From September 1, the Google Play Store will no longer host 'Sugar Dating' apps. The ban was announced through a few changes that the search giant published on its support page. In the new restriction, these apps have been added to the 'sexual content' category. Many other policies, including Device and Network Abuse Policy, Permission Policy will be implemented from September 1.
What is Sugar Dating?
The new policy changes were announced by Google via a post on the Play Console support website. The post mentions several policy changes, but one of the biggest changes is the ban on apps dealing with "compensated sex relationships" i.e. sugar dating. Google has completely banned these apps. There are many apps on Google Play Store like SDM, Spoiler, and Sugar Daddy. Sugar Dating apps are those where the elderly can date younger people. The elderly use these apps to overcome loneliness.
There are many changes which will be effective from September 1. These changes include a developer preview of App Set ID for analytics or fraud prevention. Google is also adding some things to its family policy, which will target children. It also mentions that developers will have to comply with the policy change by September 1 except for the Ad ID changes.
Beginning October 15, Google will redefine its Device and Network Abuse Policy, which will prohibit apps or SDKs with interpreted languages, such as JavaScript, from violating Google Play Store policies.
In addition, there is also a new permission policy that will require developers to provide requirements on the use of the Accessibility API and isAccessibilityTools. In addition, there will be a revised User Data Policy to prohibit persistently linking device identifiers to personal and sensitive user data. This amendment will be effective from October 28. Google will add a new data privacy and security section to the user data policy.
