Update your privacy policy - Google removing games from store

[Callie-Zhu]

@Margallo

Hey guys this must be fix. Google is a god of game developer if we publish our app to them and we cannot do anything unless unity fix the GDPR compliance for unity ads.My google console account was terminated because i have 3 violations with the updated GDPR its really sad for me :(.

Could you please be more specific about the 3 violations with the updated GDPR?

[Callie-Zhu]

@Kinkladze11

I’m having a nightmare…My game (which has been live for nearly a year), was suddenly removed last night. Google’s e-mail said I needed a privacy policy so I added the Unity privacy link (higher up this thread). After re-submitting, rejected again but this time due to deceptive ads policy (I would assume Unity doesn’t run these kinds of ads?). I tried re-submitting again but again refused but this time due to a metadata issue (my game is a space invaders style game) which I believe I corrected. After the last re-submission, I’ve gone back to a deceptive ads policy issue.

I’ve appealed to Google but can anyone shed any light on what might be the best way forward? Thanks.

Could you please send an email to unityads-support@unity3d.com along with the exact reject response from Google Play?

[system]

@Kinkladze11 The deceptive ads issue has been reported elsewhere, or at least here:

google play reject because of ads label

This is message What should I do? After a recent review, 2D Grounds io - Realtime Online Multiplayer Game (com.mirugame.ground) has been removed from Google Play due to a policy violation. This app won’t be available to users until you submit a compliant update. Issue: Violation of Deceptive Ads policy We don’t allow apps that contain deceptive or disruptive ads. For example, we don’t allow: Ads that aren’t clearly labeled (screenshot included) Submit your app for another review Read thro…

As I mentioned in that thread, based on some of the rejection screenshots I’ve seen and the wording of the deceptive ad rule in Google’s guidelines, I suspect the fundamental issue is that a Unity Ads video may have no labelling that it’s a video, so Google may be complaining the screens in the video looks like it’s part of your game. In that thread, Unity ( @rasmus-unity I think) suggests making sure every ad is invoked with a button that makes clear you’re going to see an ad. I’m also thinking about going back to banner ads.

[Moakles]

Now that the iOS app store requires a privacy policy url, can we use the Unity privacy policy link for that too?

[system]

@Moakles

Now that the iOS app store requires a privacy policy url, can we use the Unity privacy policy link for that too?

That’s’ what I do.

[Kinkladze11]

@Callie-Zhu

Could you please send an email to unityads-support@unity3d.com along with the exact reject response from Google Play?

Thanks for coming back to me. I got a response from Google. Basically my game had links to my other games that are live in the Play store, seems Google classify doing this as ‘Deceptive’ even though it’s clear what the links are. Anyway, after removing them, game was republished. They didn’t offer any explanation as to why I got several different violation messages…

[Binary-Soul_1]

Hi there,

I’ve been trying to search for a reply to the problem I’m having, and found ways to solve it, but I didn’t find any replies that actually explain why it happens.

I got a message from Google about an App I’ve got on the store and later my App got removed.

Hi developers at CompanyName,
After review, AppName, com.CompanyName.Appname, has been removed from Google Play due to a policy violation. This app won’t be available to users until you submit a compliant update.

Issue: Violation of Usage of Android Advertising ID policy and section 4.8 of the Developer Distribution Agreement

Google Play requires developers to provide a valid privacy policy when the app requests or handles sensitive user or device information. We’ve identified that your app collects and transmits the Android advertising identifier, which is subject to a privacy policy requirement. If your app collects the Android advertising ID, you must provide a valid privacy policy in both the designated field in the Play Console, and from within the app.

Next steps: Submit your app for another review

• Read through the Usage of Android Advertising ID and User Data policies, as well as the Developer Distribution Agreement, and make appropriate changes to your app. If you decide to collect sensitive user information, be sure to abide by the above policies, and include a link to a valid privacy policy on your app’s store listing page and within your app.
• Make sure that your app is compliant with all other Developer Program Policies. Additional enforcement could occur if there are further policy violations.
• Sign in to your Play Console and submit the update to your app.

Alternatively, you may opt-out of this requirement by removing any requests for sensitive permissions or user data.
If approved, your app will again be available with all installs, ratings, and reviews intact.
If you’ve reviewed the policy and feel this removal may have been in error, please reach out to our policy support team. One of my colleagues will get back to you within 2 business days.
Thanks for helping us provide a clear and transparent experience for Google Play users.
Regards,
Jared

The App has no advertising whatsoever and does not use analytics either, so I replied to this email explaining that and saying that I believed it must’ve been an error.

So I got the following email:

[quote]
[/quote][quote]
Hi developers at CompanyName,
Thanks for contacting the Google Play team.

Status: App not available on Google Play

I’ve reviewed your appeal request and found that your app still violates Google Play Policy. I’ve included details below about the specific issue with your app and what you can do to get your app back on Google Play.

Step 1: Fix the policy violation with your app

During review, we found that your app, AppName(com.CompanyName.AppName), violates the Usage of Android Advertising ID policy. We determined that your app’s attribution SDK enables collection of IMEI from devices which have an Android advertising ID without prominent disclosure. You must be transparent in how you handle this data, including by disclosing the collection, use, and sharing of the data, and you must limit use of the data to the description in the disclosure and within your app’s privacy policy.
If your app’s collection of IMEI is unrelated to functionality described prominently in the app’s listing on Google Play or in the app interface, then prior to the collection and transmission, it must prominently highlight how the user data will be used and have the user provide affirmative consent for such use.
Please update your app to fix this issue by following the steps below:

• Read through the Android Advertising ID, User Data and Personal and Sensitive Information policy pages for more details and examples of common violations.

• Make changes to your app to bring it into compliance:

• Modify your app to meet privacy policy, prominent disclosure requirements for handling of personal or sensitive user data.

• If you want to using Android Advertising ID, you should post a privacy policy in both the designated field in the Play Console and within the app itself. The privacy policy must, together with any in-app disclosures, comprehensively disclose how your app collects, uses, and shares user data. Your privacy policy must disclose the type of parties to which any personal or sensitive user data is shared.

• Double check that your app complies with all other Developer Program Policies as additional enforcement could occur if there are further policy violations.

Step 2: Submit your app for another review

• Sign in to your Play Console and upload the modified, policy compliant APK. Be sure to increment the version number of the APK.
• Submit your app.

If approved, your app will again be available with all installs, ratings, and reviews intact.
This removal doesn’t impact the standing of your Google Play Developer Account, but repeated violations can result in the suspension of this app or your Google Play Developer account.
Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks for working with us to fix the policy issue and for your continued support of Google Play.
Best Regards,
Irene
The Google Play Team
[/quote]

So, I understand, if I add a privacy policy on the store and inside the App, it will be up again soon. However I’d really rather not have to do that. But even if I have to, I’d like to know what’s actually going on with my app.

I really don’t understand why this is happening as I’m not collecting any data, using no ads and no analytics. Does Unity by default collect this “Android Advertising ID” whenever you build a project with it? If so, does that mean than from now on, absolutely any App I create with Unity will need to include a Privacy Policy saying it uses such things? And if that is so… why did only 1 of my apps get removed from the store?

Hope someone knows what’s going on, I’m really confused.

Thank you.

[system]

One thing to check is that even if you’re not using ads, make sure you don’t have ad code included in your project, including any third party ad sdks like admob, make sure unity ads is not included via asset store or package manager or enabled in the Services window.

[Binary-Soul_1]

One thing to check is that even if you’re not using ads, make sure you don’t have ad code included in your project, including any third party ad sdks like admob, make sure unity ads is not included via asset store or package manager or enabled in the Services window.

• Only service I’m using is Collaborate, no Analytics and no Ads.
• I’m using Unity 5.6.1p2 for this project, so the Package Manager doesn’t even exist.
• Don’t even know what admob is, and after looking through my project I really couldn’t find anything that might be related to advertising.
• Only plugins I believe I’m using are “TextMeshPro” (old version, before it was included in the PackageManager) and “GoogleVR” (using Cardboard and Oculus VR SDKs).

Any other ideas?

Thank you.

[system]

@Binary-Soul_1 Well, somehow I was under the impression that if you have no ad SDKs included that there’d be no reference to the advertising ID, but I’m starting to think I’m wrong. There’s another thread specifically on that:

Google play Violation of Advertising ID

So I got an email from google saying Issue: Violation of Usage of Android Advertising ID policy and section 4.8 of the Developer Distribution Agreement Google Play requires developers to provide a valid privacy policy when the app requests or handles sensitive user or device information. We’ve identified that your app collects and transmits the Android advertising identifier, which is subject to a privacy policy requirement. If your app collects the Android advertising ID, you must provide a v…

and I just noticed there are at least a couple of Unity API functions outside of Unity Ads that access the advertising ID, like this:

Unity - Scripting API: iOS.Device.advertisingIdentifier

It would be good to have some clarification from Unity on this.

[Binary-Soul_1]

@Binary-Soul_1 Well, somehow I was under the impression that if you have no ad SDKs included that there’d be no reference to the advertising ID, but I’m starting to think I’m wrong. There’s another thread specifically on that:

Google play Violation of Advertising ID

and I just noticed there are at least a couple of Unity API functions outside of Unity Ads that access the advertising ID, like this:

Unity - Scripting API: iOS.Device.advertisingIdentifier

It would be good to have some clarification from Unity on this.

Yeah, I already saw that post, but there are no clear answers. Some people post a solution, but that’s not my issue. I’m pretty sure if I added a privacy policy and reuploaded my App, everything would be fine.

But solving a problem without knowing what’s actually causing it will probably make me repeat it accidentally in the future! I’d like to understand what on earth is going on before I actually take that step.

A clear reply from someone at Unity would be really useful.

[Yanglegend]

Got same problem, Google Play Console is so random - i have another app with same solutions, and my games are practically offline and don’t store any sensitive user data.

First time it happens - I did add privacy policy to both store page and inside app, and my app was shown in google play again - day after they send me same copy-paste e-mail:
“Issue: Violation of Usage of Android Advertising ID policy and section 4.8 of the Developer Distribution Agreement”

The problem is that it seems be fully automated process - it don’t seems like real people work in Google

[Bergdabahia]

@mikaisomaa

Recentemente, tomamos conhecimento de algumas alterações no Contrato de distribuição do desenvolvedor do Google que afetarão nossos editores de anúncios da Unity.

As alterações afetam todos os jogos que coletam o ID do anunciante do Google (GAID) para exibir anúncios para os usuários. Isso significa que nossos editores que não atualizaram recentemente sua política de privacidade (desde a introdução de novas leis GDPR), tanto no Google Play Console quanto em seus aplicativos, correm o risco de ter seu jogo removido da loja. Os novos jogos não devem ser afetados, pois agora são feitos para atender a esses requisitos ao adicioná-los à loja.

Você pode resolver isso vinculando / copiando nossa política de privacidade no console de anúncios do Google e declarando ao suporte do Google que a interface do Unity Ads apresenta aos jogadores uma política de privacidade e um diálogo para desativar a segmentação personalizada de anúncios.

Links:
Privacy Policy Hub
Google Play [/ QUOTE]

Estou enfrentando sérios problemas com a exibição de anúncios aleatórios no meu aparelho android. O problema maior é que estes anúncios são exibidos a qualquer momento, independente do aplicatico que eu esteja usando no momento, seja navegador de internet, jogos, app de redes sociais ou até mesmo sem executar nenhum app, apenas com a tela do aparelho desbloqueada. Achei o seguinte link e creio que se trate do mesmo problema: Random Unity Ads from Background Apps
Gostaria de uma solução pra este infortúnio tendo em vista que é irritante.

[LoungeKatt]

Privacy policy is found by opening the Google Play Console and selecting the “Store listing” for the appropriate app and then scrolling all the way to the bottom. It is NOT something you can simply paste into the listing, as this will still be a violation on its own. It has to be presented as a webpage that can be linked in the box.

While you do have the option to state that you are not providing a privacy policy at this time, Google can still reject or suspend your application if they feel one was required. Please note that very few appeals are accepted without having extremely overwhelming evidence that their decision is blatantly wrong.

Once a package is suspended, you will be forced to publish a new package name as a new listing, despite the claims that you can publish an update to resolve the issue. This option is disabled when actually attempting to use it.

@Yanglegend

Got same problem, Google Play Console is so random - i have another app with same solutions, and my games are practically offline and don’t store any sensitive user data.

First time it happens - I did add privacy policy to both store page and inside app, and my app was shown in google play again - day after they send me same copy-paste e-mail:
“Issue: Violation of Usage of Android Advertising ID policy and section 4.8 of the Developer Distribution Agreement”

The problem is that it seems be fully automated process - it don’t seems like real people work in Google

Real people do work there, which makes it even more pathetic and offensive knowing that some random employee got up in the morning, had his coffee, rode a bike to work, and only has enough functioning brain cells to click an option from a list.

Sometimes, on a full moon, when their best and brightest have just started the week, you might even get a detail or two thrown into the automated reply that are just for you. So far, I have seen this about 1 in 100 times in the last 10 years. On the other hand, at least 1 in 10 rejections were overturned simply by changing the version number.

[Tx1]

@Yanglegend

Got same problem, Google Play Console is so random - i have another app with same solutions, and my games are practically offline and don’t store any sensitive user data.

First time it happens - I did add privacy policy to both store page and inside app, and my app was shown in google play again - day after they send me same copy-paste e-mail:
“Issue: Violation of Usage of Android Advertising ID policy and section 4.8 of the Developer Distribution Agreement”

The problem is that it seems be fully automated process - it don’t seems like real people work in Google

Hi, did you find a solution to the problem? I don’t undestand what should be the way to fix this issue.

[ashleyjamesbrown]

I would also like a solution so that I dont repeat this again.

[Loomabox]

MY LAST CONTACT WITH GOOGLE SUPPORT:

Selena
2:01 PM
You are now connected to Selena. Please type your message and hit ‘Enter’ to send.
Selena
2:01 PM
Hi there, thanks for contacting Google Play Developer Support!
There will be a short survey at the end of our chat so you can provide feedback on the service I’m providing.
How can I help you today?
LoomaBox
2:02 PM
I have a question in regards to Google’s new requirements
Selena
2:02 PM
May I ask which requirements are you referring to?
LoomaBox
2:03 PM
Requirements to have Privacy Policy INSIDE MY APP, not just link to my web site in the store
Selena
2:04 PM
f your app requests user data or makes sensitive permissions requests (such as Phone, Accounts, Contacts, Camera, or Microphone) you’ll need to add a valid privacy policy in two places: your app’s Store Listing page and within your app.
LoomaBox
2:04 PM

Ads - Play Console Help

LoomaBox
2:05 PM

User Data - Play Console Help

LoomaBox
2:06 PM
I have intentionally downloaded several TOP FREE GAMES currently on Google Play Market and I am sure that they DO REQUEST user data, but NONE follow the requirements outlined in the links above
LoomaBox
2:08 PM
I plan to use AdMob, UnityAds and Unity Analytics in order to deliver and monetize my app.
LoomaBox
2:10 PM
In your definition “Personal and sensitive user data includes, but isn’t limited to, personally identifiable information…”. AdMob, UnityAds and Unity Analytics HAVE TO USE personally identifiable information in order to deliver their products.
LoomaBox
2:11 PM
NONE of the apps currently on Play Market follow Prominent Disclosure Requirement as outlined here User Data - Play Console Help
Selena
2:11 PM
I am afraid I am not able to comment on the privacy policy.
Selena
2:12 PM
If you have questions about what to include in your privacy policy, please refer to our User Data policy (links above). If you have questions that cannot be answered by the User Data policy, you will need to ask your attorney or other legal counsel. As much as I’d like to help, I don’t have any further information to share about what should or should not be included in the privacy policy
LoomaBox
2:13 PM
No, my question is NOT about what should or should not be included in the privacy policy. My question is to ensure not to have my app removed, blocked or suspended.
LoomaBox
2:16 PM
Could you please refer me to any SAMPLE app, that COMPLIES with Play Store requirements on presenting Privacy Policy to their users, Prominent Disclosure Requirement and specifically gets user’s consent and affirmative user action INSIDE THE APP?
LoomaBox
2:17 PM
My point is that MOST of the apps on Play Store seems to fail to comply with all of that, but neither blocked nor updated.
Selena
2:17 PM
I am afraid that the article is the guideline we have for the privacy policy.
Selena
2:18 PM
I would recommend to follow the guideline for your app.
Selena
2:18 PM
I am afraid I am not able to comment on other apps
LoomaBox
2:19 PM
Does Google have a SAMPLE app to look into as a guideline?
Selena
2:20 PM
I am afraid we have the policy as guidelines in the links above.
LoomaBox
2:21 PM
Besides, could you please give a bit more explanation to Prominent Disclosure Requirement:
In cases where users MAY NOT EXPECT that their personal or sensitive user data will be required to provide or improve the features of your app…
LoomaBox
2:22 PM
so the Prominent Disclosure Requirement is not necessary if it is a common sense for any user to DO EXPECT that their personal or sensitive user data will be required to provide or improve the features of your app…
LoomaBox
2:22 PM
???
Selena
2:23 PM
I apologise we cannot make interpretations of the policy.
Selena
2:23 PM
That is all the information we can provide.
LoomaBox
2:23 PM
Thank you
Selena
2:24 PM
Sorry about any inconvenience.
Selena
2:24 PM
Is there anything else I can help you with?
LoomaBox
2:25 PM
One last question. In case my app gets blocked in the future, will I have a chance to speak to a LIVE PERSON over a LIVE CHAT or EMAIL?
Selena
2:26 PM
Yes, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Selena
2:26 PM
Did you have any other questions today?
LoomaBox
2:27 PM
None, let’s move to the survey
Selena
2:27 PM
Okay Great! Thank you for chatting with me today.
I hope you have a great day!
Selena
2:27 PM
Thanks for chatting with Google Play Developer Support today! Let us know how we’re doing with our 60 second survey at Share Google Play Console customer support feedback - Play Console Help
Your chat session is now complete.
Selena ended the chat

[Karmate]

unityads need advertising id ? can i disable it with manifest file ?

[Loomabox]

Will Google Play Store show up anything similar for apk build by Unity?

[Loomabox]

@Loomabox

Will Google Play Store show up anything similar for apk build by Unity?

Charlotte
4:17 PM
You are now connected to Charlotte. Please type your message and hit ‘Enter’ to send.
Loomabox
4:17 PM
Hello
Charlotte
4:17 PM
Hi there, thanks for contacting Google Play Developer Support!
There will be a short survey at the end of our chat so you can provide feedback on the service I’m providing.
How can I help you today?
Loomabox
4:19 PM
I have a question regarding Google Play’s Prominent Disclosure screen with ACCEPT button before starting application
Loomabox
4:20 PM
like this https://www.termsfeed.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/snapchat-android-app-permissions-accept-box.jpg
Charlotte
4:21 PM
Sure.
Charlotte
4:21 PM
What is the question?
Loomabox
4:21 PM
how to make sure this pop up appears before starting the app
Charlotte
4:22 PM
This will be generated depending on the permission request you have on your app’s manifest.
Loomabox
4:23 PM
is this controlled by Google Play?
Charlotte
4:24 PM
Correct.
Loomabox
4:24 PM
so depending on the permissions Google Play will show this pop up message and will get user consent?
Charlotte
4:25 PM
That is correct.
Loomabox
4:25 PM
Should I in this case assume that Google’s Prominent Disclosure Requirement are met?
Charlotte
4:26 PM
Correct.
Loomabox
4:27 PM
I have no further questions! Thank you!
Charlotte
4:27 PM
That’s great, I hope you have a lovely day.
Loomabox
4:27 PM
you, too
Charlotte
4:27 PM
Thanks for chatting with Google Play Developer Support today! Let us know how we’re doing with our 60 second survey at https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/contact/survey_transactional?ctx=chat&hl=en&caseid=9-2238000026082
Your chat session is now complete.

CASE CLOSED on Prominent Disclosure Requirement.