Google updates Play Store policies to eliminate deceptive subscription offers

Google on Thursday announced updates to its Play Store subscription policies as part of a broader policy update to put an end to deceptive subscription practices by malicious app developers.

In an official blog post announcing the changes, the company said it will improve the subscription experience and foster trust with users by banning apps that trick users into signing up for services or in-app purchases. He said it would be done.

The goal of the policy update is to make the language publishers use to sell in-app items and subscription services clear enough for all users to understand. This includes not only the subscription itself, but also the terms of free trials and introductory offers, and how to manage your subscription via the Play Store.

Where applicable, cancellation policies should also be mentioned in clear language, the company said. Developers have until June 16, 2020 to comply with the new regulations.

As part of the new policy, Google says publishers will now explicitly mention the most important terms of their subscriptions, such as cost and billing cycle (weekly, monthly, yearly, etc.). Free or introductory offers should also clearly state the length of the offer and the price after the offer ends . Most importantly, apps must clearly disclose how subscribers can cancel or manage their subscriptions.

This new policy will give publishers transparency about subscription services on the Play Store and ultimately ensure that all users can make informed choices before signing up for a service or making an in-app purchase. It’s part of Google’s ongoing commitment to empowering you. “While these changes may lead to fewer conversions and more subscription cancellations in the short term, they will result in higher quality, more engaged subscribers and lower refund rates and chargebacks. We believe that the back rate will also decrease,” the company said.

Featured image courtesy of Google