As early as May this year, Google announced that Android developers must specify a ‘target age range’ for all apps in the Google Play store. It’s been signed to improve child safety. So the initiative is to mark the app as ‘Not designed for children’. By the way, these warning labels already appear in the Google Play store.
It also wants developers to make sure that apps do not ‘unintentionally appeal’ to children. Play Store marketing always checks the apps. Also, it should be noted the ‘target age range’ option varies from country-to-country.
‘The word children can mean different things in different locales and in different contexts. It is important that you determine what obligations and/or age-based restrictions may apply for the countries where you target your app.’
Based on the target age range specified by the developer, the app is subject to additional family policy requirements and a similar review of all merged ad networks. Apps must also take steps to ensure that lists and screenshots do not inadvertently attract children. For this goal, Google says:
‘You may decide to select this option in the Play Console if you know that certain elements of your store listing (for example youthful animation, some young characters) may appeal to children, or if Google rejects your app due to inaccurate target age group selection.’
The light pink banner appears below the installation button with a yellow triangle warning symbol. Even after installing the app and subsequently accessing the Play Store list on Android, the warning still exists, like when updating.
So far, we’ve found that Google developers have enabled warning alerts for Google Voice and Google VR Services apps. Since late May, all new apps need to target a target audience, and existing apps must be adhered to before September 1.