As part of its strategy to strengthen Android privacy, Google has ordered all developers to implement a feature that allows users to erase all their personal data in any app.. While it is true that some apps already offer this feature, the process is usually messy or time consuming. Now, however, all will be required to facilitate this action.
Google believes that users should have full control over their data. Applications, for their part, have an obligation to be transparent about how they manage information. There are several points to take into account about this initiative that will undoubtedly have a positive effect on Android.
“For applications that allow the creation of accounts, their developers should soon offer an option to delete accounts and data within the app and online,” they mention in the Android DevelopersGoogle.
What do you mean by “online”? Developers must allow data removal through an external website. In this way, if the user had already deleted the application from their Android device, they do not need to download it again to remove their personal information.
“This requirement on the web, which will be linked to a Data Security form, is especially important so that a user can request the deletion of an account and its data without having to reinstall an application.”
Google.
Google highlights that, when the user deletes his account, the application should delete all associated personal data automatically. In this way, it is not required to perform two separate processes.
However, if a person does not intend to delete their account, but does intend to delete some personal data, the app must provide it. There may be some cases where the app requires to store specific data to strengthen its security methods on Android. If so, they can keep them, but they must inform the user what they are and how they are using them.
Of course, those in Mountain View are aware that these changes can hardly be implemented overnight. For this reason, they will give enough time for developers to adapt to the regulations, especially those that currently do not have data deletion functions or a website dedicated to managing them.
“While we’re excited about the increased control this will give people over their data, we understand that developers will need time to prepare, especially those who don’t have an existing delete feature or web presence, which is why we share information and resources from today.”
Google.
Consequently, Android applications have until early 2024 to implement the changes. For those apps that require more time to follow the guidelines, they can request an extension until May 31, 2023.