Google Launches Privacy Labels for Google Play Apps

Google today followed in Apple's footsteps and launched a version of privacy labels for its own apps, with the aim of providing Google Play users with more information about the data that the apps they download are collecting.

google app safety
First announced back in May 2021, Google's "Data safety" section will require developers to provide information about how their apps collect, share, and secure user data. Developers will need to offer up the following data:

  • Whether the developer is collecting data and for what purpose.
  • Whether the developer is sharing data with third parties.
  • The app's security practices, like encryption of data in transit and whether users can ask for data to be deleted.
  • Whether a qualifying app has committed to following Google Play's Families Policy to better protect children in the Play store.
  • Whether the developer has validated their security practices against a global security standard (more specifically, the MASVS).

Users will be able to determine whether the app needs the data to function or if the data collection is an optional feature that can be turned off.

Google says that Data safety information will be available starting today, and all developers will be required to complete this section for their apps by July 20.

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...

Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
44 months ago
Nice try and good move by Google. But It's too bad. I still don't trust Google.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannyyankou Avatar
44 months ago

I don't agree with all of Apple's policies but one thing is true: Apple's competitors tend to copy what Apple does. Removing the headphone jack, removing the charger in the box. This is one good thing that has come from that... privacy labels can be helpful to users.
And vice versa. All companies copy each other, and that's a good thing. Competition drives innovation.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
aforty Avatar
44 months ago
Welcome to the club Google. I'll still try to use as little of your "products" as possible.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NoelWalker Avatar
44 months ago
What’s next? Pixel with lightning?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tedwill Avatar
44 months ago
The fox telling the chickens that he has their back.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
44 months ago
Copycat… but a good move in the right direction. But can we start trusting you Google? Don’t know…
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)