Google upgrades its app store where content will be scrutinized on the basis of 'age ratings.'
Google Inc, the search engine giant has taken a long leap after Apple Inc age rating scheme. Google Play, the app store on Google 's Android has finally decided to come with age-based rating for the content of apps. This will allow Google to pave a safer platform where every app would have to go through screening by experts at Google's android app store to ensure they are age appropriate and safe.
The age-based rating will be applicable to games and apps for Android reported the company through a blog post. However, the company has not developed its own platform for scrutiny but will use the system used globally to scrutinize content. For all apps that target the US market, the format to be followed will be Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) that is generally used by the gaming sector.
This does not end here, but Google has also decided to deploy a team of individual with adequate expertise to evaluate the content of the app and then allow or reject them from the app store. If the apps cohere to the policies of the developers they will be permitted on Google’s Play store.
Developers need to create content that does not have explicit or shady material, should not promote or propagate violence, ill speech, and hazardous products, allow gambling, propagate spam or abuse intellectual property whatsoever.
This move allows users to have access to the type of content which can be accessed on the basis of age parameters and also allow guardians to keep a check on the type of content their adolescents interact with. This gives them more authority and ensures a safer platform.
However, Google’s initiate deserves applause but this comes quite late. Since the time, Apple launched its App store; it has always been making sure to tweak apps before they are published. The procedure can take several weeks but ensures that the type of content being promoted on their platform is safe and effective. Since 2008 Apple’s App store has evolved to a great extent but still it reviews all the apps before granting permission.
On the other hand, Google Inc (GOOG) promises to make the process seamless where developers will not have to wait much. The company has also published a page which developers can study to avoid the delay or banning of their apps.
"Developers now have more insight into why apps are rejected or suspended, and they can easily fix and resubmit their apps for minor policy violations," Google stated further.
Hence, Google should have come up with this initiate earlier but better late than never.
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