Tech News

Google’s new feature for users to know what personal data each application collects

Google has a new Security section google play Store. In it, users will be able to consult information on the security and data protection mechanisms present in Android applications.

The company implemented this space after an extension announced last February, when it updated the dates on the Android Developers page. At that time, he indicated that it would be April 26 when he would carry out this initiative, presented in May 2021. And now the stipulated date has arrived.

This section integrates the data attached by developers, who must detail the type of information that their applications share and collect (such as location or contact list) and the use made of them.

That is, if they are used to improve the functionality of your service or to personalize the user experience. In addition, they must include whether this collection of information is optional or mandatory for the use of the application.

Likewise, they will be obliged to break down the security practices that they have implemented on their platforms, as detailed below.

This is the information developers can display in the Data Security section:

1. Whether the developer is collecting data and for what purpose.

2. If the developer is sharing data with third parties.

3. The application’s security practices, such as encryption of data in transit and whether users can request that data be deleted.

4. Whether an eligible app has agreed to follow the Google Play Family Policy to better protect children on the Play Store.

5. Whether the developer has validated its security practices against a global security standard (more specifically, the MASVS).

Despite the global implementation of the Security section of the Google Play Store, developers will still be able to submit new apps and updates until July 20. From then on, it will be mandatory for all new services that each of these apps include their corresponding security form.

Developers will also not be able to bring their apps to the Android digital store if their checklists are incomplete or they have an unresolved issue.

After that day, those platforms that do not meet the requirements of google play could be removed from this app store Android.

It should be remembered that the system has also given users greater control over installed applications through simple permission functions.

For example, when an app asks to access “your location”, people can easily decide if they want to grant that permission, just once, or only while using the app or all the time..

In turn, to obtain sensitive permissions such as camera, microphone or location data, people can go to the Android privacy panel to review data access by applications. This option came with the launch of android 12.

These are changes that have also been implemented in iOS a while ago. In Apple’s operating system, users can also see, via an icon, whether the app in use is accessing the camera or audio. In turn, they have the option to manage location permissions in the same way that it is done on Android.

In recent times, both operating systems have implemented functions so that users can learn more about the permissions they grant to the platforms. This is in line with the demands for greater privacy and security that have been raised from the digital ecosystem.

:

Tags

Related Articles

Check Also
Close
Back to top button