Google is to start clearly labelling Android apps that contain advertising, it’s been revealed.
At present, any app on the Google Play Store that contains in-app purchases is clearly noted as such in its listing. Soon, the same will be true of ad-supported apps.
Google actually unveiled the measure at Google I/O, but at the time it was only for apps that would appear in the Designed for Families programme. Some time early next year, it will expand to all apps.
Droid-life has published an email sent from Google to Android developers outlining the new measures.
It reveals that developers must sign in to the Play Developer Console and declare whether their apps contain ads by January 11. After that point, any app updates will require a similar ad declaration.
Related: Best Android Apps 2015
Google cites the possible ad systems as “ads delivered through third party ad networks, display ads, native ads, and/or banner ads.”
Google warns that failing to correctly label an app as containing such ads may lead to the suspension of a developer’s account. In addition, Google claims that it reserves the right to verify the status of apps and to add the ‘Ad’ label if it deems it necessary.
In future, then, Android users who take exception to intrusive ads in apps will be able to skip straight over such examples during the browsing process.
Next, take a look at our smartphone buyers guide video:
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.