Google to Label Ad-Supported Apps in Play Store

By Lorraine Caballero, Christian Post Contributor Thursday, November 19, 2015

Google has informed developers that it will start labeling ad-supported apps listed at the Play Store as part of its Designed for Families program.

In the note sent to developers recently, Google said Android apps with in-app purchases will be labeled in its official listings at the Play Store. Starting Jan. 11, 2016, developers will be required to register to the Play Developer Console and declare their ad-containing apps, according to Tech Times.

Google announced the Designed for Families program in April and it was implemented in June. The said program is part of Google's Play Store dedicated to kid-friendly apps. The program originally covered apps for this year, but Google has decided to extend the program until the first quarter of 2016. The requirement will include apps with third-party ad networks, native ads, banner ads, and display ads, the report explains.

Under the Designed for Families program, developers have to sign in with Play Developer Console after Jan. 11 for updates to be installed. Google can pull out from the Play Store any ad-containing apps that were incorrectly declared. Developers can also be suspended if they lie about their apps, Engadget reports.

There may be developers that will try to sneak around Google's new program and add advertisements after the app's release. This is the reason why apps released from Jan. 11 onward will still have to be declared if they contain ads.

"Please note that misrepresenting ad presence violates Google Play Developer Program Policies and may lead to suspension," Engadget quotes the Google Play Team's note to developers. "… While developers are responsible for accurately declaring ad presence in their apps, Google may verify this at any time and display the 'Ads' label if appropriate."

It is worth noting that Google's latest move could affect consumers' decision to download certain apps if they know firsthand which ones are ad-supported.

Developers that have been incorrectly flagged are advised to contact Google Play's policy support team for the appropriate action.