Google announced that in order to protect the privacy and security of users, it will begin to restrict old applications in the Google Play Store. In a new blog post, Google explains that starting November 1, 2022, existing apps that don’t use the API targets for two years after the release of the latest mainstream Android operating system will no longer provide search discovery or download. Any app that falls into the category described above will be removed from PlayStore from November 1st.
According to Google, these upcoming requirements are to protect the privacy and security of users. Users who update their devices regularly “expect to realize the full potential of all the privacy and security protections that Android offers”. Thankfully for developers and users, the “vast majority” of apps in the Google Play Store already adhere to the new standards. Thus, once the policy update is in place, there shouldn’t be much change. The longer lead time for this update will also allow developers to update their applications when needed to meet the new target API requirements.
Developers will need to keep their applications compliant with updates. Currently, to release an app on the Google Play Store, developers must meet the Android API target of the latest mainstream release within a year. Thus, you don’t have to worry about any new or just-updated apps disappearing any time soon.
Gizchina News of the week
Google loses French antitrust appeal – $163 million fine for abuse of search position
Yesterday, Google lost a $163 million antitrust appeal in France. The company is accused of using its dominant position in the search market. The legal tussle claims that Google uses its position to set unfair rules for its online advertising platform.
Back in December 2019, French antitrust authorities announced a 150 million euro ($163 million) fine on Google. The fine is for unfair competition practices. The unfair practise includes using its dominant position in the search market. Subsequently, Google had to launch an appeal…however, the Paris Court of Appeal rejected Google’s appeal and upheld the original verdict.
The search giant is also battling another case with the French antitrust agency and Competition Authority (FCA). They had to fine the company 220 million euros ($267 million) for abusing its dominance in the online advertising market.
Google has been unfairly sending businesses to its ad servers and online ad auction houses. This is to the detriment of rivals, the FCA claims. The FCA also claims the two sides have an agreement and Google will pay the fine.
