Our platform and policies constantly evolve to improve the user experience and create a safer ecosystem. This page is updated with the latest information about these policies, including any changes you may be required to make. Thanks for keeping your apps and games up to date.

Discover how we invested in fighting bad actors, protecting users, and giving developers more tools to safeguard their businesses.

Timeline

Date Policy Update
March 2025

We introduced a Child Safety Standards policy requiring Social and Dating apps to follow specific standards and self-certify compliance on Play Console before publishing.

Apps that need additional time to comply may request extensions until March 19, 2025.

May 2025

We introduced the Photo and Video Permissions policy to reduce the number of apps permitted to request broad photo/video permissions (READ_MEDIA_IMAGES and READ_MEDIA_VIDEO).

Apps may only access photos and videos for purposes directly related to app functionality.
Developers with apps that carry READ_MEDIA_IMAGES and READ_MEDIA_VIDEO permissions must either submit a declaration form to qualify for core use/broad access or remove permissions (if one time/infrequent use case).
Developers may that need more time to submit the completed declaration form may request an extension in Play Console until May 28, 2025.

We’re updating Google Play policies related to child safety standards, health apps as well as manipulated media.

Past deadlines

We’re updating Google Play policies related to Device and Network Abuse, Health Content & Services, Photo & Video Permissions as well as AI-generated content.