In a significant move, Google Play announced on July 12 that it has expanded its Android app store rules to accommodate new blockchain content, although under fairly strict rules.
That announcement said that the updated policy would “open new ways to transact blockchain-based digital content within apps and games.” The post specifically suggested that apps in the store will make use of user-owned content and NFT rewards. Google Play also said that it worked closely with its partners to create the new policy.
Though the new policy will supposedly increase opportunities for blockchain app developers, it is also made up of strict requirements. Developers are required to openly declare whenever their applications enable users to purchase or earn crypto and blockchain assets.
Google’s updated policy also forbids developers from promoting or “glamorizing” potential earnings directly linked to these assets. In addition, buying, selling, and trading of blockchain assets must be conducted through regulated exchanges, in line with local regulations in any areas in which the app is available.
The updated policy also imposes specific restrictions on applications that incorporate Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). Apps that utilize NFTs must be registered as gambling, games, and contest apps, or they should avoid exchanging NFTs for money entirely.
The store explicitly bans on-device crypto mining apps as well, though it permits apps that can be used to manage crypto mining remotely.
Google Play competes with Apple policies
Despite the stringent regulations, various industry insiders consider Google Play’s new policy as a necessary framework that provides developers with critical guidance. Google quoted executives from Mythical Games and Reddit, who endorsed the policy update as a beneficial move.
Google Play’s main competitor, the Apple App Store, set new rules in October 2022. That policy controversially required NFT transactions to be performed through Apple’s own methods, effectively guaranteeing the firm a 30% cut of each transaction.
Apple’s policy has made it difficult for certain blockchain apps to exist on the store more broadly. Uniswap’s mobile app arrived on Apple’s App Store in April 2023, months after earlier rejections. The Lightning Network-linked social media app Damus, meanwhile, removed certain transaction features following threats of delisting in June.
It remains to be seen whether Google’s seemingly more open policy will attract app developers or whether it will compel Apple to modify its own policy.
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