Google has announced that it has begun reviewing apps and games, before they are published on the Play Store.
The process was rolled out a few months ago, to ensure that the Play Store is devoid of malicious and illegal apps.
The app reviewing system is something that the Apple iTunes Store has had for years. But there is no shame in copying a security related measure such as this, right?. In fact, the question that arises is, “Why weren’t they doing this from Day One?” Well, better late than never, I suppose.
Google has said that it will add an extra layer of information to the app catalog on the Play Store, in the means of a new age-based rating system for apps and games. The Play Store will display ratings for apps and games based on ESRB, PEGI, etc, depending on the Country the user is from.
Each Country has its own rules, guidelines, and laws about what content is appropriate for kids, teens and adults. Hence the different ratings system. And in places where there is no authority to govern such ratings, a generic rating will be displayed in the app catalog.
This feature will begin rolling out in the coming weeks for all markets.
It is certainly good to see that Google is taking up its users’ security seriously.