Google takes a tougher stance on privacy for gambling

With the latest updates to the Google Play Terms of Service, the tech giant announced a long-awaited development that will allow play real money gambling apps 15 additional jurisdictions that come into force on March 1, writes Stuart Godfrey , managing director at mkodo .

Since much of the industry was previously confined to Apple's platform, the move prompted many carriers to rethink their app. the strategy and process of developing and deploying real money gambling apps for Android users has begun.

While this process was expected to take some time, as Google has to approve the content in terms of compliance before launch, there is another update in the latest terms regarding Personal Information (PII) and what types of data the app collects from the device. now the deployment seems to have been postponed even further.

The new PII rules are important and address data leakage from applications. is often called by third party APIs. The Android app should now be completely transparent and tell the user what information it collects and transmits.

In an unprecedented move, Google is now checking EVERYTHING existing apps on its Play Store and retrospectively applying new privacy rules and immediately retrieving apps that do not meet the new criteria and require a new submission.

This is important for several reasons. First, Google previously allowed the community to self-regulate and took a weaker approach to content on its open platform, leading some to call it the "Wild West."

Second, Google is applying the new guidelines retrospectively to existing apps that have not yet been updated to reflect the latest rules, their immediate removal from the Play Store once again demonstrates that it is introducing a stricter stance on compliance and privacy in particular.

In comparison, Apple has consistently given vendors that violate its policies a grace period to fix before retrieving an application.

The fact that Google is now reviewing all existing apps as well as new applications has had an impact on the time it takes to launch a new product on Google Play, and it will be some time before we see a wave of new real money gambling apps on the platform.

The reason for this new approach is not yet obvious, but Apple has long been known for its strict approach to privacy and data, and it seems that now Google is starting to realize that they also need to play on the same level.

While the delays that we are currently seeing are not particularly onerous, they are significant. differs from Google's previous approach and may surprise some who expect application deployment to be a slick and easy process, especially when compared to Apple.

In general, the development should be positive, as it will protect users from erroneous applications. Safe handling of personal information is something that all companies should start to respect, and it can no longer be assumed that after someone uses an application, businesses have free and unlimited access to any level of information.

Likewise, if this is the way a company operates, they must state it in a privacy statement so that consumers understand what information can be accessed and what it will be used for.

However, this big change from Google is significant, and carriers and developers should consider the new mode when planning their Android strategy for the future.