Google Play to introduce mandatory "ad funded" label - report
App developers must register relevant content by January 2016 or risk suspension
Google is introducing a mandatory label for all apps that are funded through advertising, with developers required to register appropriate content by January 2016.
An email sent to all Google Play developers - obtained by Droid Life - announced the company's plans to expand an initiative introduced at Google I/O in May. At that time, the "ad-supported" label was only intended for apps grouped under the Designed For Families program, but Google now wants every app to state that information.
"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."
Google has also warned that misrepresentation of ad content could result in suspension from the Google Play store. It also reserves the right to apply the label to any app at its own discretion.
This is the latest example of Google's push for transparency in how app content is monetised. The company abandoned the use of the word "free" in descriptions of content with in-app purchases over a year ago, with Apple following suit shortly after.