Most app developers rely on mobile advertisements as it allows them to keep the apps free for users. But Google has updated its monetization and ads policy for the Play Store to curb the apps which are intrusive, show advertising outside of the app and make false claims to deceive users.
This is the general consensus among the users that mobile advertisements can be very annoying as they often show at the most inopportune time, waste mobile data and disrupt users from doing whatever they were in the middle of. This the probably the reason Google has taken this step.
Google PlayStore New Ad Policies
As per the new policies, the apps and games which are not exclusively made for the lock screen cannot show advertisements on the lock screen. The new policy prohibits app developers from showing advertisements or other such features on the smartphone’s lock screen unless it is a launcher or lock screen app. Ads must only be displayed within the app serving them.
Google is also coming down to apps with deceptive advertisements. It prohibits apps from showing advertisements which simulate or impersonate user interface (UI) of another app or notification/pop up a window of an operating system. For example Last month, popular mobile browser UC Browser was delisted from the Play Store for an alleged violation on these lines, according to a person claiming to be working for UC Browser.
Google has also warned the developers who deceive the app users to click on the ad. The Google policy clearly says, “If an app uses full-screen advertisements to interfere with normal use, they must be easily dismissible without penalty.”
Now the users can also flag apps which have been violating any of these rules on the Play Store. To do this, scroll down to the end of the landing page of that app until you see the option “Flag as inappropriate.” Google has made it mandatory for apps to mention if they carry advertisements right under the install button so a user can see them clearly.
