Although Google claims that every app goes through a rigorous verification process before being accepted into the Play Store, many apps with performance issues have managed to get past these filters.
Apps copied from better-rated ones or developed with minimal effort, just to monetize through ads, have invaded the Play Store, and Google seems overwhelmed by this situation that has been going on for years. It seems that Google's priority was to have as many apps as possible in the Play Store catalog, regardless of their quality.
Acting on the principle of “better late than never,” Google now promises to improve the experience of Play Store users by addressing the issue of apps with limited functionality or not working. Specifically, the Android developer has announced that it will no longer tolerate applications with static content or without clear functionality.
For every popular and legitimate app, there are numerous clones with similar names and strategies, some managing to garner millions of installs without delivering the promised functionality, instead delivering a dysfunctional ad-filled experience.
Periodically, Google announces “crackdowns” against low-quality or risky apps, promising to improve the experience for Play Store users.
The new strategy is described in a document titled “Spam and Minimum Functionality policy update,” which states Google's commitment to remove from the Play Store apps with limited and damaged functionality, including those not updated for full compatibility with new versions of Android and devices.
Google says the initiative aims to ensure that apps in the Play Store meet high standards, providing users with a quality experience. Non-compliant apps will be removed based on negative user reviews.
Even some legitimate apps might be removed from the Play Store. Under the new rules, apps with limited or static functionality will be removed. For example, apps that only provide directions for how to use a product, such as a user manual for an Air Fryer in the form of a PDF document accessible through the app, might be considered useless. Google could argue that the manufacturer should offer the PDF document for direct download instead of creating a mobile app with no real functionality.
Google's new policy will come into effect on August 31, 2024 and could lead to the removal of many apps from the Play Store, hopefully not the ones that are valuable to users.
