Google Play to hide app permissions, makes devs liable for data collection

Google is set to no longer show permissions it automatically gathers from apps on its Play Store, giving developers control over what they wish to disclose to users on data collection.

Developers have time till July 20 to fill out a data privacy form for their apps, and they “alone” must make “complete and accurate declarations” for their apps.

Google said when it becomes aware of a discrepancy between “your app behaviour and your declaration, it may take appropriate action, including enforcement action”.

The policy change has been seen in Google Play Store’s new Data Safety section, which is similar to Apple iOS 14 that displays a list of developer-given privacy considerations, The Verge reported.