The Google Playstore has always showed badges for apps with In-App purchases but soon all apps that contain advertisements will have a label/badges showing that they are Ad supported. Developers received an email asking them to update their listings by 11th January 2016, and failure to indicated an Ad-supported application in the Developer Console will be a violation of Google Play Store Developer Program Policies.
This follows an announcement made in the Google I/O for all family apps with advertisement to ad the label “Ad supported.” Apparently Google, might not pull down an app that hasn’t updated the label but any update of an app will require the label to be applied.
Below is an extract of the email Google is sending to developers
Hello Google Play Developer,
At Google I/O, we launched “ad-supported” labels for apps in the Designed for Families program. Today, we’re announcing the expansion of this program to all apps on Google Play. Early next year, users will start to see the “Ads” label on apps that contain advertising, both inside and outside Designed for Families.
By January 11, 2016, you must sign in to the Play Developer Console and declare whether your apps contain ads (such as ads delivered through third party ad networks, display ads, native ads, and/or banner ads). After this date, the ads declaration will be required to make any updates to your apps. Please note that misrepresenting ad presence violates Google Play Developer Program Policies and may lead to suspension. You can visit our help center to learn more.
While developers are responsible for accurately declaring ad presence in their apps, Google may verify this at any time and display the “Ads” label if appropriate.
If you feel your app has been incorrectly flagged for containing ads, please contact our policy support team.
Regards,
The Google Play Team
Google seems to want an honest Playstore but the question remains, ‘Will this affect your choice before downloading?’
