Google Play has recently updated its Developer Policy to restrict Cryptocurrency mining apps on Android devices. A while ago, Apple also revised its App Store Review Guidelines barring apps that mine cryptocurrencies. Google Play Developer Policy Center page has now an added a new section that states “We don’t allow apps that mine cryptocurrency on devices. We permit apps that remotely manage the mining of cryptocurrency.” Google Play’s updated policy is quite similar to App Store Review Guidelines that includes Section 3.1.5 (b) to ban on-device cryptocurrency apps but not the ones in which the “mining is performed in the Cloud or otherwise off-device”.
Google Play ban on Crypto Apps
Google Play has banned the cryptocurrency mining apps considering the fact that the CPUs and GPUs on the smartphones and tablet devices just don’t have enough processing power. Moreover, Cryptojacking involves a bigger threat wherein some illicit developers conceal crypto-mining software into apps without users knowing the fact that their device is being used by them to mine cryptocurrency.
In addition, Google Play has also banned content including “apps that appeal to children but contain adult themes,” It also includes an advisory stating, “If we become aware of content with child sexual abuse imagery, we will report it to the appropriate authorities and delete the Google Accounts of those involved with the distribution.”
Furthermore, Google Play now also restricts apps that “facilitate the sale of explosives, firearms, ammunition, or certain firearms accessories.” Google Play also imposes ban on apps with repetitive content, apps primarily serving ads and apps that intentionally mislead users.
You can read the new and updated “Restricted Content” section of the Google Play Developer Policy Center.
