Android Apps to Soon Require Option to Delete User Data

Google has today announced a new data deletion policy that offers Android users more transparency and greater control over their in-app data.

For all apps that enable account creation, developers will soon need to provide an option to initiate account and data deletion from within the app and online.

The requirement to allow data deletion via the web will let Android users request account and data deletion without having to reinstall the app.

When developers fulfill a request to delete an account, they must also delete the data associated with that account, states the policy.

If developers need to retain certain data for legitimate reasons such as security, fraud prevention, or regulatory compliance, they must clearly disclose those practices.

“By creating a more intuitive experience with this policy, we hope to better educate our shared users on the data controls available,” notes Google.

The company is asking developers to submit answers to new Data deletion questions in their app’s Data Safety form by December 7.

Starting next year, Google Play users will begin to see reflected changes in their app’s store listing, including the refreshed data deletion badge.

Developers who need more time can file for an extension in Play Console until May 31, 2024, to comply with the new policy.