Google introduces new rules to tackle rogue Android app issue

Google does seem to be more serious about its app store, at least this is what a mobile developer informed the BBC. To put it in a nutshell, Google intends to come down strong, hard and fast on rogue mobile apps that plague its Android platform, and this will be enforced by introducing a stricter set of guidelines for developers. Among the measures to be implemented include a blanket ban against the use of icons which are touted to be “confusingly similar” to current products. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it might help you end up in court like Samsung vs Apple that is ongoing right now. I digress, you can see many similar icons to famous apps just to take advantage of the unsuspecting or less than knowledgable user.

The new guidelines which were announced in an email that had already been sent to developers, giving those who would be deemed as “guilty” under this new ruling, will have a 30 day grace period to ensure their apps comply. As for developers who are adamant on staying the course with the current icon, the onus falls on Google who then has the authority to remove such apps from the store. Do you think that this is a good measure and a step taken in the right direction by Google?

Edwin Kee
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: Google, google play