Developer policies updated with more app restrictions
Starting today, Google no longer allows crypto miners to be published on the Google Play Store, but on the other hand, the company does allow apps that remotely manage the mining of cryptocurrency.
Google isn’t the first company that decides to pull the plug on crypto miners on its app store. Earlier this year, Apple also made a similar move, entirely banning such apps on iPhones and iPads. But as compared to iOS, Android users still have the option to install crypto miners using the stand-alone APKs, so the ban could still be bypassed.
The Mountain View-based company has also implemented new policies for apps that are specifically aimed at children. Starting with this update, Google no longer allows apps to appeal to children, but come with adult themes, as the company itself explains.
“Apps that include content that sexualizes minors are subject to immediate removal from the Store. Apps that appeal to children but contain adult themes are not allowed,” Google says. “If we become aware of content with child sexual abuse imagery, we will report it to the appropriate authorities and delete the Google Accounts of those involved with the distribution.”
There are also new policies for apps that are selling explosives, firearms, and ammunition, and the search company says that apps that may instruct users on how to build their own guns are forbidden as well.
“We don’t allow apps that provide instructions for the manufacture of explosives, firearms, ammunition, restricted firearm accessories, or other weapons. This includes instructions on how to convert a firearm to automatic, or simulated automatic, firing capabilities,” it says.
Last but not least, apps published on the Google Play store are no longer allowed to display ads after every tap or to serve misleading apps.
