Google today has updated its developer policies for the Play Store across several categories of its App which mine cryptocurrencies following Apple’s lead on the affair. Google says it’s prohibiting apps that mine directly on devices but those apps which “remotely manage the mining of cryptocurrency” will be permitted.
While there’s still a bucket load of crypto-mining apps that still exist on the Play Store with quite explicit names, it’s unclear whether the new policy would affect the new apps. The move comes after reports suggested that several Android smartphones are being used as shadow devices for mining cryptocurrencies, though it’s insane to think regular devices lack the optimal power outputs to perform such activities.
The real problem comes down to crypto-jacking where some shady developers add a crypto-mining software on a user’s device without their content or even knowledge. Though the problem has existed for some time now, Google is only taking a preventive action now, following in on Apple’s steps.
Apple earlier last month announced a similar action by adding new guidelines under a new section on cryptocurrencies. The Cupertino company explained, “Apps, including any third party advertisements displayed within them, may not run unrelated background processes such as cryptocurrency mining”.
Google also introduced several other content restrictions including the ones that promote sexually explicit content and said: “we don’t allow content or services intended to be sexually gratifying”. It’s now also prohibiting repetitive apps on the Play Store which imitate other apps in providing the same experience. Google can now remove app which copies other app’s features without adding any single unique feature of its own. Additionally, Google from now on will be restricting an app that “facilitate the sale of explosives, firearms, ammunition, or certain firearms accessories”.