access, and any security measures in place to protect them. Developers will be quizzed about if they’ve gone the extra mile to add verification for better security practice.
But how honest the developers are in terms of their transparency is not something that can be confirmed or counterchecked. Therefore, everything relies upon their trustworthiness.
However, the new initiative by Google is definitely being applauded as the right step forward as it keeps developers in check in terms of their accountability.
While the company at first predicted the launch would take place in February, it didn’t happen and now Google plans on launching it today.
As far as the rollout is concerned, it could take a few weeks before users can avail it from the Play Store immediately. In the meantime, we hope developers can make the most of this time and get things straight.
Read next: Google Android vs Apple iOS: Data Reveals Which OS Dominates Market Share
 Can Now Finally See Which Apps Invade Their Privacy With The Google Play Store’s ‘Data Safety Section’ ){kind=link}