Android OS: Google Play store adds privacy labels to apps

(Image: Google)

Frey explained in the post that this was an attempt to give users additional information and context on how and why their data is being collected and used. “Users want to know for what purpose their data is being collected and whether the developer is sharing user data with third parties. In addition, users want to understand how app developers are securing user data after an app is downloaded … Users can also see whether the app needs this data to function or if this data collection is optional,” she said.

Once implemented, users will be able to see the following information on the page of an app:

Whether and why a developer is collecting data

Whether the developer is sharing data with third parties.

How the data is being secure, like its encryption in transit and whether users can ask for it to be deleted.

Whether a qualifying app has committed to better protect children in the Play store.

Whether the developer has validated their security practices against a global security standard — the Mobile Application Security Verification Standard.

(Image: Google)

“Giving users more visibility into how apps collect, share and secure their data through the Data safety section is just one way we’re keeping the Android users and ecosystem safe,” Frey said.

Google aims to do this by having apps ask the users for permission — much like it is done in iOS — to access sensitive information, such as location, or other hardware, such as camera and microphone. The permission can be given for one-time use, always, or denied completely.