By this point it has become clear that there is no way to prevent children from accessing the internet because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up harming them by restricting them from information about the world. In spite of the fact that this is the case, there is a lot of content online as well as various apps that kids should not be allowed to use until they are older, and Google is trying to factor that into its Play Store rules.
The tech giant has just updated the rules for its Play Store and added new restrictions as part of Developer Program Policy initiative. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that while this may force app developers to remove their apps from the store if they are deemed unsuitable for children, the apps might stay up in regions where their content is not considered inappropriate.
Google is clearly trying to differentiate its rules in line with the cultures and traditions of specific locations around the world, and that has created a bit of disparity with all things having been considered and taken into account. For example, Telegram has an 18+ rating in Germany to stop kids from using it, but the UK has no such restrictions instead opting for a disclaimer that is meant to educate parents thereby leaving it in their hands instead of taking action on a platform wide level.
Some are calling this a good initiative and a much needed update to a Play Store that had quickly started becoming unsafe for kids to use. Others are stating that it complicates things to an unnecessary degree, and that if Google is planning on letting regions set their own guidelines they shouldn’t force app developers to conform to their own restrictions as well. App developers have a 30 day grace period to remove their apps or update them, otherwise they will be removed automatically which could be a real blow.
Read next: These Play Store Apps Contained Spyware, Did Google Remove Them Quickly Enough?
The tech giant has just updated the rules for its Play Store and added new restrictions as part of Developer Program Policy initiative. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that while this may force app developers to remove their apps from the store if they are deemed unsuitable for children, the apps might stay up in regions where their content is not considered inappropriate.
Google is clearly trying to differentiate its rules in line with the cultures and traditions of specific locations around the world, and that has created a bit of disparity with all things having been considered and taken into account. For example, Telegram has an 18+ rating in Germany to stop kids from using it, but the UK has no such restrictions instead opting for a disclaimer that is meant to educate parents thereby leaving it in their hands instead of taking action on a platform wide level.
Some are calling this a good initiative and a much needed update to a Play Store that had quickly started becoming unsafe for kids to use. Others are stating that it complicates things to an unnecessary degree, and that if Google is planning on letting regions set their own guidelines they shouldn’t force app developers to conform to their own restrictions as well. App developers have a 30 day grace period to remove their apps or update them, otherwise they will be removed automatically which could be a real blow.
Read next: These Play Store Apps Contained Spyware, Did Google Remove Them Quickly Enough?
