Google has announced a new Play Store regulation, which mandates that apps must include an easily accessible option for users to delete their accounts, both within the app and on the web.
In the announcement, the Tech Giant explained that the reason behind this change aims to grant users “greater clarity and control over their in-app data.” The new rule will apply to apps that allow users to create accounts.
Google wants to make sure that if someone deletes the app, they don’t have to download it again just to ask for their account to be removed too. To enable this, it plans to introduce a field within the Play Store that will direct users to the web address for account deletion.
Developers should be aware of a few specific aspects of the policy. It explicitly states that providing users with the option to temporarily deactivate or freeze their accounts will not be sufficient to meet the requirement.
Moreover, developers must delete users’ data alongside their accounts, unless they have a “legitimate reason” for retaining it (such as legal or security requirements). In such cases, developers must disclose their data retention practices.
This significant change might require some developers to invest time and effort, so it won’t take effect immediately.
Google explains that developers must take the “first step” by providing additional information about their data deletion practices using Google’s existing data safety form by December 7th.
Users can expect to see information about an app’s account and data deletion processes “early next year.” Developers can also apply for an extension until May 31st, 2024.
Google is not the first company to implement such a requirement. Apple introduced a similar policy in October 2021, which took effect in June 2022.
The App Store rule has comparable requirements and exceptions, although it does not stipulate that users should be able to delete their accounts via the web as well.
